Fume emissions from a low-cost 3-D printer with various filaments.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science and Engineering
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Materials Science

Background:

• 3-D printing utilizes thermoplastic polymers, raising concerns about aerosol and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
• The proliferation of low-cost 3-D printers in inadequately ventilated spaces necessitates understanding fume emission characteristics.
• Limited data exists on the specific nature and quantity of emissions from common 3-D printing processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize aerosol and VOC emissions from various filaments used in a low-cost 3-D printer.
• To quantify particle size distribution and emission rates.
• To identify predominant VOC species and their buildup patterns.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a low-cost 3-D printer with eight filament types in an environmental testing chamber.
• Measured sub-micron and super-micron particles using scanning mobility and aerodynamic particle sizers.
• Monitored VOCs in real-time with a photoionization detector and analyzed using thermal desorption gas chromatography mass spectrometry (TD-GC/MS).

Main Results:

• High emission rates of sub-half-micron particles (1.0 × 10^7 to 1.2 × 10^10 #/min) with mode sizes of 41-83 nm were observed.
• Particle concentrations peaked during heat-up and printing phases.
• Total VOC concentrations followed first-order buildup, with styrene identified as a key emission from ABS filaments.

Conclusions:

• Despite VOC levels below occupational limits, the high emission of respirable sub-micron particles is a potential concern for users of low-cost 3-D printers.
• The findings highlight the need for proper ventilation and engineering controls, especially in non-industrial settings.
• Further research into the health impacts of 3-D printing emissions is warranted.