A Holistic Analysis of the Environmental Impact of Additive Manufacturing

研究背景和采用的方法：在可持续制造实践势在必行的世界中，本研究在可持续制造和设计工程的更广泛背景下探讨了增材制造（AM）对环境的影响。增材制造是现代生产的变革力量，了解其对环境的影响对于促进负责任的制造实践和实现联合国可持续发展目标至关重要，特别是目标9和12.9：建设有弹性的基础设施，促进包容和可持续的工业化，促进创新12：确保可持续的消费和生产模式。目的和目标：SG1：重点识别最初的研究将侧重于全面了解增材制造（AM）的当前和未来应用以及该技术的可持续性影响。目标是确定一个部门或技术成为项目重点，显示现有研究中的重大知识差距，并提供有意义的见解，可以指导行业标准或技术发展，走向更可持续的未来。SG2：自上而下的评估此评估将所选主题置于更广泛的全球环境中，研究影响AM环境方面的国际趋势、贸易协定、立法和政策。这一步验证了研究与国际可持续发展目标的一致性，并强调了该主题在全球背景下的重要性。SG3：主题特定评估对所选主题的详细检查将包括确定文献中的流行趋势，全面了解在此特定背景下采用AM相关的好处，以及确定其成功实施的任何障碍。这种有针对性的分析将为随后的文献综述提供基础和框架，使关键搜索词的识别和研究目标的发展。SG4：文献综述全面的文献综述将分析SG1-3中确定的特定AM领域的当前技术状况；综合现有知识，确定需要进一步研究的领域。这篇综述将以发表为目的撰写。建议补充LR的框架：CIMO（背景、干预、机制、结果）和TCCM（理论、背景、特征和方法）。SG5：数据收集文献综述的发现将指导研究方向，并告知数据收集、分析的适当方法，并强调伦理考虑。阶段控制将继续实施，为剩余3年的研究提供重点和动力，并将在随后的阶段中进行详细说明和扩展。潜在的数据收集方法包括生命周期分析，以用户为中心的实验，案例研究/研究，技术实验。GS6：数据分析对SG5收集的数据的关键分析将提供论文讨论部分的主体。重要的是，该分析对增材制造（AM）可持续性领域的知识体系做出了重大贡献。第七章：总结和万岁。博士之旅的高潮需要综合所有相关的研究成果和文献，包括任何已发表的文章。这些将被精心编制成最后的论文，将经过严格的审查过程，最终在口头答辩（viva）。

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).