Normalization Matrix for Sustainability Assessments Considering the Laser Powder Bed Fusion Process

The sustainability assessment of a product and the related process chain is the result of balancing influencing factors. Using different methods, such as life cycle assessment according ISO14040/44, it is possible to determine the ecological impact based on an evaluation of various influencing factors. For being able to identify and validate the potential of laser powder bed fusion process compared to conventional processes, a standardised approach is required. Following the “technical–economic evaluation” as defined in VDI2225 and the basics of the utility value analysis, objectives and evaluation criteria must be established and combined in a methodical approach. In this paper, a possibility to standardise the various influencing factors of additive and conventional manufacturing processes by a developed normalization matrix is presented. The effects of this norming are validated and discussed regarding their applicability based on the process chain of a demonstrator.