The 3D printing process is incredible to behold for newcomers to the technology. Some of the most common forms of 3D printing include stereolithography, fused deposition modeling, and Digital Light Processing. The specifics differ widely between the methods. In SLA, for instance, an ultraviolet laser and ultraviolet oven are used in sequence to form and then treat the resin materials. DLP printers are considerably faster because they heat the surface to melt it instead, saving a step.
Whichever form of 3D printing is being used, though, the process boils down to one specific act: the melting and reshaping of plastics. Temperatures of around 220°C are typically used for this purpose with PLA filaments, which means that operators must take care while using their printers to avoid any potential burn risks.
An April 2017 3D printer safety report from Concordia University notes that another primary safety concern to bear in mind with 3D printers is that of the chemicals emitted by the process: “Studies on thermal processing of plastic show that industrial extrusion equipment emit[s] hazardous substances. Even at moderately high temperature (e.g., 170-240°C), gaseous substances are emitted during thermal processing of thermoplastic.”
The proliferation of microplastics is a matter of global concern, but what impact can the emissions of 3D printers potentially have on our health? Next, we’ll see what the latest research has to say on the matter.
