Adopting additive manufacturing: spotlight on sustainability and material utilization

This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted landscape of additive manufacturing (AM) adoption, aiming to uncover the essential factors guiding manufacturers’ decisions and emphasizing the role of sustainability benefits in influencing adoption trends. The study identifies the key drivers such as cost of equipment and materials, part performance requirements, and production flexibility, which are crucial in the decision-making processes. In addition, the research classifies AM technologies based on their material utilization, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding the diverse applications of this transformative technology. This work examines the motivations prompting manufacturers to adopt AM technologies, highlighting the significant attributes that encourage its widespread adoption. A thorough analysis of material recycling within the AM context highlights its significance in promoting sustainability. Moreover, the paper encompasses various AM processes, categorizing them based on the materials used and providing a nuanced perspective on the intricate relationship between material utilization and sustainability. Furthermore, this research outlines the merits of AM technology compared with traditional manufacturing methods, underscoring its transformative potential in enhancing efficiency, precision, and design flexibility. The study is limited by the absence of long-term empirical data on AM’s sustainability impacts, suggesting future research focus on real-world outcomes and advanced recycling methods.