Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.5552/drvind.2024.0107

Environmental Assessment/Evaluation of 3D Printing and 3D Printing with Wood-PLA Composites - Case Study

Teja Bizjak Govedič ; University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Daša Krapež Tomec ; University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Manja Kitek Kuzman ; Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Leon Oblak ; Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Branko Glavonjic ; University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

Abstract

In recent years, additive manufacturing has become a regular process in various industries, and consequently there is an increasing need to evaluate the environmental aspects of this technology and its associated materials. In this paper, comparative cradle-to-grave life cycle assessments between a conventional product and a 3D-printed alternative made of polylactic acid (PLA) and PLA-wood material were investigated based on the standard ISO 14044:2006. The environmental impact of each product was quantified for 18 categories. The goal of life cycle assessment (LCA) was to determine whether the use of 3D printed PLA/PLA-wood products can be a sustainable alternative to traditional metal products. The paper presents a case study in which a comparative LCA was conducted. The results show that a metal part manufactured using conventional subtractive processes (milling, drilling, welding, etc.) has a higher environmental impact compared to 3D-printed alternatives made from renewable materials. However, there are many sub-issues that need to be adequately addressed.

Keywords

life cycle assessment; 3D printing; environmental impact; carbon footprint; wood-PLA composite

Hrčak ID:

314741

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/314741

Publication date:

2.3.2024.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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