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Additive Manufacturing for Production
FEATURES
Sustainability’s Moment Is Additive Manufacturing’s Moment
The disruption needed by additive manufacturing closely mirrors that required to implement the circular economy. Both can be pursued simultaneously — and the right time is now.
By: Stephanie Hendrixson, Senior Editor
3D Printing Helps Close the Loop for Armor’s Circular Economy
Manufacturing 3D printing filament was first a way for Armor to recycle its own reclaimed plastic waste. But now, this business unit is helping to close the loop on sustainability for plastic 3D printed products.
By: Stephanie Hendrixson, Senior Editor
Generative Design to Bring Weight and Cost Savings for Micromobility FUV
The “Fun Utility Vehicle” from Arcimoto is already in production, and already lightweight. But after just 30 days of redesign for additive manufacturing, the company discovered major components could be made lighter still, and production could be made simpler.
By: Peter Zelinski, Editor-in-Chief
The Challenge of Reclaiming Carbon Fiber for 3D Printing
Carbon fiber composite materials weigh significantly less than steel while offering comparable strength and performance. But recovering and recycling continuous fiber for additive manufacturing applications — without any effect on the mechanical properties — has proven extremely difficult. Here is how Oak Ridge National Laboratory is working to solve the challenge.
By: Brent Donaldson, Senior Editor
COLUMNS
Additive Manufacturing and Sustainability Go Together — Here Is Why
3D printing enables sustainable production through recycled materials, end-of-product-life-cycle solutions, and helping to realize eco-friendly products.
By: Peter Zelinski, Editor-in-Chief
TAKING SHAPE
A Circular Economy for 3D Printed Plastics Starts with Material
When the greatest share of a product’s environmental impact comes from producing its feedstock, selecting the right material is critical. For 3D printing and manufacturing in plastic, biopolymer could be the first step toward a more sustainable model.
By: Stephanie Hendrixson, Senior Editor
Is Recycled Metal Scrap the Future Feedstock of Choice for Metal 3D Printing?
MolyWorks is future-proofing the circular economy for metals with small-footprint atomization technology that converts metal scrap into additive manufacturing powder on the spot. But that's not the end of the story.
By: Stephanie Hendrixson, Senior Editor
Why “Recycled” Doesn’t Mean Inferior for 3D Printing Filament
GreenGate3D’s PET-G filament is made from recycled plastic, but that doesn’t diminish its quality. How a recycler found a new business opportunity in 3D printing, and how this success might point the way to a more effective recycling ecosystem.
By: Stephanie Hendrixson, Senior Editor
Check This Out
Retraction Footwear Is the Sustainable Manufacturing Business of the Future
Retraction Footwear offers a new way of buying flip-flops that are made to suit each customer. But the company also represents a new way of thinking about production, in a circular economy loop that encompasses material, design, manufacturing, product and end-of-life.
By: Stephanie Hendrixson, Senior Editor
