Multi - yr research acquit by Georgia Institute of Technology and UL Chemical Safety suggest down - cost 3D - print devices could present a health risk by harm indoor aviation quality .

Publishing their work in two separate study in Aerosol Science and Technology , one in2017and another in2018 , the researchers test how 3D printer emitted atom when in a controlled environs . They discover that as a by-product , 3D printing machine beget a scope of unlike - sized mote , include ultrafine particles , which can be inhaled into the pulmonic organization , resulting in adverse effect on respiratory health .

“ These printers be given to make particles that are very small , especially at the beginning of the mark process , and in an environment without serious ventilation , they could significantly reduce indoor air quality , ” say lead researcher Rodney Weber in astatement .

Specifically , more than 200 different volatile organic compounds ( VOCs ) are released when 3D printers are working , many of which are suspected or known to be thorn and carcinogenic .

3D printersworkby taking a digital blueprint of an target and print it layer - by - stratum using a computer - aided design software . While 3D printers use a multifariousness of different technology and methods , they typically “ photographic print ” objects by melt metallic element and plastics materials which then hardens into place once it ’s been entrust at room temperature . Certain component had a larger impact , such as schnoz temperature , the case , and semblance of material being used , as well as the brands being used .

“ We found that one of the overriding rule is the temperature of the filum , ” articulate Weber . “ If you expend a filament that ask a higher temperature to melt , such as ABS plastic , you bring about more particle than PLA charge plate fibril , which require lower temperatures . ”

The researcher say 3D printers should want a risk assessment as they become more common both in the menage and commercial space and take into consideration certain broker that might make a person more sensitive , including respiratory or other health issues .

The researchers recommend a few whole tone you could take at home to lessen the impact on air timber when using 3D printing machine , including manoeuvre them only in well - air out orbit , setting the nozzle temperature on the low suggest setting , observe a distance from operate machine , and using materials and machines that have been prove and shown to have low emission .