Emission Control of Desktop 3D Printing: The Effects of a Filter Cover and an Air Purifier

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printers using the fused filament fabrication technique are in widespread use, and they are known to emit ultrafine particles (UFPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This fact raises concerns due to their impact on indoor air quality and human health. Several emission control measures have been previously proposed but without being confirmed in the near real-life situation. In this study, the effectiveness of the control measures in reducing the UFPs and VOCs was tested in a standardized 30 m 3 environmental test chamber. We found that a filter cover and an air purifier were effective in removing 74−93% of UFPs, with the filter cover providing the best UFP filtration. Control at the source location seems to be more efficient than trying to remove particles following their emission. However, the control measures showed varying abilities to remove major VOCs of styrene and ethylbenzene. Moreover, new VOCs were emitted from the use of control devices. After the newly opened filters had been conditioned and the control devices had been operated for 4−5 days, the VOC emissions decreased. The study shows the necessity of further studies of VOC control measures, which should preferably have efficient and consistent removal ability, as well as minimal emissions.

Estimates of particulate matter inhalation doses during three‐dimensional printing

“…The efficiency using only the enclosure method was 74%, but it increased to 99.95% when the emission source was enclosed with a HEPA filter. In another study, the efficiencies of a combined filter cover and air purifier to reduce ultrafine particle emissions were also determined 42 . The combined filter cover and air purifier had removal efficiencies of 74% ‐ 93%, and the filter cover at the source location was more efficient.…”

3D-Printed Lab-on-a-Chip Diagnostic Systems-Developing a Safe-by-Design Manufacturing Approach

“…Gu et al [94] used a desktop 3D printer with ABS filament material within a standardized 30 m 3 environmental test chamber to study the effectiveness of control measures such as a filter cover and an air purifier with different filters in reducing exposure to UFP and VOCs. The filter cover was reported to provide the highest reduction in UFP exposure (93%), compared to lower reduction provided by the air filters (89-74%).…”

“…This finding suggests that implementing control measures at the source location is more efficient than trying to remove particles after emission. Reducing VOCs was found to be a significantly more complex task, as it was observed that the use of the control devices results in the emission of several new VOCs [94].…”

“…Gu et al [94] ABS Most emitted particles were in the ultrafine size range. VOC emission from the exposure control devices employed was also reported.…”

“…Air purifiers have been successfully implemented to diminish ultrafine particle exposure from 3D printers [94,103]. If additional exposure reducing measures are required, installation of air filtration systems can be useful.…”