The Analysis of 3D Printer Dust for Forensic Applications,

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.