Machine Design
  • Resources
  • Members
  • Directory
  • Webinars
  • WISE
  • CAD Models
  • Advertise
    • Search
  • 3D Printing & CAD
  • AUTOMATION & IIOT
  • Robotics
  • Motion Systems
  • Materials
  • Video
  • Data Sheets
  • Topics
    Industry Markets3D Printing & CADAutomation & IIoTFastening & JoiningMaterialsMechanical & Motion Systems Medical DesignRobotics
    Resources
    Machine Design ResourcesWISE (Workers in Science & Engineering)Company DirectorySearch Data SheetsContributeDigital Edition ArchivesCSIA Exchange
    Members
    ContentBenefitsSubscribe
    Advertise
    https://www.facebook.com/MachineDesignMagazine/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/10998894
    https://twitter.com/MachineDesign
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXKEiQ9dob20rIqTA7ONfJg
    Nexa3D
    The digital workflow of 3D printing allows for easy exploration of alternative materials, which promotes lower carbon footprints and better circularity.
    1. 3D Printing & CAD

    Advancing Sustainability in 3D Printing

    Aug. 14, 2023
    Is 3D printing the path to greener manufacturing?
    Sharon Spielman
    Related To: Nexa3D

    Sustainability is a crucial consideration in today’s design and manufacturing spaces, and there is potential for 3D printing technology to contribute to a greener future.

    Glen Mason, manager of advanced innovation and industrialization at DeMarini, a division of Wilson Sporting Goods, and Lasse Staal, business development director of Nexa3D, spoke with Machine Design about additive manufacturing for the sporting goods space, and the discussion moved to sustainability.

    Reducing Waste and Material Consumption

    One of the significant advantages of 3D printing lies in its ability to minimize waste and reduce material consumption. Traditional manufacturing processes often entail building multiple tools, which results in significant material and cost investments. Mason says that 3D printing allows for iterative testing and design modifications without the need for extensive tooling.

    He notes that by using a digital workflow and 3D printing, designs can be created and tested with minimal material consumption, avoiding the need for expensive traditional tooling workflows. The digital workflow also allows for easy exploration of alternative materials, which promotes lower carbon footprints and better circularity.

    WATCH: Is Free-Form Injection Molding Sustainable?

    Reduce Carbon Footprint, Move Toward Circular Economy

    Nexa3D
    With 3D printing, designs can be created and tested with minimal material consumption, avoiding the need for expensive traditional tooling workflows.
    With 3D printing, designs can be created and tested with minimal material consumption, avoiding the need for expensive traditional tooling workflows.
    3D printing enables manufacturers to work with a range of materials, including bio-based or those with circular potential, Mason says. In traditional manufacturing, changing the mold or tooling for different materials would be required, but with 3D printing they can test and compare multiple materials by adjusting the digital model. This flexibility promotes sustainability by reducing waste and empowering companies to make informed choices regarding material selection, Mason notes.

    By replacing conventional pilot tooling with free-form injection molding, Staal says they can reduce emissions by as much as 75%, noting a third-party study by Deloitte. More efficient iterations avoid the need for wasteful practices, leading to energy, materials and cost savings.

    This technology also impacts spare parts manufacturing. In industries where on-demand batches of one are required for spare parts, it is important to have a manufacturing system that allows for consistent production in the same material and process as the original part. With free-from injection molding, spare parts can be made using the same material and process, extending the lifetime of products while reducing costs and risks.

    READ MORE: ASME Honors Additive Manufacturing Innovation

    Shift Mindsets, Maximize Sustainability

    There is a need to shift our mindsets and the industry needs to adopt greener practices. By moving away from preconceived notions tied to traditional manufacturing processes, companies can fully leverage the advantages of 3D printing, contributing to a sustainable and more environmentally conscious future. “The obstacle is the mindset, really, of the people involved. So, I think that's where I would like to see the most effort going into greening up our workflow here,” Mason says.

    Continue Reading

    Markforged Offers its FX10 Industrial 3D Printer for Enhanced Factory Operations

    Desktop Health and Carbon Partner to 3D Print Dental Prosthetics

    Sponsored Recommendations

    Smart Factory Solutions that Connect and Protect from Amphenol RF

    Nov. 28, 2023

    Stay Connected and In Control of Your Future Factories with Littelfuse

    Nov. 28, 2023

    Turn to NKK Switches for the Widest Range of Industrial-Savvy Electromechanical Switches

    Nov. 28, 2023

    Unlocking Operational Flexibility in Manufacturing with Industria IoT

    Nov. 28, 2023

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!

    I already have an account

    New

    Using Natural Language Understanding to Power Productivity

    Intelligent Assistant Platforms Improve Conversations with Industrial Robots

    Natural Language Conversation Assistants Cross Over from Vehicles to Industrial Machinery

    Most Read

    Universal Robots Unveils UR30: Relief for Heavy Lifting

    The Cyber-physical Training Module

    Edge Computing & Gaining Value

    Sponsored

    Unlocking Operational Flexibility in Manufacturing with Industria IoT

    Molex: Enabling Industry 4.0 on the Factory Floor

    TT Electronics and TTI: Setting the New Standard in Industrial Excellence

    Machine Design
    https://www.facebook.com/MachineDesignMagazine/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/10998894
    https://twitter.com/MachineDesign
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXKEiQ9dob20rIqTA7ONfJg
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Do Not Sell or Share
    • Privacy & Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Service
    © 2023 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
    Endeavor Business Media Logo