Inhalation exposure to hazardous substances during powder-bed processes

Abstract

This work resumes first results concerning the identification of workers' inhalation exposure by means of workplace measurements in the field of additive manufacturing. In particular for powder-bed processes, risks caused by mixed exposures due to released particles and relevant chemical constituents or possible volatile compounds have to be evaluated. The workplace measurements are focused on processes in the automotive as well as the aviation and tool construction industry. The aim is to gain exposure data concerning the application of metal-containing powders and alloys as well as polymer powders in powder-bed processes and to derive instructions for good working practice.