43 Particle and VOC Emissions During the Thermal Processing of Plastics to make Filaments for 3D-Printing

Abstract

Abstract Introduction 3D-printing is continuing to grow as an industry, which creates a demand for printing material. Studies on 3D-printing have shown that printers emit nanoparticles and VOC, depending on printing method, and some adverse health effects have been reported. Emissions during production of 3D-printer filament is less studied, and interesting as it can be likened to a larger material extrusion printer. Materials and methods Measurements were made at a factory producing 3D-printer filaments, using an array of instruments to characterise the emissions and exposure for the staff. Particle emissions were assessed using condensation particle counters (20nm-1um), DataRAM (0.1-10 um) and a particle sensor (0.35-40 um). VOC emissions and exposure were assessed using Tenax tubes and VOC sensors. Measurements were performed for 1-2 days, apart from sensors, which were placed at the facility for a full working week, including after a longer break . Results High concentrations of nanoparticles were found in the production rooms (25 000-100 000 pt/ml) and close to the extruder nozzle (100 000-500 000 pt/ml). Levels of nanoparticles were also high in office rooms near production(25 000-50 000 pt/ml). VOC sensors showed the same trend in all rooms, including offices and staff kitchen, indicating spread of emissions from the source and inadequate ventilation. The particle sensor also showed variation over the week in correlation with work performed. Conclusion Production of 3D-printer filaments emit nanoparticles and VOC. Inadequate ventilation can lead to high concentrations of nanoparticles. Sensors were a useful tool to show emission trends.