What is the difference between PLA and ABS filaments in terms of nanoparticle emissions?

PLA vs ABS Comparison: The Protocol

We conducted two sets of measurements on the same printer. The same object was printed with nozzle and bed temperatures specific to each filament. 215°/60°C for PLA, 250°/110°C for ABS. The filaments come from the same manufacturer to find the most similar characteristics possible.

It is possible to find large differences in composition between the same families of thermoplastics from different manufacturers. This base is often similar but there is a significant amount of potential additives that each manufacturer can add to give specific properties: color, mechanical resistance, thermal, texture, etc.
The printer was put in an Alveo3D 60x60x60cm enclosure without activating the air filtration system.

Particle measurement is performed using a condensation particle counter (CPC). The device accurately measures the range of particles from 20 to 100nm. Between each test, the room is ventilated and a reading of the particle concentration is taken in the ambient air.

Comparison PLA vs ABS: Results

The data collected from the two tests highlights two main principles:

ABS produces more nanoparticles than PLA,
PLA is not harmless.

In practice, before each test in ambient air, we measured 4000 nanoparticles/cm3 of air.

• During PLA printing, we measured a maximum concentration of 66000 nanoparticles/cm3 with an average of around 15000 nanoparticles/cm3.
• During ABS printing, the maximum reached was 260000 nanoparticles/cm3 with an average of 150000 nanoparticles/cm3.

The highest concentrations are measured at the beginning of the print, regardless of the filament used. In the first 5 minutes, the concentration strongly increases to stabilize at an average value and slowly declines at the end of the print.

3D Printing: Precautions to Take

The use of a 3D printer enclosure highlights the emissions of nanoparticles from both PLA and ABS filaments. Although this PLA filament requires lower melting temperatures and generates fewer nanoparticles than ABS, we still observed concentrations that were 16 times higher than atmospheric levels.
During the most critical phase of ABS printing, we recorded concentrations more than 60 times higher than atmospheric levels. To avoid exposure to such high levels of nanoparticle concentrations in the air, we recommend:

• Positioning the 3D printer in a spacious and well-ventilated room.
• Enclosing the printer with a casing equipped with a filtration or air extraction system.
• Ventilating the area for at least 5 minutes before opening the casing to access the printer.
• Using an efficient particle filtration system for FDM printer emissions (10 – 100 nm).

This invisible pollution of nanoparticles is present in the additive manufacturing process for all types of filaments, whether they are naturally derived like PLA or derived from petroleum like ABS. If you are printing at home, it is advisable to place the printer in a well-ventilated room and to make a casing for it, equipped with an air filtration system like the AlveoONE. For companies or training centers, the custom-made polycarbonate-aluminium casing represents an aesthetically pleasing and effective solution for protecting operators and the public. 

Article written by:

Lucas

CEO at Alveo3D