Research from BOFA International helps to understand the need for 3D print filtration

There is relatively little authoritative industry insight into the by-products of additive manufacturing processes. Research undertaken by BOFA International, a leader in portable fume and dust filtration, underscores how filtration and atmosphere management technology can contribute positively to workplace environmental practices while helping drive productivity.

BOFA helps manufacturers manage their 3D print environments using advanced filtration. The company’s range of portable filtration and atmosphere management systems are tailored to specific processes and provide multi-stage filtration of nanoparticles, particulate, fume and gases. 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.

“The term ‘3D printing’ covers many additive manufacturing processes but they share a need for effective removal of particulate and fume to help operators meet their obligations under Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations,” said Katrina Clemens, General Manager, BOFA Americas, Inc. “BOFA’s portable range of extraction units for this sector also helps filter print residue that would otherwise build-up on expensive machinery. In time, this debris could potentially degrade high-value components, affect product quality and impact productivity.”

BOFA has developed a range of solutions for the 3D printing sector, with filter technology and extraction performance matched to specific applications. These products will be on display at the RAPID +TCT 2022 event in Detroit, 17^th – 19^th May.

BOFA International was launched in 1987 as a small family business and has developed into a multi-award-winning global leader in portable fume extraction and filtration. It now employs over 260 people at its headquarters in Poole, Dorset, and in offices in Germany and the USA and exports to 120 countries around the world. Its reputation in providing high-quality portable fume extraction solutions has become well established over the last 35 years and trusted by all sizes of business in a wide cross-section of industries including laser, electronics, 3D printing and additive manufacturing, printing, mechanical engineering, dental, medical, pharmaceutical and beauty.

In September 2018, BOFA International was acquired by US-based Donaldson Company, Inc, a global leader in the industrial filtration market, manufacturing filtration systems and parts.

BOFA’s industry research into 3D print emissions can be downloaded by visiting https://bofainternational.com/en/3d-printing-emissions/

Picture: Katrina Clemens, General Manager, BOFA Americas, Inc.