Abstract
3D printing is gaining popularity by providing a tool for fast, cost-effective, and highly customizable fabrication. However, little is known about the toxicity of 3D-printed objects. In this work, we assess the toxicity of printed parts from two main classes of commercial 3D printers. We also developed a simple post-printing treatment that largely mitigates the toxicity of the STL-printed parts. Our results call attention to the need for strategies for the safe disposal of 3D-printed parts and printer waste materials. This work has been featured as the journal cover in Environmental Science and Technology Letters 3 (1): 1-6 and featured in Forbes, C&En, and Newsweek among other media outlets. The novel method for reducing the toxicity of printed parts are the basis for a patent (US20170120523A1) and the online tool, The PrintSafe Project.
Article & Journal Cover
Shirin Mesbah Oskui, Graciel Diamante, Chunyang Liao, Wei Shi, Jay Gan, Daniel Schlenk, and William H. Grover, Environmental Science and Technology Letters 3 (1): 1-6.
Patent:
William H. Grover and Shirin Mesbah Oskui. "Treatment for reducing the toxicity of 3d-printed parts." US20170120523A1
Impact:
An online tool that seeks to inform 3D printer users about the potential hazards of their printers and educate users about safe printer use.
Featured in:
Forbes, C&En, Newsweek, 3D Printing: The Revolution in Personalized Manufacturing, UCR Magazine, UCR Daily