Application of Air Quality Monitoring for 3D Printing Process

As the popularity of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing continues to grow, there is an increasing need to ensure the health and safety of those working with these technologies. The printing process can release a variety of airborne particulates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may be harmful if not properly monitored and controlled. This paper explores the development of automated air quality monitoring systems to enhance the safety and sustainability of the FDM 3D printing workflow. The key challenges of manual air quality monitoring, such as the lack of real-time data, limited spatial coverage, and disruption to the workflow, are discussed. The benefits of automated air quality monitoring, including improved efficiency, enhanced safety, regulatory compliance, and process optimization, are then presented. The paper delves into the design of an effective automated air quality monitoring system, highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate sensors capable of accurately detecting pollutants, and the need for real-time data visualization and reporting capabilities. The implementation of such a system can significantly improve the 3D printing environment, protecting worker health and ensuring regulatory compliance while enabling process optimization for better output quality.