There has been a lot of discussion on 3D printing and its effects on the environment in the recent past. People are exploring the opportunities that 3D printing and modeling can provide, along with its environmental impact. Although the additive manufacturing technology only contributes to 1% of the global manufacturing market currently, it is set to explode in the coming years going from $18 billion in 2022 to $83 billion in 2029. Along with the numerous benefits that 3D designing and printing have over traditional manufacturing, the technology also ensures reduced wastage and a positive impact on the environment.let’s find out how.
How 3D printing is good for the environment
Reduction of wastage
In traditional manufacturing, which is a subtractive process, a large block of material is initially taken, which is then trimmed off to get the exact amount of material as required by the final structure. The remaining material is all waste and is thrown off. 3D printing services functions differently. This is an additive process whereby the printer follows a CAD (Computer-aided-design) and places material layer by layer. It leaves a hollow space at wherever the material is not required. This causes much lesser waste. The environmental impact of this is that it reduces landfill, thereby resulting fewer greenhouse has emissions, lesser toxins percolating to the ground and lesser pollution.
Amount of shipping reduced
Traditional manufacturing requires a lot of shipping, which eventually leads to great amount of greenhouse gas emission. The product must be made in a production company, then transported to a packaging company and then finally to the store. But in 3D printing, on the other hand, the product can be made and the packaging can be done locally. The design of the product just needs to be sent digitally to the location at which the production happens. This can also help in supply chain issues where only the required amount needs to be produced and sent from overseas production sites.
3D Printing & manufacturing can use recycled material
In 3D architecture modeling and other types of 3D printing as well, recycled materials can be used, which is great for the environment. The filaments and plastics used in 3D printing are biodegradable and hence cuts down on plastic waste. More advances are seen in recycling technology and this will lead more types of 3D printing using recycled materials.
Customized products can be made
Something significant that separates 3D printing from traditional manufacturing is the fact that construction parts can be made to order. This means that companies don’t have to mass produce items and waste material. This leads to various prospects including affordable housing.
Scientists are constantly researching on this amazing technology and finding more ways to make 3D printing more sustainable. The future is certainly bright for this technology. Generation 3D, as a company, strives to achieve sustainability with the 3D printing technology and this makes us one of the best 3D printing companies in Dubai and UAE.