IC-OCT-NOV22-PG36_Layout 1 10/11/2022 16:41 Page 36


DUST & FUME EXTRACTION


Dust & Fume FIltrAtIOn technOlOgy:


A key enABler FOr new generAtIOn FunctIOnAl mAterIAls


used in industry for many years, it probably only entered public consciousness during the pandemic, as stories abounded about how the technology was being applied at both an industrial and hobbyist level to meet demand for medical equipment. However, behind the headlines, a much


F


bigger revolution was underway, as technologists pushed the boundaries of what is possible in a 3D print environment – thanks to a new generation of functional materials that can turn an exciting design concept into reality. For example, bio-printing can


now create a stent for heart surgery or transport medicine to a specific area of the body. A custom scan of a person’s foot can be used to print bespoke orthopedic inserts. Whether it’s bio-print, edible


print or creating new products using innovative formulations of resins, filaments and powders, 3D printing has evolved its own production and post- processing ecosystem. Whatever the additive manufacturing


process, they all share one common requirement – the need to specify and apply an extraction system that will filter toxic gases, smells, dust, fume and nanoparticles. This can help prevent potentially harmful airborne contaminants both entering the work environment and creating a build-up of debris on expensive equipment, which could potentially impact product quality. This is particularly important with the advent


of new functional materials, which are being developed specifically to work in a 3D print environment to create products benefiting from defined properties, such as tensile


rom F1 steering wheels to bespoke medical devices, elite sports equipment to bespoke consumer goods, the range of products being manufactured via 3D print technology continues to grow.


Although additive manufacturing has been


strength, flexibility and scratch resistance. These new materials need detailed analysis into their composition to ensure that any potentially harmful emissions are filtered effectively during the production process. Indeed, recent research into 3D emissions


undertaken by BOFA, demonstrates that combining chemicals, resins and powders at high temperatures is not without challenges. The research shows that the higher the temperature required to work the material, the greater the propensity for both off-gassing, which can potentially be toxic and smelly, and an increase in the volume of particulate. As a result, the providers of additive


manufacturing equipment and materials technologies are turning to specialist industrial fume and filtration companies, such as BOFA, to help develop flexible, portable extraction systems that are matched precisely to 3D print processes, operating temperatures and the materials being worked. To help with product


quality, materials stability and equipment performance, the additive manufacturing environment needs careful management. The aim is to maintain optimal


chamber operating conditions and contribute to a safe working environment, applying scientific expertise to identify the gases, particulate or fume emissions resulting from specific materials and processes in order to develop an appropriate filtration strategy and system. This means determining the


type, volume, size, shape and velocity of fume and particles being emitted and the relevance to prevailing workplace occupational exposure levels. This information, together with data-driven airflow


36 OctOBer/nOVemBer 2022 | InDustrIAl cOmplIAnce


By luke Ziolkowski, international business development manager, BOFA International


analyses and control parameters, will help define the optimal filtration technology, which will usually include pre-filtration, a main High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter and a layer of activated carbon to remove vapours and gases. Increasingly, system design is also taking


account of high temperatures, with some chamber environments operating at up to 110°C. This not only requires advanced electronics components and thermal insulation, it also demands innovations in air management and temperature control to maintain a stable, filtered additive manufacturing process. By working with companies to match their


system design to their application, BOFA is able to help specify filtration system architecture, filtration media, the integration of any sensors and the most appropriate monitoring and management mechanisms. For example, in metal additive


manufacturing, which commonly involves aluminium and titanium, unwanted oxidation can lead to unbonded material, so chambers are kept inert through the use of nitrogen or argon. Maintaining a stable chamber temperature is also critical for process integrity. It is clear that the growing adoption of


functional materials by 3D print equipment providers and product manufacturers is transforming the AM landscape globally… and innovation in filtration system design is enabling this transition.


BOFA International www.bofainternational.com


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