All printed metal parts are basically sintered metal parts. As Chuck mentioned, some machines integrate the sintering step and some require sintering post printing in a separate furnace. Regardless, sintering
has to happen in a controlled gas atmosphere or you will have the heated metal reacting with the oxygen and moisture in the air. So, it is important to also know what other post-printing operations need to occur to complete the part.
My company looked at metal printing last year and decided to pass. In part because the EHS requirements were basically those of a sintered parts manufacturing operation. Goodluck!
Thank you,
Yaritza Brinker
260.827.5402
From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU>
On Behalf Of Geraci, Charles L. (Chuck) (CDC/NIOSH/DSI)
Sent: Monday, May 6, 2019 7:56 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Metal Additive Manufacturing
** External Email **
Martin,
The Ôcontrols' for a metal additive manufacturing tool (3D Printer) can vary based on the type of tool. The two main printers; selective laser sintering or e-beam sintering, operate under an
inert atmosphere, usually argon, because of the beam. The build chamber is enclosed during the sintering (building) and opened only after the build is complete. The fine metal powder used in the process is captured for recycle. For this type or printer,
the critical controls are several: on the device itself, depending on the type of dust control system, there are issues of fire or reaction if not maintained. The powder itself needs special storing or handling depending on what it is and how much is on hand.
Aluminum is always a concern. The greatest dust issues, and therefore exposure, and potential fire or explosion hazards, usually occur when the build chamber is being emptied and the part that has been build is being cleaned of unfused metal power. A third
type of metal powder printer is the binder jet printer. These are not under inert atmosphere and work with an open bed of fine metal powder. Many of the same issues. Finally, a newer form of Ômetal 3D printer uses a polymer that is highly infused with metal
powder, The part is printed and the polymer matrix is flashed off in an over. Many obvious concerns over that process. A newer type of metal 3D printer uses a metal wire and Ôprints' much like a polymer stand printer, except with metal. There are building
support issues to take into account, depending on the type and size of printer, the volume of metal powder to be stored (if a metal powder based tool)
NIOSH has a research effort looking at a variety of 3D printers that work with metal and polymer feedstock. We have a field team that has visited multiple sites to evaluate hazards, work practices
and controls. Some of that information is available via a series of webinars we have created and one of our Industrial Hygienists recently gave a talk on 3D printers at the CSHEMA conference.
I'd be happy to make connections for you so you can share more specific information and get the information you need.
Chuck Geraci
Charles L. Geraci, Jr., Ph.D., CIH, FAIHA
Associate Director for Emerging Technologies
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
1090 Tusculum Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45226
(
513.533.8339 |*
cgeraci**At_Symbol_Here**cdc.gov
From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU>
On Behalf Of Bell,Martin
Sent: Friday, May 3, 2019 5:20 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Metal Additive Manufacturing
I was just informed a researcher received a grant that includes the use of 3D metal printer. I was wonder if someone can share the types of engineering controls
implemented to address the reactive metal powders used in the printer.
Martin
Martin W. Bell, M.S. CIH CSP
Director, Environmental Compliance
Department of Environmental Health and Safety
Drexel University
400 North 31st Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Tel: 215.895.5892 | Fax: 215.895.5926
Mobile: 215-778-4278
drexel.edu/facilities/healthsafety
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