We need to talk about powder - contamination and sustainable occupational health and safety
Technology in additive manufacturing is developing rapidly. However, after powder handling, soap or washing pastes are often still used—an anachronism with harmful effects on people and the environment. In his presentation, Dr. Jonas Schubert shows how a new technology can remedy this situation.
Most colleagues in additive manufacturing with powder bed processes can confirm this. Even with high standards of personal protective equipment, extraction systems and systems that are as closed as possible, the fine powder particles are deposited in layers on surfaces, clothing and skin.
Despite wearing disposable gloves, many employees complain of a dusty film on their fingers that cannot simply be removed by washing their hands with soap. This is due to powder components that can be found in the lower micrometer and nanometer range. Particles that are so fine that they can neither be sufficiently clarified by sewage sludge nor broken down or excreted by the body. The consequences can be long-term damage to health.
The company DermaPurge has developed the skin cleansing gel powder-ex at the Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research in Dresden, which increases the particle surface area and thus neutralizes the damage to humans and the environment. The product is distributed in Switzerland by NEUTEC Werkzeugmaschinen.
Note: This presentation was given in German.
Referent
Dr. Jonas Schubert, DermaPurge GmbH, CEO
