Microplastic Particles Emitted from 3D Printing and Their Mitigation: Using Particle Number Concentration as a Surrogate for Control Measures
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Jhy-Charm Soo
Location
Russell Union Ballroom
Type of Research
On-going
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering & Computing
Department
Civil Engineering & Construction
Abstract
3D printers continue to influence innovation. However, little is known about how emissions from these machines can affect human health. More specifically, the study aims at evaluating the concentration of PLA and ABS dispersed into the air during the printing process, as well as determining if these particles fall into the micro size range (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1). To evaluate the size, the OPC-N3 optical sensor is utilized. The sensor data are plotted as a particle mass concentration (µg/m^3) vs. time history plot (approximately 4 hours) and dumped into a .csv file and further analyzed. Two sensors are utilized in each test, measuring emissions in the far field and near field, and are compared. Towards the end of the test, a Levoit air filter is introduced to simulate an air filtration system. The results of this study can indicate whether these emissions pose a risk to humans, and if an air filtration system could be a means of reducing concentrations of particles.
Program Description
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Start Date
4-23-2026 2:00 PM
End Date
4-23-2026 4:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Hamilton, Jay and Adharsingh, Nicholas, "Microplastic Particles Emitted from 3D Printing and Their Mitigation: Using Particle Number Concentration as a Surrogate for Control Measures" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 180.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/180
Microplastic Particles Emitted from 3D Printing and Their Mitigation: Using Particle Number Concentration as a Surrogate for Control Measures
Russell Union Ballroom
3D printers continue to influence innovation. However, little is known about how emissions from these machines can affect human health. More specifically, the study aims at evaluating the concentration of PLA and ABS dispersed into the air during the printing process, as well as determining if these particles fall into the micro size range (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1). To evaluate the size, the OPC-N3 optical sensor is utilized. The sensor data are plotted as a particle mass concentration (µg/m^3) vs. time history plot (approximately 4 hours) and dumped into a .csv file and further analyzed. Two sensors are utilized in each test, measuring emissions in the far field and near field, and are compared. Towards the end of the test, a Levoit air filter is introduced to simulate an air filtration system. The results of this study can indicate whether these emissions pose a risk to humans, and if an air filtration system could be a means of reducing concentrations of particles.
