Assessing the impact of qualitative and quantitative parameters on additive manufacturing carbon emissions

Abstract

The manufacturing sector significantly contributes to Climate Change via its high carbon emissions. This study aims to demonstrate the impact of qualitative (related to type of resources used) versus quantitative (related to the amount of resources used) parameters on the carbon emissions of Additive Manufacturing (AM). Calculation and categorization in different manufacturing levels (process, machine tool and system) is followed by a sensitivity analysis, to determine the impact of quantitative and qualitative parameters on the carbon emissions of different levels. Findings indicate that energy is the main driver at process and machine-tool levels regardless the qualitative or quantitative nature of parameters. In contrast, material type and amount have the highest impact at system level. Generally, the qualitative parameters are significantly more important than the quantity of resources regarding their influence on emissions, regardless the manufacturing level. These insights can support the decision-making procedure towards reduction of AM carbon emissions.