Global safety science company UL has granted 3D printing company MakerBot a GREENGUARD Certification for its MakerBot Clean Air™ System. An announcement that follows the recent launch of MakerBot RapidRinse™, a fast-dissolving water-soluble support material that removes the need for caustic chemicals and additional equipment during post-processing.
Designed to enhance the 3D printing experience with the METHOD® and METHOD X® 3D printers, the smart-controlled HEPA filtration system has been unveiled a few months ago and integrates a HEPA filter designed that filters ultra-fine particles during the fabrication process.
GREENGUARD Certification on the other hand, is an internationally recognized product emissions certification and labeling program for manufacturers of low-emitting indoor products, furnishings and materials. Products that have achieved GREENGUARD Certification by UL are scientifically proven to meet some of the world’s most rigorous, third-party chemical emissions standards.
Before MakerBot, RIZE is the latest manufacturer to receive these GREENGUARD Certifications.
In this case, the certifications are also intended for the MakerBot METHOD®, MakerBot METHOD X® and MakerBot SKETCH™ 3D printers when printing with MakerBot Tough™ material.
“Our goal with METHOD is to make 3D printing advanced engineering materials more accessible to engineers,” said Nadav Goshen, CEO, MakerBot. “Part of the challenge is to make it easier to print these materials in the office, home, and school. Getting the UL GREENGUARD Certification for the MakerBot Clean Air with METHOD X shows that we can reduce 3D printing emissions from materials well below the maximum levels, a major step towards improving the 3D printing process.”
The Clean Air System with METHOD X was tested for UFPs and VOCs in a controlled exposure chamber, according to ANSI/CAN/UL 2904.1. Findings from additional research tests showed that UFPs were reduced up to 100% and total VOCs were reduced up to 64%. Specific chemicals of health concern when printing ABS materials showed a significant reduction in emissions with Clean Air. All chemicals of concern also had emission rates and estimated office concentrations below recommended levels.
Achieving GREENGUARD Certification for the Clean Air System with METHOD X is the latest in Stratasys and MakerBot’s ongoing initiatives that aim to support industry safety, sustainability, and compliance.
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