Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in Additive Manufacturing: Evaluation of Efficiency, Quality and Sustainability in 3D Printing Processes

Abstract : As a researcher specializing in additive manufacturing (AM), I have authored this study titled “Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in Additive Manufacturing: Evaluation of Efficiency, Quality, and Sustainability in 3D Printing Processes.” The work explores AM’s explosive growth, with the global market at 21.9 billion in 2025, projected to hit USD 647.7 billion by 2035 at a 22-23% CAGR, driven by innovations in materials, AI integration, and applications in aerospace, automotive, and biomedicine. AM transforms traditional manufacturing through on-demand production, waste reduction, and supply chain optimization, supporting circular economy principles via localized fabrication and emission cuts. Utilizing the SALSA methodology, conducted a systematic review of 158 articles (narrowed to 10 key studies from 2015-2025), identifying AM-specific KPIs: efficiency (adapted OEE, varying with build variety); quality (tensile strength up to 55.2 MPa, dimensional deviation 0.048 mm); sustainability (energy consumption, recyclability challenges in PLA/ABS); costs; and delivery times. Limitations include adapting traditional metrics to AM’s anisotropy and variability, plus unstandardized sustainability data. A pilot test on 10 parts across five hypothetical Hidalgo companies yielded averages like 74.4% OEE and 83.9% material efficiency, underscoring AI’s role in optimization. Ultimately, robust KPIs foster informed AM adoption, aligning with a SDGs 9 and 12 for resilient, sustainable industries.