Analysis of ways to reduce potential health risk from ultrafine and fine particles emitted from 3D printers in the makerspace

Unlocking the nanoparticle emission potential: a study of varied filaments in 3D printing

This study investigates nanoparticle emission during 3D printing processes, assessing various filament materials' impact on air quality. Commonly used 3D printers, including both filament and resin-based types, were examined. The study's scope encompasses diverse filament materials like ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PLA (polylactic acid), PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), PP (polypropylene), nylon, and wood-based variants, alongside three types of resins. The research delves into the relationship between the type of material and nanoparticle emissions, emphasizing temperature's pivotal role. Measurement instruments were employed for nanoparticle quantification, including an engine exhaust particle sizer spectrometer, condensation particle counter, and nanozen dust counters. Notably, results reveal substantial variations in nanoparticle emissions among different filament materials, with ASA, TPU, PP, and ABS showing considerably elevated emission levels and characteristic particle size distribution patterns. The findings prompt practical recommendations for reducing nanoparticle exposure, emphasizing printer confinement, material selection, and adequate ventilation. This study offers insights into potential health risks associated with 3D printing emissions and provides a basis for adopting preventive measures.

Additives influence 3D printer emission profiles: Implications for working safely with polymer filament composites

It is critical to thoroughly investigate, characterize, and understand the unique emission profiles of common and novel polymer feedstocks used in fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printers as these products become increasingly ubiquitous in consumer and industrial environments. This work contributes unique insights regarding the effects of polymer composite feedstocks with metal, ceramic, or carbonaceous particle additives on particulate emissions in a variety of filaments under various print conditions, including print temperature. In addition to active characterization of particulate size and concentration following the ANSI/CAN/UL 2904 method, particulate sampling and subsequent analysis by scanning electron microscopy revealed agglomeration behavior that may have important health implications. Specifically, fine particles (0.3-2.5 μm) generated by certain filaments including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and glycol-modified poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PETG) are shown to be formed via agglomeration of emitted ultrafine particles rather than composed of coherent primary particles; accordingly, transport and behavior of these particulates after inhalation may not follow expected patterns for micrometer-sized particles. Structures resembling carbonaceous additives (e.g., graphene and nanotubes) were also captured by airborne sampling during printing of filaments containing carbonaceous advanced materials.