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Garcia-Gonzalez H, Lopez-Pola MT. Unlocking the nanoparticle emission potential: a study of varied filaments in 3D printing. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-33257-2. [PMID: 38625471 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33257-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Finnegan M, Thach CL, Khaki S, Markey E, O’Connor DJ, Smeaton AF, Morrin A. Characterization of Volatile and Particulate Emissions from Desktop 3D Printers. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:9660. [PMID: 38139506 PMCID: PMC10747962 DOI: 10.3390/s23249660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The rapid expansion of 3D printing technologies has led to increased utilization in various industries and has also become pervasive in the home environment. Although the benefits are well acknowledged, concerns have arisen regarding potential health and safety hazards associated with emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulates during the 3D printing process. The home environment is particularly hazardous given the lack of health and safety awareness of the typical home user. This study aims to assess the safety aspects of 3D printing of PLA and ABS filaments by investigating emissions of VOCs and particulates, characterizing their chemical and physical profiles, and evaluating potential health risks. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to profile VOC emissions, while a particle analyzer (WIBS) was used to quantify and characterize particulate emissions. Our research highlights that 3D printing processes release a wide range of VOCs, including straight and branched alkanes, benzenes, and aldehydes. Emission profiles depend on filament type but also, importantly, the brand of filament. The size, shape, and fluorescent characteristics of particle emissions were characterized for PLA-based printing emissions and found to vary depending on the filament employed. This is the first 3D printing study employing WIBS for particulate characterization, and distinct sizes and shape profiles that differ from other ambient WIBS studies were observed. The findings emphasize the importance of implementing safety measures in all 3D printing environments, including the home, such as improved ventilation, thermoplastic material, and brand selection. Additionally, our research highlights the need for further regulatory guidelines to ensure the safe use of 3D printing technologies, particularly in the home setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Finnegan
- School of Chemical Sciences, National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, D09 DXA0 Dublin, Ireland; (M.F.); (S.K.); (D.J.O.)
- Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, Dublin City University, D09 Y5N0 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Colleen Lee Thach
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66046, USA;
| | - Shirin Khaki
- School of Chemical Sciences, National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, D09 DXA0 Dublin, Ireland; (M.F.); (S.K.); (D.J.O.)
- Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, Dublin City University, D09 Y5N0 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Emma Markey
- School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, D09 Y5N0 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - David J. O’Connor
- School of Chemical Sciences, National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, D09 DXA0 Dublin, Ireland; (M.F.); (S.K.); (D.J.O.)
- Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, Dublin City University, D09 Y5N0 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Alan F. Smeaton
- Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, Dublin City University, D09 Y5N0 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Aoife Morrin
- School of Chemical Sciences, National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, D09 DXA0 Dublin, Ireland; (M.F.); (S.K.); (D.J.O.)
- Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, Dublin City University, D09 Y5N0 Dublin, Ireland;
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