Additive Manufacturing as an Enabler of Environmental Solutions to Address Food Security

Roberts, Jenny and Donkersley, Philip and Ashmore, Lisa and Rennie, Allan (2023) Additive Manufacturing as an Enabler of Environmental Solutions to Address Food Security. In: Springer Tracts in Additive Manufacturing : Proceedings of CASICAM 2022. Springer Tracts in Additive Manufacturing . Springer Nature, MAR, pp. 287-297. ISBN 9783031329265

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Abstract

Pollinator decline is prevalent around the globe threatening food produc-tion, yields and the economic income of farmers. With reducing yields, land culti-vation increases compromising natural habitats. Aligned with the UN Sustain-able Development Goals of no poverty and zero hunger, the creation of artifi-cial bumblebee nests enables a means to address habitat shortfalls. Considerations around preventing predator attacks, withstanding external environmental elements and creating a stable internal habitat were critical for success. Utilization of poly-mers with opacity and strength characteristics were important, whilst allowing for low volume prototype manufacturing methods (vacuum forming using additive manufac-tured formers). Subsequent design iterations utilised additive manufacturing as the primary production process, focusing on redistributed manufacture to enable rapid deployment in areas of crisis. Initial results from simulations and physical testing evidence the feasibility of the design in terms of strength, durability and environ-mental suitability. Deployment of six prototype units, with three artificially intro-duced bumblebee colonies, demonstrated a sustained natural reproduction cycle for a season. Subsequent deployment of empty units observed a successful wild queen habitation and sustained colony production over a season. Further field testing will ascertain how bumblebees utilise their nests long-term to drive future decisions on design and materials for environmental sustainability.