Exploring 3D Printing Strategies for Designers to Reach Circularity

Additive Manufacturing has been identified as a disruptive emerging technology with great potential for sustainability and implementing the circular economy. However, new generations of designers have used it as a mere tool for the three-dimensional representation of a solution conceived and designed for other supply chains. This not only creates experiential and perceptual problems in relation to AM but actually represents a misuse of material resources, which are utilized in an uninformed manner. With this in mind, the paper aims to chart possible directions and strategies to foster an informed use of AM within the Circular Design design and production process. After an introductory framing of the current issues and peculiarities of AM, we present the five strategies identified to enhance the potential of 3D printing within the framework of the ecological transition. These strategies are the starting point for defining a roadmap to understand better and consciously use AM to design circular and sustainable solutions.