Characterization and gravimetric analysis of exposure from Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) PA12 nylon powder handling process

Ng, Siew Man (2019) Characterization and gravimetric analysis of exposure from Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) PA12 nylon powder handling process. Project Report. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

One of the rapid advance prototyping that is selective laser sintering (SLS) increases rapidly worldwide. With the increased usage of SLS printers, the issues of the operator and safety become a main course. Ultrafine particles (UFPs) and other chemical contaminants are emitted during the SLS printing process. The powder exposure may cause the eyes, throat pain, heart and respiratory illnesses with long-term exposure. To date, there are limited studies measured exposure using a powder bed fusion type of additive manufacturing. The purpose of this study is to investigate the operator exposure using NISOH 0500 and 0600 method using two different ratios, which are virgin powder and recycle nylon powder. Prior to the experiment, the powder was sent for characterization for scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermos gravimetric analysis (TGA) and particle size analysis (PSA). In SEM analysis, the morphology of the powder shows the uniform spherical shape with size 50-60m. Calibration block was select to be print along with the experimental measurement of dust. Gravimetric analysis of the filter was measured during the handling powder process. For NISOH 0500, the concentration of total particulate, C = 0.2 mg/m3 while NISOH 0600, the concentration of respirable particulate does not show a significant amount of PM2.5. It can conclude that the particle size is more than 2.5 μm that proved by the particle size analysis result. Personal protective equipment and suitable ventilation system are suggested for operators that run the SLS machine printing process.

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