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3D Printing Optimization for Environmental Sustainability: Experimenting with Materials of Protective Face Shield
Kristína Zgodavová1, Kristína Lengyelová1, Peter Bober2
1Faculty of Materials, Metallurgy and Recycling, Technical University of Košice, 042 00 Košice, Slovakia.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 13, 2021
Summary
Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is the most sustainable 3D printing material for protective face shields, balancing mechanical needs with minimal environmental impact. This research aids in selecting optimal materials for healthcare applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
- Environmental Science
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic created an urgent demand for personal protective equipment (PPE), specifically face shields.
- Additive manufacturing (3D printing) offers a potential solution for rapid PPE production, but material quality and environmental impact are concerns.
- Existing literature indicates variability in 3D printed object quality and differing environmental footprints across materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the most suitable thermoplastic material for 3D printing protective face shield frames.
- To evaluate materials based on mechanical properties, geometric accuracy, weight, printing time, cost, and environmental sustainability.
- To optimize material selection for face shield production using multi-objective decision-making.
Main Methods:
- A literature review was conducted to understand current challenges in 3D printing for healthcare applications.
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) was employed for 3D printing.
- Three thermoplastic filaments—polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)—were investigated.
- The weighted sum method was utilized for multi-objective optimization.
Main Results:
- Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) was identified as the optimal material for 3D printing face shield frames.
- PHA demonstrated the most negligible environmental impact compared to PLA and PETG.
- The selection prioritized environmental sustainability while considering other critical properties.
Conclusions:
- PHA is a highly suitable and environmentally conscious material for 3D printing protective face shields.
- This research provides valuable insights for selecting sustainable materials in additive manufacturing for healthcare.
- The findings support the use of bioplastics like PHA in addressing critical supply needs during health crises.
