Additive Manufacturing: Impact, Prospects, and Challenges in Sustainable Engineering

The advent of modern manufacturing technology and the increased consumer demand for custom goods and services are causing a paradigm shift from traditional manufacturing to additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Because additive manufacturing is a relatively new technology, its consequence on sustainable engineering is still a very gray area. This chapter draws on modern-day research and data to provide insights into additive manufacturing and its role in fostering sustainable engineering. It introduces additive manufacturing, its technologies, and its respective benefits, which include the reduction in weight, material, waste, and carbon footprint, coupled with the ease of redesigning, remanufacturing, and the use of renewable and biodegradable green materials. The applications of additive manufacturing in various fields are also discussed, aiming at highlighting how the product design, systems, and operations of additive manufacturing processes promote sustainable engineering practices and impact economic, social, and environmental aspects. This chapter also gives an insight into the future prospects of additive manufacturing processes toward improving sustainable engineering. Lastly, the challenges of additive manufacturing technology toward sustainability have been enumerated with a specific recommendation.