Standard Method for Testing and Assessing Particle and Chemical Emissions from 3D Printers

This standard presents methodologies for characterizing and quantifying fine and ultrafine particles and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from operating 3D printers under normal conditions of use.

This method primarily applies to the emissions of particles (including ultrafine particles) and volatile organic chemicals from 3D Printers and feedstock which are widely used in schools, offices, libraries, homes, small and medium size enterprises and other non-industrial indoor spaces, and do not have provision for exhaust of the deposition space to outside air. The printers are operated with a variety of commercially available feedstock.

The measurement protocols may be used to

a) compare emissions from different feedstock materials operated at a specific printer, (material impact)

b) compare emissions from printing objects of different shape, design and size on a specific printer (printed object impact),

c) compare emissions from different printers operated under identical conditions i.e. same object, same print media, same environmental conditions (printer hardware impact)

d) quantify emissions in a given specific exposure scenario - e.g. workshop, small production line etc. (environmental impact)

This method includes requirements on laboratory quality management systems and measurement uncertainty estimation.

This standard establishes emissions criteria for particles and certain chemicals based on existing standards, guidelines, and research data for the management of airborne gaseous and aerosol pollutants in indoor environments.

This standard may be utilized as the basis for product testing and for certification/verification programs.