The aim of this paper is to describe the adaptation process of the LCA methodology under a modular approach (LCI data and LCIA data based on modules) in parallel to a reconfigurable design (reconfigurable manufacturing system) that enables a faster and easier quantified environmental claim for a range of milling machines. Methods: Life cycle assessment (LCA) is identified as a proper tool to evaluate potential impacts of products over the environment. However, the compilation of LCA data from one or a range of milling machines could be difficult and tedious, because, firstly they are complex products, secondly the final results have to ensure a good representability and, finally, render the assessment process cost-effectively. The analysis was performed following a cradle-to-use approach. The LCA study was performed in compliance with [18] V2.0 developed in framework of the EPD® System. Results: The LCA results show that the contribution of downstream processes is the most significant in all studied impact categories, since the relative contributions are: 89% in the GWP and AP categories and 77% in the POCP and EP categories, because of the demanded electricity during the lifetime of the machines, with values greater than 94% of the impact of downstream processes. The upstream processes present a moderate contribution in the POCP and EP categories, being their relative contribution major than 20% in both of them, because of cast iron (≈ 60% in POCP) and low-alloy steel (≈ 20% in POCP) materials which form part of the structural modules as well as pumps and motors (≈ 40% in EP). Discussion and Conclusions: The study takes a holistic view of the production and consumption of a milling machine range. The case study presents the adaptation of LCA methodology for a range of milling machines, in order to develop the EPD of these products. Simultaneously the LCA calculation of 28 machine reconfigurations is achieved through 9 modules, thus reducing time efforts and costs. The weakness of the representative check is located in the inventory analysis of the use stage. A future work could include a sensitivity analysis to evaluate more user conditions.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.