How green is 3D printing?

Abstract

3D printers are the latest craze. But is this revolutionary manufacturing technology environmentally sustainable? Credit: Urbee 2 Some say 3D printers will change the face of manufacturing forever, spelling the end of mass production and ushering in a new era of personalised manufacturing. Others disagree, insisting they will merely fulfil a niche role for hobbyists. Either way, like all new forms of technology, 3D printing will come with its own set of environmental impacts. Also known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing has been in use for more than 30 years. A material, usually plastic or metal, is heated and fused layer by layer to build up a 3D object, with the design directed by a computer. The invention of the open-source desktop 'RepRap' printer at Bath University in 2004 has since spawned a proliferation of similar machines, with a raft of companies now selling their own commercial versions. 3D printing is a useful weapon in the fight against planned obsolescence, extending the life of products after a damaged or worn part is out of production-which has to be a good thing for sustainability. A recent economic analysis 1 of home-based 3D printers has shown the average family could save thousands of dollars by printing commonly used objects at home, instead of buying ready-made. But it's not just about consumer products. 3D printing has made its way into science laboratories. Medical researchers have already printed personalised hip replacements, skull patches and prostheses. The aerospace industry and NASA have welcomed the technology, with lighter 'printed' parts leading to massive fuel and greenhouse gas savings. CSIRO is in on the 3D printing revolution, too, using the light metal, titanium, for example, to print tags for tracking big fish such as marlin, tuna and sharks. Credit: CSIRO Waste and transport factors So what are the environmental impacts of 3D printing? Is it really a 'greener' form of manufacturing? One clear advantage is its ability to reduce waste, especially when using metal.