Is 3D printing better for the environment? It’s complicated

3D printing offers democratic manufacturing where an end user can create a product, cutting out a lot of large scale manufacturing, distribution and packaging. So this should be better for the environment right? Just like new EVs vs old ICE vehicles, it’s not so easy to compare. To do so we need to conduct a life cycle analysis, where the entire lifespan of the product is considered, cradle to the grave. 0:00 Introduction 0:44 What is greener: A new EV or old ICE car? 2:29 Life Cycle Analysis 4:24 LCA examples and why they are difficult to complete GreenNCAP Euro LCA results: Thesis LCA of chemical storage: 6:19 3D Printing vs injection molding 6:35 Raw materials and processing 7:35 Manufacture 8:36 Packaging and distribution 10:08 Use 11:20 Post-use Plastic recycling myth article: Lifecycle of plastics article: What is PLA article: CNC Kitchen video on composting PLA: 12:57 Conclusion Poland Spring water bottle article: Image and video credits: Pick up by KRZYSZTOF: : Tesla by SsmIntrigue: :2019_Tesla_Model_3,_Front_Left, Gasoline container by WhisperToMe: : Smog in New York by Dr. Edwin P. Ewing, Jr: : Electricity pylons by Parsa 2au: : Sun, clouds and sky by Bodomi: :Sun, Hybrid battery by Swapnil EP: : Open cut mine by Stephen Codrington: : Tesla factory by Steve Jurvetson: : Cradle by MET Museum: : Injection molded bottle caps: Injection molded cups: Creality factory tour: Making an injection mold: Injection molded garbage bin: Freight truck video: Cargo ship video: Polish landfill by Cezary p: : Earth by NASA: : Buy quality and affordable filament from X3D. Buy 3, get 1 free and a free sample pack with every order: Get Quality Resins from 3D Printers Online. 5% off storewide for Teaching Tech subscribers [Code: tech5] Take a look around and if you like what you see, please subscribe. Support me on Patreon: