LCA methodological approaches and challenges for Metal Additive Manufacturing in the construction sector

The construction industry generates significant consumptions and emissions, therefore there is a growing need for innovative technologies and shifts in production methods to reduce its environmental footprint. One such emerging technology is the Additive Manufacturing of construction products, which seeks to optimize the quantity of material used with the aim of mitigating environmental impacts. This paper aims to offer a detailed examination of Metal Additive Manufacturing (MAM) for construction products, focusing on Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) technology. The paper, considering a case study developed within the EU ConstructAdd Project, highlights the methodological difficulties and assumptions required to perform Life Cycle Assessment of MAM products and the challenges of comparing them with traditional technologies. Finally, the most impactful process phases of the case study are illustrated, in order to identify sustainable potential optimization scenarios of LPBF technology for metal products.