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Potential Carbon and Cost Savings for Singapore References
ELH Tech, a reseller of Raise3D FDM printers, has sold over 1.Feng, L., Wang, Y., & Wei, Q. (2019). PA12 Powder Recycled
200 units in Singapore, establishing a significant presence in from SLS for FDM. Polymers. Retrieved from https://www.
the additive manufacturing sector. This positions ELH Tech as a mdpi.com/2073-4360/11/7/1158
key player in promoting sustainable practices by encouraging 2.Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Circular economy case
the adoption of recycled filament among its customer base. If studies. Retrieved from https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.
100 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) adopt this recycling org/circular-economy-case-studies
initiative, assuming each generates 500 kg of SLS waste 3.Engineer Live. (2024). SLS Powder Recycling Solution for
annually, the following savings can be achieved: 3D Printing. Retrieved from https://www.engineerlive.com/
content/sls-powder-recycling-solution-3d-printing
Carbon Savings:
• Recycling SLS waste powder into filament reduces Student's Reflection
emissions associated with virgin polymer production.
• Calculation: Total CO2 Savings (kg) = 100 SMEs×500 kg Embarking on the exploration of Selective
Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D Printing as part
waste×(8.3−3.5) kg CO2/kg of my NYAA project has been a rewarding
• CO2 Savings=100×500×4.8=1,014,000 kg (1,014 tonnes journey, enriching my understanding
annually) of advanced manufacturing technology
and honing valuable skills for future
endeavours.
Emission factors: Initially, my knowledge of SLS 3D printing
• Virgin polymer production: 8.3 kg CO2/kg material. was limited, but the concept of using
• Recycling: 3.5 kg CO2/kg material (Sources: Ellen lasers to fuse powdered materials
into intricate designs fascinated me.
MacArthur Foundation, Engineer Live). Through research, experimentation, and
Lim Jun Jie Jackie discussions with experts, I delved into
Higher Nitec the technology's intricacies, including its
Cost Savings: Mechatronics materials like nylon and metals, and its
Engineering
Recycling eliminates waste disposal costs and reduces the ITE College West ability to produce high-quality prints with
minimal Waste. This process highlighted
need for virgin materials.
the importance of patience and precision, as success required careful
Estimated Savings: Cost Savings = 100 SMEs × 500 kg waste × planning in model design, support structures, and material selection.
Challenges with print quality and material compatibility provided
SGD 25/kg opportunities to develop resilience and refine my problem-solving
• Waste disposal cost: SGD 2/kg. skills, including troubleshooting errors and optimising designs for
improved outcomes. This project allowed me to gain proficiency in
• Virgin polymer cost: SGD 23/kg. 3D modelling software and SLS printer operation. I acquired firsthand
• Total Savings: SGD 1.25 million annually. experience with the entire 3D printing lifecycle, from model creation
to post-processing, such as cleaning, assembling, and testing the
printed objects. These technical skills have sparked an interest in
Conclusion pursuing advanced courses and projects in engineering and additive
By creating a circular ecosystem for reusing SLS waste powder, manufacturing.
ELH Tech addresses key challenges in additive manufacturing. Although much of the work was individual, collaboration with peers
This initiative demonstrates the potential for reducing and mentors was invaluable. Their insights and feedback refined
my approach and broadened my understanding. This teamwork
landfill waste, lowering carbon emissions, and supporting underscored the importance of cooperation in achieving innovation
sustainability in AM. The scalable process provides a model and reminded me that success is often a collective effort supported
by guidance and encouragement. In conclusion, this project
for other companies to adopt similar strategies, fostering a deepened my technical expertise, strengthened my resilience, and
more sustainable industry. ignited a passion for advanced manufacturing, preparing me for
future challenges in engineering and design.
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