Saf Health Work.  2019 Jun;10(2):229-236. 10.1016/j.shaw.2018.10.003.

Insights Into Emissions and Exposures From Use of Industrial-Scale Additive Manufacturing Machines

• Stefaniak
• Johnson AR
• du Preez S
• Hammond DR
• Wells JR
• Ham JE
• LeBouf RF
• Martin SB
• Duling MG
• Bowers LN
• Knepp AK
• de Beer DJ
• du Plessis JL

• KMID: 2453007
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2018.10.003

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Emerging reports suggest the potential for adverse health effects from exposure to emissions from some additive manufacturing (AM) processes. There is a paucity of real-world data on emissions from AM machines in industrial workplaces and personal exposures among AM operators.
METHODS
Airborne particle and organic chemical emissions and personal exposures were characterized using real-time and time-integrated sampling techniques in four manufacturing facilities using industrial-scale material extrusion and material jetting AM processes.
RESULTS
Using a condensation nuclei counter, number-based particle emission rates (ERs) (number/min) from material extrusion AM machines ranged from 4.1×1010 (Ultem filament) to 2.2×1011 [acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polycarbonate filaments). For these same machines, total volatile organic compound ERs (mg/min) ranged from 1.9×104 (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polycarbonate) to 9.4×104 (Ultem). For the material jetting machines, the number-based particle ER was higher when the lid was open (2.3×1010 number/min) than when the lid was closed (1.5-5.5×109 number/min); total volatile organic compound ERs were similar regardless of the lid position. Low levels of acetone, benzene, toluene, and m,p-xylene were common to both AM processes. Carbonyl compounds were detected; however, none were specifically attributed to the AM processes. Personal exposures to metals (aluminum and iron) and eight volatile organic compounds were all below National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-recommended exposure levels.
CONCLUSION
Industrial-scale AM machines using thermoplastics and resins released particles and organic vapors into workplace air. More research is needed to understand factors influencing real-world industrial-scale AM process emissions and exposures.

Keyword

Additive manufacturing; Material extrusion; Material jetting; Ultrafine particles; Volatile organic compounds

MeSH Terms

Acetone
Benzene
Humans
Metals
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (U.S.)
Styrene
Toluene
Volatile Organic Compounds
Acetone
Benzene
Metals
Styrene
Toluene
Volatile Organic Compounds