3D printing isn’t just cheaper, it’s also greener, says
Michigan Technological University’s Joshua Pearce.
Even Pearce, an aficionado of the make-it-yourself-and-save
technology, was surprised at his study’s results. It showed that making stuff
on a 3D printer uses less energy—and therefore releases less carbon
dioxide—than producing it en masse in a factory and shipping it to a warehouse.
Most 3D printers for home use, like the RepRap used in this
study, are about the size of microwave ovens. They work by melting filament,
usually plastic, and depositing it layer by layer in a specific pattern. Free
designs for thousands of products are available from outlets like
Thingiverse.com.