Additive manufacturing (AM) is a process of generating three-dimensional (3D) objects from a digital file. The advantage of additive manufacturing over traditional subtractive processes is that it can create highly complex structures with great precision using fewer manufacturing steps. As a result, additive manufacturing has the potential to reduce waste, energy consumption, and labor costs while increasing manufacturing flexibility.
In order to realize these advantages, however, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the ecological footprint of additive manufacturing. The life cycle assessment (LCA) is a comprehensive method for quantifying the environmental impacts of a product or process over its entire life cycle, from raw materials to end-of-life.
Now, Fraunhofer Ilt and 6K Additive have entered into a partnership to develop a software tool for the life cycle assessment of additive manufacturing processes. The two organizations will research and develop an LCA-based software tool to optimize processes and reduce ecological footprints in AM. In addition, the tool will be used to train production engineers and other stakeholders in the principles of ecological life cycle assessment.
The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under the auspices of the National Additive Manufacturing Initiative. Fraunhofer Ilt and 6K Additive will work together on the project over the next three years.