idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft

Nachrichten, Termine, Experten

Grafik: idw-Logo
Grafik: idw-Logo

idw - Informationsdienst
Wissenschaft

Science Video Project
idw-Abo

idw-News App:

AppStore

Google Play Store



Instance:
Share on: 
03/04/2015 13:37

Emissions under control: comprehensive exhaust air analysis during laser processing of plastics

Lena Bennefeld Marketing & Communications
Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.

    In order to provide optimal protection for machine operators and the environment, it is utterly necessary to know exactly which emissions are being released during laser processing of plastics. Scientists at the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) and at the Kunststoff Zentrum SKZ in Würzburg have compiled a comprehensive analysis of the main emissions released during laser processing of plastics. This information is now available in the form of emission data sheets.

    What is the influence of the laser output or process speed on the hazardous materials released? How are the materials, process conditions and emissions related? Based on these and similar questions, equipment for material removal, cutting and welding of plastics was investigated at the place of use, using a mobile measurement unit developed by the LZH. It can be integrated in any exhaust system, and makes direct and guideline-conform measurement of the exhaust possible, with subsequent evaluation according to the Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control (TA Luft). Parallel to this, measurements of the workplace ambient air were taken, and the hazardous material concentrations were compared to the workplace threshold levels (AGW) according to the Technical Guidelines for the Handling of Hazardous Substances (TRGS) 900/910

    Investigation of plastics relevant for applications
    The main emphasis of the investigations is on application relevant plastics, such as PE, PP, PA6, PC/ABS and carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). The research institutes LZH and SKZ examined the released particles and gasses for more than 100 chemical compounds. Based on the information gathered, the dominant influencing variables for the individual processes were determined, and thus a basis for emission-reduced processing was created.

    The results of the investigations are now available as emission data sheets, and they can be ordered from the Safety Technology Group at the LZH. Furthermore, a prevention matrix with suggestions for process and material specific prevention measures was made. The results of the investigations will also become a part of the laser safety database, which can be viewed on the LZH website (http://www.lzh.de/en/publications/laser_safety).

    The research project was supported through the German Federation of Industrial Research Associations "Otto von Guericke" e.V. (AiF) within the framework of the Program on Supporting Industrial Collective Research (IGF) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), based on a decision of the German Parliament.


    Images

    Mobile pump case for guideline-conform sampling in the exhaust air, respectively workplace ambient air on site.
    Mobile pump case for guideline-conform sampling in the exhaust air, respectively workplace ambient a ...
    Photo: LZH
    None

    Measurement cell for guideline-conform sampling directly in the exhaust air.
    Measurement cell for guideline-conform sampling directly in the exhaust air.
    Photo: LZH
    None


    Criteria of this press release:
    Business and commerce, Journalists, Scientists and scholars
    Environment / ecology, Materials sciences, Mechanical engineering
    transregional, national
    Research projects, Research results
    English


     

    Help

    Search / advanced search of the idw archives
    Combination of search terms

    You can combine search terms with and, or and/or not, e.g. Philo not logy.

    Brackets

    You can use brackets to separate combinations from each other, e.g. (Philo not logy) or (Psycho and logy).

    Phrases

    Coherent groups of words will be located as complete phrases if you put them into quotation marks, e.g. “Federal Republic of Germany”.

    Selection criteria

    You can also use the advanced search without entering search terms. It will then follow the criteria you have selected (e.g. country or subject area).

    If you have not selected any criteria in a given category, the entire category will be searched (e.g. all subject areas or all countries).