Faculty Collaboration Database

3D Printing - Evaluating Particle Emissions of a 3D Printing Pen. J Vis Exp 2020 Oct 09(164)

Date

10/27/2020

Pubmed ID

33104072

DOI

10.3791/61829

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85094174320 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   21 Citations

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing as a type of additive manufacturing shows continuing increase in application and consumer popularity. The fused filament fabrication (FFF) is an inexpensive method used most frequently by consumers. Studies with 3D printers have shown that during the printing process particulate and volatile substances are released. Handheld 3D printing pens also use the FFF method but the consumer's proximity to the 3D pens gives reason to higher exposure compared to a 3D printer. At the same time, 3D printing pens are often marketed for children who could be more sensitive to the printing emission. The aim of this study was to implement a low cost method to analyze the emissions of 3D printing pens. Polylactide (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filaments of different colors were tested. In addition, filaments containing metal and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were analyzed. An 18.5 L chamber and sampling close to the emission source was used to characterize emissions and concentrations near the breathing zone of the user. Particle emissions and particle size distributions were measured and the potential release of metal particles and CNTs investigated. Particle number concentrations were found in a range of 10⁵ - 10⁶ particles/cm³, which is comparable to previous reports from 3D printers. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed nanoparticles of the different thermoplastic materials as well as of metal particles and CNTs. High contents of metal were observed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). These results call for a cautious use of 3D pens due to potential risk to the consumers.

Author List

Sigloch H, Bierkandt FS, Singh AV, Gadicherla AK, Laux P, Luch A

Author

Ashish K. Gadicherla PhD Assistant Professor in the Cell Biology Neurobiology and Anatomy department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Acrylonitrile
Aerosols
Butadienes
Metals
Nanotubes, Carbon
Particle Size
Particulate Matter
Polyesters
Printing, Three-Dimensional
Spectrophotometry, Atomic
Styrene