Energy and Eco-Impact Evaluation of Fused Deposition Modeling and Injection Molding of Polylactic Acid

There is limited knowledge about energy and carbon emission performance comparison between additive fused deposition modeling (FDM) consolidation plastic injection molding (PIM) forming techniques, despite their recent high industrial applications such as tools fixtures. In this study, developed empirical models focus on the production phase of polylactic acid (PLA) thermoplastic polyester life cycle while using FDM PIM processes to produce American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) D638 Type IV dog bone samples compare consumption eco-impact. It was established that by layer creation dominated filament extrusion PLA pellet phases, with, overwhelmingly, 99% total in three phases combined. During production, 95.5% seen during actual part building. This means process parameters infill percentage, thickness, printing speed can be optimized significantly improve process. Furthermore, consumed 38.2% less produced emissions per one kilogram formed parts compared The functional unit measurement employed setting sustainable manufacturing goals production.