Environmental impact assessment of titanium swarf cleaning methods

Abstract

This paper evaluates the environmental impacts of chemical based and CryoClean swarf cleaning techniques through a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) aimed at identifying sustainable practices for recycling titanium swarf in additive manufacturing processes. Employing ISO 14040 and 14044 standards, the study focuses on a functional unit of cleaning 100 gr of titanium swarf, enabling direct comparison of environmental footprints across these methods. Data for the inventory analysis includes specific inputs such as energy consumption, water use, and chemicals, alongside outputs like emissions and waste generation, with supplemental secondary data sourced from Ecoinvent. The impact assessment utilizes the ReCiPe methodology, concentrating on key environmental indicators such as Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Acidification Potential (AP). The findings reveal distinct environmental trade-offs between the chemical based and CryoClean methods. Chemical-based cleaning, while effective at removing contaminants, often involves the use of hazardous substances that can lead to significant ecological impacts. In contrast, CryoClean, which utilizes liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove impurities, shows a lower environmental impact across several categories but may require higher energy inputs. By estimating the specific environmental impacts of the selected swarf cleaning techniques, the study contributes valuable insights towards optimizing material recovery and advancing circular economy principles in industrial manufacturing. The paper aims to guide industry stakeholders toward adopting more environmentally sustainable practices that align with the transition to greener manufacturing processes.