Is 3D printing technology Eco-friendly?

 

The bad news.

 

The reality today does not allow the 3D printing technology to be fully eco-friendly. Different research reveals this technology uses large amounts of energy. Another setback is the heavy reliance on plastic materials for the printing process. Moreover a study led by Brent Stephens reveals that the secondhand printing fumes hold toxic byproducts emitted when the plastic material is heated to high temperatures. The research reveals that there is a need for further investigation but the emissions levels were normal, close to those of cooking indoors (Learn more about this at www.sciencedirect.com > opens in a new window)

 

However, In comparison to all the other manufacturing process, especially mass production, 3D printing is far less of an impact on our environment. Moreover when we consider the entire product lifecycle; extracting raw materials, assembly, refining, manufacturing, assembly, use, maintenance and end of the products life, the culmination of the states, specifically the initial processes and the disposal stage involve heavy environment pollution. Many damaging effects are caused by the way the raw materials are extracted and a large amount of energy is consumed in merely obtaining the raw materials. According to many researchers, progressively more dangerous extraction methods are used to retrieve scarce oil resources for the production of plastic material so widely used today. Transportation, refining and manufacturing of products require additional energy, raw material waste and dumping toxic waste from the processes themselves into the air, earth and water. Assembly and storing the products before and during their sale contributes to the overuse of resources as well. One the most evident and harmful occur at the completion of the life cycle when the products are discarded.

 

The good news!

 

3D printing is striving to respond and correct all those problems inherent in a products lifecycle. As mentioned previously, 3D technology is all about its unlimited potential. The potential in this technology allows us to say that 3D printing will continue developing and improving in every aspect, especially in terms of being eco-friendly.

 

On-the-spot and on-demand 3D-printed manufacturing would reduce the environmental costs of assembling, transporting, maintaining, storing (nearly eliminating transportation costs and inventory) and all the related logistics involved. The whole idea behind 3D printing is to produce affordable products in an efficient and effective manner so they are durable, lighter (especially advantageous when shipping) and have close to zero waste. The focus is on high quality, efficiency and low volume manufacturing. Computer generated designs will help reduce costs and improve energy and resource usage, by aiding in the design and early production stages of a new product. In addition, the productís form, function, performance and durability will be greatly enhanced.

 

Another advantage is that the manufacturing would return to the hands of the local producers. It will reduce the shipping, air cargo volumes and the need for storage facilities and allow an emphasis on customization and high quality.

 

Passion Creates Results

 

We are passionate about creating and helping you produce new, improved and greener products through 3D technology which emphasizes on the use of recycled materials and focuses on reducing, managing and eliminating waste.

 

We are excited about the potential for this technology to focus on materials for the printing process that would be eco-friendly utilizing bio-degradable materials, bio-plastics, powders, resins, acrylates, wax and more. The end goal is to eliminate toxic materials and the negative effect on the environment.

 

According to various reports form the global management consulting firm of McKinsey, there are substantial trends of improvements in the 3D printing performance. In fact there is a "90% drop in the price of some low-end 3D printers and materials for home users compared to four years ago," according to a recent article by Nilima Choudhury. See more at www.rtcc.org (opens in a new window).

 

Overall the potential and eco-friendly results of 3D printing technology are promising. This technology is believed to be revolution in manufacturing which is expected to get bigger, better and greener.