Throughout the world, many people are becoming more conscious of the impact our daily lives have on the environment and are therefore taking steps to reduce their waste and carbon footprints. In fact, a study by Southern Cross University found that 87% of respondents make an effort to live an eco-friendly lifestyle.
So, how is 3D printing contributing to these sustainable efforts seen around the world? From 3D printing products used for eco-friendly purposes to designs comprised of recycled materials, here are six designs created with environmental impacts in mind.
Currently, a huge focus for those who work to protect our environment is on renewable energy. In an automobile world packed with the constant use of fossil fuels, introductions such as solar-powered cars prove that alternatives are possible. 3D printing is a valuable manufacturing method to support movements such as this because it has the capability to create lightweight and efficient structures that enhance these vehicles’ structures.
James Novak’s goal for this prototype with a 3D-printed frame was to create a bicycle that is designed to fit its owner’s body proportions. James achieved a bike with the exact measurements he required thanks to freedom of design through 3D printing via i.materialise. Designs such as this enable environmentally-friendly modes of transport to become more user-friendly, which then inspires more people to use these types of transportation.
This is the driving force behind Michael Candy’s creation of 3D-printed robotic flowers for safe pollination. Bees are not easy to deceive, which is why it was necessary to design the flowers to look as real as possible while maintaining an intricate nectar delivery system — a feat made possible thanks to 3D printing. In a world with increasingly more genetically modified crops and pesticides, this design could allow bees to continue their pollination practices safely and successfully as agriculture methods evolve.