I’m reading about a new method of filtering ultrafine particles from the air.
Ultrafine particles are of great interest to 3D printer operators, or at least they should be. That’s because most of the 3D print processes end up emitting ultrafine particles while the equipment is operating. These particles are so small that they become airborne and can be breathed into your lungs, where they will stay forever.
Once inside the body, they can slowly release chemicals, which are often VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can be toxic. Some studies revealed that dozens of VOC types can be released when printing common filament materials.
To counteract this threat, it’s usually advised that 3D printer operators provide proper ventilation or filtration for their workspace. Sometimes ventilation is impossible due to building structure, but it’s always possible to add an external filtration unit.
Unfortunately, most 3D printer operators do not do so. On the other hand, many recent desktop 3D printers are being released with onboard filtration systems.
The typical filtration system involves a fan pulling air from inside the build chamber through a combination of activated carbon and HEPA filters, which should remove 90%+ of the bad stuff before exhausting into the room.
But there’s a problem: filters get clogged. They grab the particles, but this builds up over time, and eventually, the filter becomes so infested that it’s too hard for the fan to pull air through it. Then the particles remain in the build chamber until the operator lifts the lid or opens the door and encounters a highly concentrated mix of VOCs.
Not a good scene.
Relatively few 3D printer operators are even aware of these risks, let alone pay attention and take action.
I always believed that the ideal filtration system for a 3D printer would be one that does not require filter changes. This would certainly eliminate a lot of risk for the public.
Now that might be a thing. I’m reading about some research undertaken by the Korean Institute of Machinery and Materials, which has been developing a new filtration system.
According to the news release:
“This state-of-the-art filter-free air purification system utilizes electrostatic force while minimizing ozone generation. By incorporating microfiber discharge electrodes and non-metallic carbon plates, the system operates on low current yet removes more than 90% of ultrafine particles. Additionally, it resolves the ozone issue inherent in conventional electrostatic methods, with an ozone emission level below 5 ppb—only one-tenth of the concentration found in general atmospheric conditions.”
The system is designed primarily for large public spaces, like factories, subways, etc., where ultrafine particles may be present.
I’m wondering whether this technology could be adapted for use as an on-board filtration system for desktop 3D printers. If so, this would relieve the operator of the responsibility to swap filters, and keep the work area “clean” of ultrafine particles.
It might also be possible to develop a small “outboard” filtration system that could be attached to 3D printers.
However, it’s not clear whether the technology could be miniaturized for these purposes.
Even so, the filtration concept would be still of great interest to those operating large 3D printer farms. Imagine a room with 100+ FFF 3D printers, each emitting ultrafine particles as they do their work. Some of these farms would certainly have direct ventilation to the outside, but others may benefit from an effective and maintenance-free filtration system.
Via Eureka Alert
