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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
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3D Printing - Evaluating Particle Emissions of a 3D Printing Pen
Published on: October 9, 2020
Particle Emissions Characterization of Seventeen 3D Printer Filaments
Ashley A Lewis1,2, Peter Byrley3, Georges-Marie Momplaisir4
1Oak Ridge Institute of Science and Education (ORISE) research participant to the U.S. EPA, RTP, NC 27711, United States.
Building and Environment
|August 1, 2026
Summary
Fused filament fabrication 3D printers emit indoor air particles, posing potential inhalation risks. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filaments showed the highest particle emissions, with particle size stabilizing around ten minutes into printing.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health Engineering
- Indoor Air Quality
- Materials Science
Background:
- Fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printers are increasingly common in homes.
- The potential health risks associated with inhaling airborne particles emitted during 3D printing are not widely recognized by the public.
- Common 3D printing filaments like acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), poly-lactic acid (PLA), and polycarbonate (PC) can release indoor air particles during operation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and characterize particle emissions from 17 commercial 3D printing filaments.
- To investigate particle emission behavior over time during the 3D printing process within an enclosed chamber.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen commercially available 3D printing filaments were tested in an enclosed environmental chamber.
- Particle number concentrations, emission rates, and size distributions were measured using a scanning mobility particle sizer.
- Data collection occurred at various time points during the printing process to observe particle behavior.
Main Results:
- Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filaments exhibited the highest particle number concentrations, followed by metal-containing PLA, PLA, and polycarbonate (PC) filaments.
- Particle size distributions widened and stabilized approximately ten minutes after printing commenced.
- ABS filaments generally produced the largest particles, with one PLA manufacturer showing consistently larger particle sizes than others.
Conclusions:
- Different 3D printing filament types vary significantly in their particle emission characteristics.
- Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filaments are associated with higher particle emissions and larger particle sizes.
- Understanding these emissions is crucial for assessing potential indoor air quality risks associated with 3D printing.
