37 - Sustainability in Additive Manufacturing Is a Moving Target

Is additive manufacturing inherently more sustainable than conventional manufacturing methods? Stephanie Hendrixson and Dr. Tim Simpson wade into the various factors that must be considered to make this assessment; dive into some of the research happening in industry and academia on the subject; and discuss why sustainability is such a tricky problem in AM.

This episode of AM Radio is brought to you by Formnext Forum: Austin.

Mentioned in this episode:

• “Plastics: Knowledge and Information Taking Shape,” the art exhibit at Penn State University’s Pattee Library in 2017
• 3D print recycling program at PSU’s Maker Commons
• How MolyWorks atomizes metal powders in the footprint of a shipping container
• 6K Additive’s lifecycle analysis on nickel produced through its UniMelt process
• Results from the Additive Manufacturing Green Trade Association (AMGTA) lifecycle assessment of an aerospace bracket
• Review paper with Kate Whitefoot on the potential environmental and economic impacts of AM
• Tom Lauerman’s 3D printed clay creations
• Icon lunar surface construction system under development
• Made in the USA podcast

Additional Resources: 

• AM and the circular economy
• Additive Manufacturing Media’s reporting on sustainability
• Examples of 3D printed shoes produced on demand, using recyclable materials, made from fewer materials
• A 3D printed concrete wall