Evaluation of emissions and exposures at workplaces using desktop 3-dimensional printers

Publication date: Available online 29 November 2018Source: Journal of Chemical Health and SafetyAuthor(s): A.B. Stefaniak, A.R. Johnson, S. du Preez, D.R. Hammond, J.R. Wells, J.E. Ham, R.F. LeBouf, K.W. Menchaca, S.B. Martin, M.G. Duling, L.N. Bowers, A.K. Knepp, F.C. Su, D.J. de Beer, J.L. du PlessisThere is a paucity of data on additive manufacturing process emissions and personal exposures in real-world workplaces. Hence, we evaluated atmospheres in four workplaces utilizing desktop “3-dimensional” (3-d) printers [fused filament fabrication (FFF) and sheer] for production, prototyping, or research. Airborne particle diameter and number concentration and total volatile organic compound concentrations were measured using real-time instruments. Airborne particles and volatile organic compounds were collected using time-integrated sampling techniques for off-line analysis. Personal exposures for metals and volatile organic compounds were measured in the breathing zone of operators. All 3-d printers that were monitored released ultrafine and fine particles and organic vapors into workplace air. Particle number-based emission rates (#/min) ranged from 9.4 × 109 to 4.4 × 1011 (n = 9 samples) for FFF 3-d printers and from 1.9 to 3.8 × 109 (n = 2 samples) for a sheer 3-d printer. The large variability in emission rate values reflected variability from the printers as well as differences in printer design, operating condition...
Source: Journal of Chemical Health and Safety - Category: Chemistry Source Type: research