Is additive manufacturing inherently more sustainable than conventional manufacturing methods? Stephanie Hendrixson and Dr. Tim Simpson wade into the various factors that must be considered to make this assessment; dive into some of the research happening in industry and academia on the subject; and discuss why sustainability is such a tricky problem in AM.

This episode of AM Radio is brought to you by Formnext Forum: Austin.

Mentioned in this episode:

• “Plastics: Knowledge and Information Taking Shape,” the art exhibit at Penn State University’s Pattee Library in 2017
• 3D print recycling program at PSU’s Maker Commons
• How MolyWorks atomizes metal powders in the footprint of a shipping container
• 6K Additive’s lifecycle analysis on nickel produced through its UniMelt process
• Results from the Additive Manufacturing Green Trade Association (AMGTA) lifecycle assessment of an aerospace bracket
• Review paper with Kate Whitefoot on the potential environmental and economic impacts of AM
• Tom Lauerman’s 3D printed clay creations
• Icon lunar surface construction system under development
• Made in the USA podcast

Additional Resources: 

• AM and the circular economy
• Additive Manufacturing Media’s reporting on sustainability
• Examples of 3D printed shoes produced on demand, using recyclable materials, made from fewer materials
• A 3D printed concrete wall