2022-04-22

Lightweight LAY2FORM part as an enabler of improved environmental performance during the use phase – Automotive Sector

The sustainability analysis of the LAY2FORM manufacturing concept and process, when compared to conventional process, namely D-LFT, has better environmental performance during the manufacturing and during use phase – Indicating that LAY2FORM manufacturing process concept is an efficient and sustainable solution to produce parts when compared with the industrialized reference process – D-LFT.

When comparing LAY2FORM manufacturing process concept with the D-LFT manufacturing processes (reference process) to produce the same part with same characteristics and function, D-LFT has lower costs and cycle time yet LAY2FORM has lower environmental impacts and energy demand.

Ultimately, looking into the final part weight, it becomes clear that the LAY2FORM part, for the same performance and use as the D-LFT part, is 4 times lighter, which is a major advantage feature of LAY2FORM part. Such advantageous feature of a lightweight LAY2FORM part is reflected, in terms of environmental performance, when the part is integrated into a vehicle (use of the part), since it will reduce overall vehicle weight, fuel consumption and ultimately CO2 emission. Such statement is supported by the data presented in the chart below, which depicts clearly that a vehicle using a LAY2FORM part will have emitted less 20,85 kg of CO2 after traveling, for instance, 100 000,000 km, just but having a lightweight LAY2FORM part.

In general, and since LAY2FORM manufacturing process concept of the LAY2FORM part has lower environmental impact during manufacturing phase and also during use phase , it becomes evident, based on available data, that the LAY2FORM part has a better environmental performance that the D-LFT part manufactured within a fully automated industrialized process.

The results indicate that the LAY2FORM manufacturing process, when compared to conventional process, namely D-LFT, has better environmental performance during the manufacturing and during use phase1, making LAY2FORM manufacturing concept an efficient and sustainable solution to produce parts when compared with the industrialized reference process – D-LFT.

1. Use phase is generally the phase responsible for the vast majority of environmental impacts generated.