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. The certification ushers in a new era of safety and sustainability that will expand the adoption of additive manufacturing.
“We are delighted and honored to be the first company with products that achieved the UL 2904 GREENGUARD Certification”
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 that 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 .1 micron) and, when inhaled, can cause cardiovascular and pulmonary issues. More alarming in the study is that there are more than 200 VOCs detected, 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.
“We are delighted to receive the first RIZE Printer certified by UL for GREENGUARD. Safety and sustainability are key to drive increased adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies and we believe that this certification will help both RIZE and the industry to scale its adoption. This is key as we develop our partnership with RIZE,” said Alfons Riek, vice president, technology and innovation, Festo AG & Co, the world leader in automation technology and technical educational solutions.
“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.”
