Characterization of 3D printing filaments containing metal additives and their particulate emissions

Abstract

Polylactic acid (PLA) filaments are widely used in fused filament fabrication (FFF) processes (3D printing). Filament additives such as metallic particles incorporated into PLA to modify functional and aesthetic features of print objects are becoming increasingly popular. However, the identities and concentrations of low percentage and trace metals in these filaments have not been well described in either the literature or product safety information included with the product. We report the structures and concentrations of metals in selected Copperfill, Bronzefill and Steelfill filaments. We also report size-weighted number concentrations and size-weighted mass concentrations of particulate emissions as a function of print temperature for each filament. Particulate emissions were heterogenous in shape and size with airborne particles below 50 nm diameter dominating the size-weighted particle concentrations and larger particles (approximately 300 nm) dominating the mass weighted particle concentration. Results indicate that potential exposure to particles in the nano-size range increase when using print temperatures above 200o C. Because inhalation exposure to nanoparticles has been linked to adverse health outcomes, we suggest that using lower print temperatures for specific metal-fill filaments may reduce their operational hazard.