- Identify the what, where and how for the process
- Proper containment and safe set up?
- Fire/chemical reaction potential
- Waste management
Additive manufacturing is the same technology that 3D printers use to make objects out of extruded plastic filament. But in this case, metal powder is heated to its melting point and 3D metal objects are made.
The hazard in this process is the powdered metal and heat. Powdered metal can be extremely combustible, so the printers are enclosed, and an inert atmosphere is used (e.g. argon gas). The picture of the NEAT lab at UNL shows a machine and operator. The machine you see sprays powdered metal out of a nozzle and melts it simultaneously with a laser onto the printing surface. A different printer in this lab prints by melting metal in precise shapes in a bed of powdered metal.
If while conducting a laboratory survey, you discover that a laboratory is engaged in work with additive metals manufacturing, inform the Senior Specialist so they can follow-up. When possible, make note of the devices in use and the type of metals being used. Taking a picture of the devices and reactive metals that you are concerned about may be helpful.