OPTIMIZATION OF ELECTRICAL POWER UTILIZATION IN A DIGITAL FABRICATION LABORATORY

Digital fabrication laboratories have become critical enablers of innovation, prototyping, and small-scale manufacturing. However, their electrical power demand is typically uncoordinated and energy-intensive due to the diverse operation of 3D printers, CNC machines, and laser systems. This paper presents an electrical engineering approach for optimizing power utilization in a digital fabrication environment. An energy audit and load profiling exercise were conducted to identify inefficient usage patterns, idle-time consumption, and peak demand behavior. Lowcost power monitoring devices and microcontroller-based logging systems were implemented to collect real-time consumption data across different fabrication units. Using scheduling algorithms and selective power control strategies, power utilization was optimized without disrupting operational workflow. Results show that coordinated scheduling and targeted power management can reduce total energy consumption by up to 18%, improve load balance, and extend equipment lifespan. The study demonstrates the practical role of electrical engineers in designing energy-efficient, sustainable, and smart fabrication infrastructures that align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 7 and SDG 9).