This essay examines the implications of waste in design and manufacturing with regard to the nature and future sustainability of practices considered modern by contemporary standards. Practices, such as CNC (computer numerically controlled) machining and additive manufacturing such as 3D printing, are the benchmark for modern manufacturing; 'In the domain of manufacturing, computer numerically controlled (CNC) technology is a major contributor to the production capacity of the enterprises...resources can be utilized interchangeably in a plug-and-produce manner. ' ("Strategic advantages of interoperability for global manufacturing using CNC technology," 2007). This ease of use and flexibility is a serious attraction to any major manufacturers
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The ducting traditionally requires the production and assembly of up to 20 different parts but can be printed in a single piece that is both lighter and stronger ' (Olson, 2013). Future development of 3D printing promises a framework for environmental preservation as; 'Some enthusiasts believe it can be at the heart of a new model of sustainable production and consumption ' (Olson, 2013).
Energy use is at the heart of the argument for the lessened environmental impact of 3D printing, yet there is controversy surrounding various experiments conducted, centering around the kind of machines used as the variance in power usage in different machines renders generalized claims that 3D printing is more energy efficient incorrect; 'A 2011 study measured the electricity use per kilogram of material deposited using several different 3-D printing methods and found that some printers used up to 80 times more energy than others. ' (Olson, 2013). Furthermore even machines that are actually proven to be more energy efficient than other manufacturing methods are …show more content…
In the same way, CNC milling using multi axis, multi tool machines comes with an array of environmental impacts. Firstly, energy consumption through the machine itself but also peripheral machines such as air compressors (which are normally needed for the machine to operate) is high due to the long operation time especially for small, precise parts. (EGarage.com, 2011). The pieces in the image above, while rare examples (pieces belonging to a luxury car), are pertinent in showing the level of time taken to mill complex pieces. The machines have to start with large ingots and remove large amounts of material to get to the small, precise parts seen above. The amount of wastage in removed material or 'swarf ' produced in the milling process. Aluminum for example, is one of the most common milling material. The swarf can be recycled but large amounts are still sent to scrap; 'However, the conventional recycling method is associated with the following disadvantages: (1) the metal yield rate is very low, i.e., approximately 55% ...The remelting process requires significantly
The ducting traditionally requires the production and assembly of up to 20 different parts but can be printed in a single piece that is both lighter and stronger ' (Olson, 2013). Future development of 3D printing promises a framework for environmental preservation as; 'Some enthusiasts believe it can be at the heart of a new model of sustainable production and consumption ' (Olson, 2013).
Energy use is at the heart of the argument for the lessened environmental impact of 3D printing, yet there is controversy surrounding various experiments conducted, centering around the kind of machines used as the variance in power usage in different machines renders generalized claims that 3D printing is more energy efficient incorrect; 'A 2011 study measured the electricity use per kilogram of material deposited using several different 3-D printing methods and found that some printers used up to 80 times more energy than others. ' (Olson, 2013). Furthermore even machines that are actually proven to be more energy efficient than other manufacturing methods are …show more content…
In the same way, CNC milling using multi axis, multi tool machines comes with an array of environmental impacts. Firstly, energy consumption through the machine itself but also peripheral machines such as air compressors (which are normally needed for the machine to operate) is high due to the long operation time especially for small, precise parts. (EGarage.com, 2011). The pieces in the image above, while rare examples (pieces belonging to a luxury car), are pertinent in showing the level of time taken to mill complex pieces. The machines have to start with large ingots and remove large amounts of material to get to the small, precise parts seen above. The amount of wastage in removed material or 'swarf ' produced in the milling process. Aluminum for example, is one of the most common milling material. The swarf can be recycled but large amounts are still sent to scrap; 'However, the conventional recycling method is associated with the following disadvantages: (1) the metal yield rate is very low, i.e., approximately 55% ...The remelting process requires significantly