RIZE, Inc., a next-generation additive manufacturing company dedicated to sustainable and inclusive innovation, announced that it became the first in the 3D printing industry to receive UL 2904 GREENGUARD Certification with its RIZE One Industrial 3DPrinter, as well as its Rizium One filament, Release and Marking inks. This certification is based on the new UL 2904 Method for Testing and Assessing Particle and Chemical Emissions from 3D Printers.
A two-year study published by UL, the world’s leading safety science company, and the Georgia Institute of Technology found that many desktop 3D printers release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ultrafine particles into the air that are known health hazards, compromising health and indoor air quality for millions of students, patients and employees who work near 3D printers in schools, hospitals, offices and factories. More than 90% of the particles emitted by these 3D printers are in nanoparticle range (less than 0.1 micron) and, when inhaled, can cause cardiovascular and pulmonary issues. The study found more than 200 VOCs, and many are known irritants and carcinogens. Common VOCs detected include formaldehyde, a known carcinogen; styrene, a flammable chemical and irritant; and caprolactam, a known irritant of eyes, nose and throat that can cause headaches.
Responding to the need to develop emissions standards for the rapidly growing 3D printing industry, in 2018, UL published emissions standard UL 2904 for 3D printers that outlines particle and VOC emissions limits to demonstrate that 3D printers can be used without negatively impacting indoor air quality. Products that achieve UL 2904 GREENGUARD Certification are scientifically proven to meet some of the world’s most rigorous third-party chemical emissions standards, helping to reduce indoor air pollution and the risk of chemical exposure.
“As the first 3D printer provider to earn GREENGUARD Certification to UL 2904, RIZE demonstrates their leadership in proactively bringing 3D printers to market that help support healthier indoor environments. We congratulate them on this notable accomplishment,” said Alberto Uggetti, vice president and general manager for UL’s Environment division.
“We are delighted and honored to be the first company with products that achieved the UL 2904 GREENGUARD Certification,” said Andy Kalambi, president and CEO of RIZE, Inc. “Safety and sustainability is at the core of our mission to expand the usage of industrial 3D printing to all users and in all workplaces. We were able to meet the requirements set forth by UL 2904 because we purpose-built the RIZE system for safety and environmental-friendliness, with our engineering-grade thermoplastic compounds that are best-in-class for strength, yet safe to use virtually anywhere without special venting, disposal equipment or gloves.”
RIZE
www.rize3d.com
