P RE S S RE LE AS E
Emissions under control: comprehensive
exhaust air analysis during laser
processing of plastics
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.
 Press release
Hannover, March 4th, 2015
 Contact
Lena Bennefeld
Marketing & Communications
+49 511 2788-238
presse@lzh.de
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 guidelineconform 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
Editing:
Dipl.-Biol. Lena Bennefeld | Marketing & Communications | +49 511 2788-238 | presse@lzh.de
Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. | Hollerithallee 8 | 30419 Hannover, Germany | +49 511 2788-0 | www.lzh.de
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 IGF project 433ZN of the Research Association on Welding
and Allied Processes e.V. of the DVS was financed by 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. All project results will soon
be available as part of the final reporting by the SKZ.
There are two figures for this press release.
Editing:
Dipl.-Biol. Lena Bennefeld | Marketing & Communications | +49 511 2788-238 | presse@lzh.de
Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. | Hollerithallee 8 | 30419 Hannover, Germany | +49 511 2788-0 | www.lzh.de
Caption figure 1: Mobile pump case for guideline-conform sampling in the exhaust air, respectively workplace
ambient air on site. Photo: LZH.
Caption figure 2: Measurement cell for guideline-conform sampling directly in the exhaust air. Photo: LZH.
Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH)
As an independent, non-profit research institute, the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) stands for innovative
research, development and consulting. The LZH is supported by the Lower Saxony Ministry for Economics, Labour and Transport and is dedicated to the selfless promotion of applied research in the field of photonics and
laser technology. Founded in 1986, over 170 employees are now working for the LZH.
Editing:
Dipl.-Biol. Lena Bennefeld | Marketing & Communications | +49 511 2788-238 | presse@lzh.de
Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. | Hollerithallee 8 | 30419 Hannover, Germany | +49 511 2788-0 | www.lzh.de
The focus of the LZH lies on the fields of optical components and systems, optical production technologies, and
biomedical photonics. Interdisciplinary cooperation between natural scientists and mechanical engineers makes
innovative approaches to challenges from the most different areas possible: from the development of components
for specific laser systems to process developments for the most diverse laser applications, for example for medical technology or lightweight construction in the automotive sector. Seventeen spin off companies have emerged
from the LZH up to now. Thus, the LZH has created a strong transfer between fundamental science, application
oriented research, and industry.
SKZ – Das Kunststoff-Zentrum
When dealing with plastics – SKZ is the address. For more than 50 years, SKZ, the largest plastics institute in
Germany, has been offering practical solutions to individual needs. The SKZ offers testing and quality assurance
for products, and with more than 10,000 participants a year, is the market leader for training and knowledge transfer to industry in the field of plastics. In the field of research, market-based developments, and product and process technology improvements are being carried out. SKZ provides its customers with consulting throughout the
entire value-added chain, from development via production up to the application, always with the goal of finding
the best solution. The certification of management systems offers the best conditions for productivity and business success.
Editing:
Dipl.-Biol. Lena Bennefeld | Marketing & Communications | +49 511 2788-238 | presse@lzh.de
Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. | Hollerithallee 8 | 30419 Hannover, Germany | +49 511 2788-0 | www.lzh.de