Potential for Exposure to Particles and Gases throughout Vat Photopolymerization Additive Manufacturing Processes

Vat photopolymerization (VP), a type of additive manufacturing process that cures resin to build objects, can emit potentially hazardous particles and gases. We evaluated two VP technologies, stereolithography (SLA) digital light processing (DLP), in three separate environmental chambers understand task-based impacts on indoor air quality. Airborne particles, total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), and/or specific (VOCs) were monitored during each task evaluate their exposure potential. Regardless duration, all tasks released gases, though concentrations varied between SLA DLP processes among tasks. Maximum particle reached 1200 #/cm3 some aerosols contained elements such as barium, chromium, manganese. TVOC highest for the isopropyl alcohol (IPA) rinsing, soaking, drying post-processing (up 36.8 mg/m3), lowest pouring pre-printing, printing, recovery post-printing 0.1 intermediate curing 3 mg/m3). Individual VOCs included, others, potential occupational carcinogen acetaldehyde immune sensitizer 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (pouring, recovery, tasks). Careful consideration is important development strategies minimize pollution from processes.