Search

Increasing environmental concerns have prompted a worldwide emphasis on the implementation of novel or revitalised technologies that allow manufacturing companies to produce in an environmentally sustainable way while reducing resource, global warning, and waste generation. Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies play a pivotal and revolutionary role in this particular industrial landscape. These new technologies are increasingly permeating industrial realities as they offer numerous advantages not only from an economic standpoint but also incorporate several potential sustainability benefits (e.g., reduced energy consumption and CO2 emissions, minimized waste production, lightweight product manufacturing through technological optimization, the possibility of using biodegradable and recycled materials, shorter supply chains through localized production, and reduced environmental impact). This study proposes a literature review on the topic of sustainable AM, focusing on the three aspects of sustainability (environmental, economic, and social). In particular, the analysis has revealed that AM positively influences the economic aspect of companies, as it allows for the reduction of processing waste, effectively transforming this into positive monetary value. Another relevant aspect is that these technologies enable the decentralization of manufacturing sites, meaning that production can be moved closer to the customer, thus reducing or eliminating transportation-related costs. While AM offers positive opportunities in these first two aspects, there is still limited research exploring its impact on social sustainability. Although AM has yet to radically transform industrial systems, there are early signs indicating that the characteristics of this advanced production process will lead to advancements in industrial sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industry 4.0 (I4.0) has emerged as a highly innovative response to market needs, particularly in logistics. This paper presents a structured case study on the implementation of I4.0 technologies for material flow and handling management. The study explores the contextual framework, historical development, and key characteristics of I4.0, focuses on the necessary characteristics for I4.0 certification and outlines the specific features exhibited by the company under study. Objectives include enhanced traceability of metallic materials and optimization of crane management. The paper outlines the project phases, highlighting the positive impact on lead time reduction and providing insights into operational procedures. This research contributes to understanding I4.0 practices in logistics and offers valuable insights for future implementations, driving enhanced efficiency and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]