Additive Manufacturing for Sustainability: Reducing Waste in Mechanical Design

Abstract

Additive Manufacturing (AM), popularly known as 3D printing, has emerged as a revolutionary approach in mechanical

design and manufacturing. Unlike traditional subtractive methods, AM builds components layer by layer, significantly

reducing raw material waste and enabling lightweight, complex geometries. This paper explores the role of additive

manufacturing in promoting sustainability, emphasizing waste minimization, energy efficiency, and lifecycle benefits.

By integrating sustainable materials, optimizing mechanical design, and adopting circular economy principles, AM is

increasingly being recognized as a pathway towards eco-friendly mechanical engineering. The study also highlights key

research gaps and future directions in aligning additive manufacturing with global sustainability goals.