Environmental Performance Evaluation of a Fast Mask Image Projection Stereolithography Process through Time and Energy Modeling

The emergence of additive manufacturing (AM) has potential for dramatic changes in labor productivity and economic welfare. With the growth of additive manufacturing, understanding of the sustainability performance of relevant technologies is required. Towards that goal, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) approach is undertaken to evaluate an AM process. A novel Fast MIP-SL (mask image projection stereolithography) process is investigated for the production of six functional test parts. The materials, energy, and wastes are documented for parts fabricated using this process. The EIA is completed for human health, ecosystem diversity, and resource costs using the ReCiPe 2008 impact assessment method. It is noted that process energy, in the form of electricity, is the key contributor for all three damage types. The results are used to depict the underlying relationship between energy consumed and the environmental impact of the process. Thus, to facilitate prediction of process energy utilization, a mathematical model relating shape complexity and dimensional size of the part with respect to part build time and washing time is developed. The effectiveness of this model is validated using data from real-time process energy monitoring. This work quantifies the elemental influence of design features on AM process energy consumption and environmental impacts. While focused on the environmental performance of the Fast MIP-SL process, the developed approach can be extended to evaluate other AM processes, and can encompass a triple bottom line analysis approach for sustainable design by predicting environmental, economic, and social performance of products.