How Green Is 3D Printing?

[LambdaFF]

If it does become possible for people to print replacement parts for things they own rather than throwing them away and replacing them, then there's some potential for environmental savings, since consumer items could last longer, stay out of the waste stream, and offset the need for purchasing new products.

I hope that printing replacement parts could become a new consumer way. However, will industrials go that way ? I remember a few years back a car manufacturer put all new screw types on the oil filters and various consumables to try people to stop maintaining their car and provide more customers for their maintenance centers. Agreed, now you can buy the appropriate tools and still do it.

As Steve's message makes clear, we have to discuss specific machines and processes for this discussion to be meaningful.

I agree with that part too : the various processes and products are extremely different. For that reason and due to the specialized requirements of each process / product, perhaps it would make more sense to do it in a local pro facility rather than at home ? I know some hardcore DIYers can "build a nuclear plant at home", but SLS powders and SLA resins are nasty stuff.