Abstract Description: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is used in various fields and is expected to be used more extensively with an expanded range of use. There are several different types of 3D printing techniques available, but fused deposition modeling (FDM) printing is the most used because it is inexpensive and easy to operate. In FDM printing, a thermoplastic material is supplied as a wire and heated at the extrusion nozzle head. The liquid then hardens and form layers to create a product. This method is similar to thermoplastic extrusion, which has already been known to emit hazardous compounds, such as particles and VOCs. Most FDM printers in the digital fabrication lab use acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) or polylactic acid (PLA) as filler materials.
Fine particles known as PM2.5 can reach the peripheral airway and cause health problems. Ultrafine particles (UFPs) are particles smaller than 0.1m, which are a large cause for concern because they can reach the distal lung regions and affect primary airway defenses. When inhaled, UFPs can efficiently pass through the respiratory tract down to the alveoli because of their small size. Most 3D printers operate without engineering controls, especially those for consumer uses. Although 3D printers have not been heavily studied yet, more and more people are concerned about the emissions due to the similarities between laser printers and 3D printers.
This study was conducted on the University of Cincinnati Victory Parkway Campus in the Digital Fabrication Lab, which houses various types and models of 3D printers. Select 3 D printers were put into enclosures, and their printing operations were measured using portable devices, such as a Temtop multi-pollutant sensor, a Flow-2 sensor and a p-trak. The data analysis is on-going.
