Eco-Design Applied to FDM 3D Printing Technology

The rising accessibility of 3D printing technology, particularly through Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), is revolutionizing a broad spectrum of fields, ranging from industrial component prototyping to the manufacturing of appliance spare parts and the crafting of domestic tools. Despite these advances, the environmental implications of deploying this technology remain poorly understood. Addressing this gap, a comparative analysis has been conducted on the two predominant filament types utilized within this domain: PolyLactic Acid (PLA) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). This investigation seeks to assess both the mechanical strength and the environmental impact of these materials, taking into account their effects on human toxicity, water, acidification, eutrophication, and global warming. Accordingly, the study involves tensile testing of standardized samples and executes a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA), employing the CML-baseline methodology to interconnect the mechanical attributes and environmental impacts of the printed specimens. This approach aims to provide a holistic understanding of the sustainability aspects of FDM technology, facilitating informed decision-making in its application.