A Holistic Analysis of the Environmental Impact of Additive Manufacturing

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Context of the Research and Methods Employed:In a world where sustainable manufacturing practices are imperative, this research explores the environmental implications of Additive Manufacturing (AM) within the broader context of sustainable manufacturing and design engineering. AM is a transformative force in modern production, and understanding its environmental impact is crucial for fostering responsible manufacturing practices and achieving UN Sustainability Goals, notably Goals 9 and 12: 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.Aim and Objectives:SG1: Focus IdentificationThe initial research will focus on achieving a comprehensive understanding of the current and future applications of Additive Manufacturing (AM) and the sustainability implications of this technology. The objective is to identify a sector or technique to become the project focus that shows a significant knowledge gap in existing research and offers the potential for meaningful insights that can guide industry standards, or technical developments, towards a more sustainable future.SG2: Top-Down AssessmentThis assessment contextualizes the chosen topic within the broader global landscape, examining international trends, trade agreements, legislation, and policies influencing the environmental aspects of AM. This step validates the research's alignment with international sustainability goals and underscores the topic's significance within the global context. SG3: Topic Specific EvaluationA detailed examination of the chosen topic will encompass the identification of prevailing trends in the literature, a thorough understanding of the benefits associated with the adoption of AM within this specific context, and the identification of any barriers to its successful implementation. This targeted analysis will provide the groundwork and framework for the subsequent literature review, enabling the identification of key search terms and the development of the research goals.SG4: Literature ReviewA comprehensive literature review will analyse the current state of the art within the specific AM area identified in SG1-3; synthesising existing knowledge to identify areas in which further research is essential. This review will be written with the intention of publication. Suggested frameworks to complement LR: CIMO (Context, Intervention, Mechanism, Outcome), and TCCM (Theory, Context, Characteristics, and Methodology). SG5: Data CollectionThe literature review findings will guide the direction of the research and inform the appropriate method(s) of data collection, analysis, and highlight the ethical considerations. Stage gating will continue to be implemented to provide focus and motivation for the remaining 3 years of the research and will be specified and expanded upon in the subsequent phases. Potential methods of Data Collection include Life Cycle Analysis, User-Focused Experiment, Case Study/Studies, Technical Experiment. GS6: Data AnalysisCritical Analysis of the data collected in SG5 will provide the main body of the thesis discussion section. Importantly, this analysis represents a significant contribution to the body of knowledge in the field of Additive Manufacturing (AM) sustainability.SG7: Write-Up & Viva.The culmination of the PhD journey entails the synthesis of all pertinent research findings and literature, including any published articles. These will be meticulously compiled into the final thesis, which will undergo a rigorous review process, culminating in an oral defence (viva).