Particle Emissions During 3D Printing
What are Volatile Organic Compounds?
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are natural or synthetic airborne chemicals with a vapor pressure above 0.1 kPa at 20 °C. While they are often detectable as smells or odors, scientific detection takes place by sampling air around a printer under controlled conditions and then analyzing the samples. Some VOCs are hazardous. But depending on the molecular structure of the VOC, its safe Threshold Limit Values (TLV) concentration can range from a few micrograms to several milligrams per cubic meter.
Are 3D Printed VOC Emissions Dangerous?
The key to stating whether 3D printing may be harmful to your health depends on safe TLVs. These limit values essentially measure the concentration of ultrafine particles (UFPs) in the air. The fewer particles in the air, the better the health outcome for the user. There are seven key factors to take into consideration when assessing health risks from 3D printing:
- The room’s dimensional volume affects the TLV. Larger rooms have more air volume and will result in a lower concentration of UFPs.
- The room’s air exchange rate affects concentration buildup. Faster/more frequent air exchange cycles of the room’s dimensional volume will reduce the UFP concentration.
- How many 3D printers you are operating. Each printer will generate UFPs, and therefore more printers will produce more UFPs.
- What material(s) you are printing. Different materials produce different levels of UFPs during normal operation of a printer.
- How long you are printing. The longer you are printing, the more time UFPs have to accumulate in the room.
- How close you are to the printer(s). The closer you are to a source of UFPs, the more concentrated they will be.
- Whether there are other emission sources in the room. Additional emission sources can affect overall room air quality in addition to UFPs from 3D printing.
To dispel any concerns, if you 3D print under the recommended conditions, using any Ultimaker 3D printer and Ultimaker material, there is minimal concern for health risks. For current Ultimaker materials, a nano reference value of 40,000 particles per cubic centimeter (p/cm3) is relevant. Below this concentration, health risks are very unlikely.
This chart provides three average UFP concentration readings for three different print materials. These represent the low, mid, and high end range of possible particulate emissions when using an Ultimaker S5 with the standard configuration that does not include an Air Manager. Specifically, this is due to the level of UFP emission during printing for materials ranging from the low end (PLA) to the high end (Polycarbonate).
* Calculated based on the particle emission rate determined from independent test laboratory measurements and assuming a typical office room of 30.6 m3 with an air exchange rate of 1.8/hr
How Do I Mitigate 3D Printed Emissions?
While it is not possible to eliminate VOC emissions entirely while 3D printing, there are steps you can take to mitigate the particulates released into the local environment.
This chart shows the particulate emissions from the same three materials and printers, along with a second reading taken an Ultimaker Air Manager system has been installed on the printer. For each material, the particle emissions have dropped to less than 500 particles per cubic centimeter. In the case of Ultimaker Polycarbonate, this has reduced overall emissions by more than 95%.
The Air Manager uses a quiet, multi-speed fan to pull air contained inside the enclosed build chamber through a filter, creating an inside-out airflow. This results in nearly all air leaving the printer through the filter, with the exhausted air having the majority of particles removed.
* Calculated based on the particle emission rate determined from independent test laboratory measurements and assuming a typical office room of 30.6 m3 with an air exchange rate of 1.8/hr
Download the Full VOC Emissions Paper
Get the full case study, which details the process used by Ultimaker to determine VOC emissions from their printers and materials.
Final Thoughts
An Air Manager fully encloses the Ultimaker S5 build chamber, providing users with the freedom to set up 3D printers in more locations – including areas where unwanted airflows would negatively impact print quality. Additionally, by providing a physical barrier that stops anyone from touching hot or moving parts, workplace safety is improved. Though it’s up to each individual user to assess the safety of their printing environment and make proper adjustments, adding an Air Manager or filtration solution to your setup mitigates risk substantially, while also improving overall print quality by providing a more consistent print environment.
Ultimaker 2+ Connect Air Manager
The Ultimaker 2+ Connect Air Manager (including front door enclosure) fully encloses the build chamber for a more stable printing environment, while preventing anyone from touching hot and moving components during operation.
Ultimaker S5 Air Manager
An integrated filtration solution for the Ultimaker S5 printer, utilizing HEPA filtration while providing optimized airflow settings for all Ultimaker filament. Incorporate safety in your 3D printing workflow.
BOFA 3D PrintPro 3
The 3D PrintPRO extraction system combines high capture performance with proven filter technology, ensuring the effective removal of hazardous particulate, gases/vapors, and odors associated with 3D printing methods. Requires an additional compatible print enclosure for proper operation.
Considering 3D Printing?
Dynamism works with thousands of schools, companies,
and government organizations. We understand the challenges
with acquiring and deploying cutting-edge technology.
Just getting started? Know what you’re looking for? We’re ready
to discuss requirements and help you make an informed decision
about the products you need, all at the best prices available.