Impact of 3D Printing on the environment: A literature-based study

Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies are used to manufacture a physical part quickly through the inputs of a three-dimensional computer-aided design system. 3D printing represents a technological component of additive manufacturing. Here a part is built by layer by layer deposition of material until its entire segments have been made. Many advantages visualise the need for 3D printing manufacturing over conventional manufacturing methods, all in terms of processes, materials, and environment. 3D printing takes challenges the manufacturing ability of subtractive manufacturing by producing designs of complex nature. It allows engineers to have creative liberty while designing components, test them quickly as the manufacturing time is lessened, and help with advanced and conventional materials. There is an adverse impact of conventional manufacturing on the environment, and it has become essential to switch to alternatives like AM that. Some are saying that it is less harmful effects on the environment. This study aims to understand how much sustainable it is to switch to additive manufacturing technologies. This paper reviews the impact of 3D printing on the environment and compares it with existing manufacturing methods based on critical associated parameters. The significant parameter considered is the entire process's energy, the impact on global warming, freshwater, marine water, terrestrial toxicity, and acidification. The study will help researchers to identify the sustainability of printing technologies of AM.