This study presents a comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of two 3D printing technologies: Electron Beam Melting (EBM) and Material Extrusion (MEX) using metal-filled filaments, followed by debinding and sintering processes. The primary goal is to assess the environmental impact of both technologies.

The LCA methodology employed adheres to ISO 14040/44 guidelines. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources, including direct measurements, database information, and scientific literature.

Results indicate that EBM technology, despite its high energy consumption during metal melting, produces higher quality parts with less post-processing required. However, the significant energy impact raises concerns about energy efficiency, particularly in large-scale production contexts.

Conversely, the MEX technology with metal-filled filaments, followed by debinding and sintering, exhibits lower energy consumption during the printing phase and benefits from low operational costs due to the use of conventional 3D printers that are widely accessible and maintainable. Nevertheless, this technology requires additional processing steps that can introduce complexity and variability in the final results. Furthermore, parts produced via MEX generally exhibit lower quality compared to those produced by EBM, necessitating further machining to meet desired standards.

In conclusion, the LCA analysis highlights that the choice of 3D printing technology should be carefully evaluated based on specific project requirements and available resources. EBM technology is more suitable for applications demanding high quality and precision, while MEX with metal-filled filaments offers a more energy-efficient solution, albeit with challenges related to quality and process complexity.

These findings provide a foundation for future research and optimization of 3D printing technologies, contributing to informed decisions for sustainable manufacturing in advanced production sectors.