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The Analysis of 3D Printer Dust for Forensic Applications,.

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  • 1Microtrace, LLC, 790 Fletcher Drive, Ste 106, Elgin, IL, 60123.

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Researchers analyzed dust from 3D printers using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polylactic acid (PLA) filaments. They identified distinct particle characteristics and compositions for forensic trace evidence analysis.

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3D printerABSPLAacrylonitrile butadiene styrenecriminalisticsdust analysisnanoparticlespolylactic acidtrace evidence

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Science
  • Materials Science
  • Analytical Chemistry

Background:

  • 3D printing technology is rapidly advancing, increasing accessibility for consumers and businesses.
  • Previous studies noted dust particle release during 3D printing, but detailed characterization was lacking.
  • Concerns exist regarding the potential use of 3D-printed items in illicit activities, necessitating forensic analysis of emitted materials.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To recover, analyze, and identify dust particles generated by 3D fused deposition modeling printers.
  • To establish characteristic features of dust from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polylactic acid (PLA) filaments for forensic applications.
  • To provide a foundation for the forensic analysis of 3D printer-generated trace evidence.

Main Methods:

  • Collection of dust samples from various consumer and commercial 3D printers using thermoplastic filaments (ABS and PLA).
  • Isolation and analysis of dust particles using light microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy, and Raman microspectroscopy for ABS dust.
  • Characterization of submicron particles from PLA using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and confirmation via pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS).

Main Results:

  • ABS filament dust particles exhibited distinct color, morphology, and fluorescence, identifiable by light microscopy and confirmed by FTIR/Raman spectroscopy.
  • FTIR and Raman microspectroscopy successfully identified fillers and pigments within ABS dust particles.
  • PLA filament dust consisted of finer, submicron particles, requiring FESEM for visualization and Py-GC-MS for compositional confirmation.

Conclusions:

  • Distinct analytical methods are required for characterizing dust particles from ABS and PLA 3D printing filaments.
  • Morphological and chemical analysis of 3D printer dust provides valuable forensic trace evidence.
  • This study establishes protocols for identifying and differentiating 3D printer-generated dust for forensic investigations.