Emissions from desktop 3D printers - more closely examined - Part 1

To permit conclusions concerning workplace exposure to emissions from desktop 3D printers, the emission behaviour of a common desktop 3D printer was examined more closely in simulation tests in a test chamber.The concentrations of volatile organic compounds and aldehydes and the particle number were measured for seven selected filaments during printing of a test specimen in the form of a cube. All concentrations lay considerably below the relevant occupational exposure limits, and also below guidance value 1 for total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and the guideline values for indoor workplaces.The results of the particle measurements showed that the higher the required processing temperature of a plastic, the greater the number of emitted particles. All values lay below the test value of 3.5 x 10(11) particles per 10-minute period as specified in the criteria for awarding of the Blue Angel mark RAL UZ 205 for office equipment with print function.