Emissions and Exposures Associated with the Use of an Inconel Powder during Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) has been linked to potential exposure-related health risks, however, there is a paucity of sufficient research. This study aimed to supply information regarding emissions and exposure during directed energy deposition (DED) AM using inconel 718, with the main constituents...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of environmental research and public health Vol. 20; no. 13; p. 6206
Main Authors: van Ree, Marelizé, du Preez, Sonette, du Plessis, Johan L.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 22.06.2023
MDPI
Subjects:
Additive manufacturing
Carcinogens
Laboratories
Lasers
Nickel
Particle size
Raw materials
Scanning electron microscopy
United States > US
metal AM
occupational exposure
respiratory exposure
3D printing
health effects
particle emission rate
ISSN:1660-4601, 1661-7827, 1660-4601
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Additive manufacturing (AM) has been linked to potential exposure-related health risks, however, there is a paucity of sufficient research. This study aimed to supply information regarding emissions and exposure during directed energy deposition (DED) AM using inconel 718, with the main constituents being nickel, chromium, and cobalt. By using standardized occupational hygiene methods, the measurement strategy consisted of a combined approach, including powder characterization, particle emission monitoring, and personal exposure monitoring of AM operators. Powder characterization of virgin and used powder indicated no significant difference in particle size, shape, or elemental composition. Particle number emissions ranged between 102 and 105 p/cm3 for submicron particles (<1 µm in size). There was no significant difference in the particle emission rate between the three phases of AM or the two types of DED machines (p > 0.05). The particle emission rate for submicron particles peaked at 2.8 × 109 p/min. Metals of concern to human health were detected during the AM process but were considerably lower than the relevant exposure limits. This study confirms particle emissions, predominantly in the submicron range, above the background concentration during DED AM and, although insignificant in terms of potential health effects, AM operators are exposed to detectable concentrations of the metal constituents of inconel.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-1
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-2
content type line 14
content type line 23
ISSN:1660-4601
1661-7827
1660-4601
DOI:10.3390/ijerph20136206