Additive manufacturing, could be a useful tool in the fight against climate change. According to a top expert in Abu Dhabi, emerging technology can make planes more energy efficient and reduce CO2 emissions by 50%.
Additive manufacturing, according to Dr. Nesma Aboulkhair, lead researcher, Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC) at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), is a transformative technology that uses computer-aided design software (CAD) to create objects by "adding" material, such as metal, concrete, or plastic.
In an interview, she said, "Additive manufacturing technologies have advanced significantly in recent years and are set to become a highly disruptive force across the global manufacturing industry."
"Additive manufacturing gives us unprecedented flexibility to achieve extraordinary levels of lightness and functionality to increase industry operations – all while providing a sustainable alternative to traditional manufacturing processes."
According to Statista, the global additive manufacturing industry is expected to reach $30.6 billion in 2028, growing at a 14.4% annual pace.
Dr. Aboulkhair noted that many businesses are beginning to integrate additive manufacturing into their business operations, recognising the value of this new technology.
"Aerospace, automotive, and medical are just a few of the areas that have already been touched by additive manufacturing." Engineers in the aerospace sector can use additive manufacturing to quickly construct sophisticated and complicated geometric structures with reduced lead time and no need for significant amounts of material.
The automobile sector, according to Dr. Aboulkhair, employs additive manufacturing to build many parts without the need of tools, lowering production and development expenses.
"In comparison to 3D printing, additive manufacturing is a considerably broader word that encompasses a multitude of technologies. Under the umbrella phrase 'additive manufacturing,' two other processes are included: electron-beam manufacturing and selective laser melting."
According to Dr. Aboulkhair, additive manufacturing is generally linked with commercial and industrial uses, but 3D printing has applications in recreational and consumer settings.
Additive manufacturing, according to Dr. Aboulkhair, is a "potent and proven" technology that is revolutionising production and business models across the board.
"Aside from increased productivity and the simplicity of generating new items, it also decreases the possibility of overproduction and produces environmentally friendly products, to mention a few advantages."
Overproduction is reduced dramatically when quicker printing speeds and capacity are used, allowing firms to build greener operations and a highly efficient manufacturing environment."
By using biodegradable and organic materials, additive manufacturing can help create environmentally beneficial items.
"Polylactic acid or bioplastic is used, which is a renewable, biodegradable, and non-toxic resource that helps to reduce waste."