Is 3D Printing The Latest Green Technology?

3D printing is a quick and economical manufacturing option for many industries. It is ideal for businesses looking to quickly create small orders of prototype models of new products. Rapid prototyping is just one 3D printing service offering a wealth of benefits in terms of convenience, quality and the ability to compare/assess various prototypes. But is this technology Green?

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing or additive manufacturing (AM) is an innovative new manufacturing method. It uses material filaments, usually plastic, to produce three-dimensional objects from a Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) template for the design. These templates are created through Computer Numerical Control (CNC). CNC machining uses digitized data, computers and a CAM program to control, automate and monitor the movements of a machine. When ready for the 3D printing process, new material is added, layer upon layer, in order to create the finished design.

Recycling

Advancements in 3D printing are making it easier to use recycled plastics to produce new designs. It is now possible to grind, melt, and extrude some different plastics to produce filament. However, this will not work for every printer and for every type of plastic. We can hope to see further advancements in this area as the technology progresses including new capabilities when it comes to using recycled plastic for printing.

Less Waste

3D printing is a more precise form of manufacturing that will mean less plastic is wasted than traditional methods. There are, however, still some harmful byproducts produced in the process. There is the potential that in the future we can make 3D printers operate with less damaging side effects, increasing their Green credentials exponentially.

Local Production

3D printers are available to buy at an affordable price. This means schools, labs, and businesses all over the world have already started experimenting and manufacturing for themselves. The argument for its environmentally beneficial usage relates to the idea that anything produced locally means less transportation is needed and a lower carbon footprint.

Additional Benefits

The 3d model that you create to 3d print can be used by a 3d rendering company for marketing images.

These environmentally-friendly elements of 3D printing are a big deal. Aside from the obvious benefits they offer the planet, the government also helps companies who are willing to do their bit to save the environment.

At the moment, 3D Printing still requires some advancement before it can be considered a Green technology as it is currently contributing negatively to greenhouse gas emissions due to its energy demands. However, it is also true that this method of manufacturing is better than many of the more traditional methods. As technology advances we can expect more benefits to become apparent, giving us all another reason to make 3D printing the one to watch over the next few years.