LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT (LCA) OF A NEWLY DESIGNED METAL ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESS: MAPS (METAL ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING USING POWDER SHEETS)

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM), a transformative technology in modern manufacturing, offers design freedom and reduced material waste. However, understanding the environmental impacts of AM processes is imperative for sustainable adoption. Metal additive manufacturing using powder sheets (MAPS) is a newly designed process to overcome powder handling and recycling issues associated with the powder bed fusion (PBF) processes. This transformative approach in 3D metal printing reduces safety risks, boosts efficiency, and enables the creation of complex multi-material components. In this study, MAPS process was investigated from the perspective of sustainability and circular economy using a life cycle assessment (LCA) method. The results provide critical insights into the sustainability performance of AM technologies, specifically the MAPS process, offering valuable guidance for informed decision-making in the context of eco-conscious manufacturing. This study might also serve as a pivotal reference for advancing the ecological credentials of AM in diverse industrial applications.