Clean Strands Seeks Public Backing for 3D Printing Safety Testing

Assume the dream of a 3D printer in every home actually comes to pass. People will be manufacturing everything from toys to new doorknobs in their homes. Not only will that have a serious impact on the current manufacturing model, but it could have an impact on health as well.

Clean Strands represents a group of researchers who want to ensure 3D printing is safe to use in homes, businesses and schools. Building on a report from the Illinois Institute of Technology that questioned the safety of 3D printing (particularly FDM-type systems), the group is seeking public funding through Kickstarter to test and approve the various types of filaments commonly used in additive manufacturing (AM).

Clean Strands Seal of Approval. Courtesy of Clean Strands.

“With the anticipated success of our Kickstarter campaign, testing and certification will begin in September, and all of our results made public by the end of the year,” said Clean Strands Founder, Rachel Spieczny. “We’ll encourage manufacturers to display the Clean Strands Seal of Approval on qualifying boxes of filament, with our overall goal for this project to raise awareness, encourage further research and promote dialogue about 3D printing and consumer safety.”

Cleans Strands is reaching out to the public for funding rather than established AM manufacturers or suppliers in an attempt to avoid a conflict of interest. By getting its start via crowdfunding, Cleans Strands says it intends to provide open and honest reports on its findings.

Along with (theoretical) public support, Clean Strands has also formed a partnership with the Illinois Institute of Technology and Ramboll ENVIRON to assist in testing. The goal is to establish a standard for clean operation. Filaments that meet the standard will be offered the Clean Strands Seal of Approval.

While much of the testing to be done will concentrate on specific brands of filaments, Clean Strands is also interested in determining which combination of chemicals leads to hazardous air emissions. Results of testing can be passed along to filament manufacturers, allowing companies to alter formulas, if needed.

Below you’ll find the Kickstarter video for Clean Strands.

Source: Kickstarter