Table 7 DfAM strategies for sustainability
Part cost | Energy consumption | Environmental resistance |
|---|---|---|
Aim for low-cost and recyclable FDM materials Consider the effect of the air gap on the material use, build time and part cost, Eqs. (6) and (7) Aim for open patterns (high air gap values) for visual, light weight, low inertia, or low mechanical strength parts Orientate the part to reduce the use of support structures Consider the additional energy and cost of the post-processing work or treatment, if needed | Aim to reduce the build time by minimizing the number of contours and layers, and by increasing the layer thickness and air gap, Eq. (7) Orientate the part with its minimum height matching the build orientation Reduce the amount of productions to dilute the pre-heating between productions Reduce the non-productive time of the extrusion system | Ensure total adhesion or binding of the material and layers in the part Provide additional coating to parts in order to increase their environmental resistance Provide protective coating to parts that will be exposed to aggressive environments, corrosion, chemicals, humidity, UV radiation or high temperatures Avoid the exposure of plastic parts to high temperatures (typically over 50 °C) |