Risk evaluation of additive manufacturing technologies in automotive industry using the Kinney method

Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies have fundamentally transformed production workflows across numerous industries, with especially profound effects in the automotive industry. By enabling the creation of complex, lightweight, and highly customised components that are difficult or even impossible to achieve through traditional manufacturing methods, AM significantly accelerates prototyping, shortens product development cycles, and fosters innovative vehicle design. However, the impact of AM on worker health and safety remains inadequately explored, particularly given the wide range of materials and energy sources involved in these processes. This research utilises the Kinney risk assessment method to systematically quantify the hazards associated with various AM technologies employed in automotive industry. Drawing from these insights, the paper proposes targeted protective strategies designed to safeguard workers while preserving the productivity and innovative advantages that AM delivers to the automotive industry.