Study of 3D printing emissions leads to ANSI/CAN/UL standard for testing

Marietta, GA — Ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds are emitted during 3D printing, according to a recent study from the Chemical Insights Research Institute. 

In response to its finding, the institute has helped develop a standard for testing and assessing 3D printing emissions.

The study relied on three sampling sites: a “maker center,” a classroom and an outdoor setting. Researchers used various devices to measure airborne particle concentrations and size distributions.

The “maker center” had the highest concentration of particles (4.52 x 103/cm³), followed by the classroom (3.15 x 103/cm³).

The VOCs “of concern” included xylenes, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, nonanal, decanal, 2-butenal, D5, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane, toluene, ethylbenzene, trimethylbenzene, methyl methacrylate, THF, cyclohexanone and 2-butanone.

“Over 400 VOCs were measured, and many VOCs detected are irritants, sensitizers, asthmagens, odors, carcinogens, developmental toxins and reproductive toxins, which can cause adverse health impacts like inflammation, respiratory and neurotoxic symptoms, and cancer,” the researchers write.

The ANSI/CAN/UL 2904 standard calls for a two-day test protocol, “including preparation, pre-operating, printing and post-operating phases of the printer.” Other elements include processes for measuring total particle concentrations, particle emission rates and yields, and VOCs. 

The standard includes a method of calculating exposure levels for VOCs and particles “based on detailed environment models.”