Author:

Keywords:

CIB_LCE, SLM, Environment, SLS

Abstract:

Additive manufacturing processes such as Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) allow near-net shape manufacturing of complex work pieces. Hence, they inherently offer opportunities for minimum-waste and sustainable manufacturing. Nevertheless, powder production, energy consumption as well as powder losses are important yet not always optimized environmental impact drivers of SLM and SLS. This paper presents the results of a data collection effort, allowing to assess the overall environmental impact of SLM/SLS using the CO2PE!-methodology. First, the different modes of SLM/SLS machine tools are investigated, including both productive and non-productive modes. In particular consumption of electric power and of consumables is recorded for the different modes. Subsequently, time studies allow determining the importance of productive and non-productive modes. An impact assessment analysis allows identifying the most important contributors to the environmental impact of SLM/SLS. Finally, the paper sketches improvement potential for SLM/SLS machines based on the presented LCA.