Life Cycle Assessment of Combined Additive and Subtractive Process Chains
摘要
In this paper, the potential of a combined technology chain involving Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) and a subtractive milling process was analyzed in comparison to a conventional process chain, using a Cradle-to-Gate Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) conducted in the laboratories of Jade University of Applied Sciences. The analysis revealed that the preferred technology chain, with respect to the evaluated Global Warming Potential (GWP), strongly depends on the specific application (component geometry). Consequently, the decision must be made on a case-by-case basis.