Health and Environmental Aspects of Additive Manufacturing and Challenges for a Sustainable Production 2
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | SWERIM AB - Material- och Processutveckling |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 9 997 120 |
| Project duration | December 2018 - March 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Challenge-driven innovation - Phase 2 Collaboration |
| Call | Challenge-driven innovation - Stage 2 Collaboration 2018 (autumn) |
Important results from the project
The primary objective of the HÄMAT 2 project is to understand better and minimize the impacts of metal and polymer additive manufacturing (AM) technology on health. For this purpose, a consortium representing the whole AM value chain in addition to specialists in the fields of technical solutions, health, and environmental questions as well as regulatory aspects was formed. The overall objective, of understanding the impacts better and how to minimize them, was achieved.
Expected long term effects
A number of deliverables were stated in the grant application. The final consortium report lists 19 deliverables, which all were achieved.
Approach and implementation
A Swedish academic and industrial consortium investigated the largely unknown health risks of various metal and polymer additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. Emission measurements were performed in AM workshops, which gave a rough picture of the emissions at various process steps, which covered the entire production chain, including raw material handling, printing and secondary processes. In almost all cases, they were lowr than occupational exposure limits (OELs). However, there are some areas where it is necessary to minimize and further investigate risks.