Systematic analysis of comparative studies between additive and conventional manufacturing focusing on the environmental performance of logistics operations

Análise sistemática de estudos comparativos entre a manufatura aditiva e convencional com foco no desempenho ambiental das operações logísticas

Abstract:

Based on the promise to revolutionize the entire supply chain, additive manufacturing is seen as an alternative to conventional manufacturing processes, since it simplifies the production of small batches, shortens the distances between production and consumption and generates new distribution models. Due to its huge potential to spread more sustainable environmental practices, investigations on the environmental assumptions, concerning the application of additive manufacturing technologies, are required. Therefore, based on a systematic literature review, this study aimed to analyze the studies that addressed the environmental performance of logistics operations in a comparison among conventional and additive manufacturing, using the Life Cycle Assessment technic (LCA). Although there are few available studies that quantitatively analyze and compare the environmental performance of the additive manufacturing process with traditional process from a transport perspective, it has been concluded that reducing the distances and the quantity of transported products, carbon dioxide emissions and the consumption of energy resources are reduced.

Keywords:
Life cycle assessment; Additive Manufacturing (AM); Decentralized Manufacturing System (DMS); Transport