The integration of additive manufacturing into sand casting also aligns with growing environmental concerns. Traditional sand casting often results in significant material waste, as excess sand is used to create molds and patterns. By using 3D printing techniques to produce sand molds and cores, manufacturers can optimize material usage, reducing waste and minimizing the environmental footprint of the casting process. Additionally, the ability to create lightweight designs contributes to energy efficiency, especially in end-use applications where reducing weight can lead to fuel savings.