Comparison of lead-substituting radiation shielding materials using 3D printing technology and evaluation of the usefulness of producing shields

Abstract

In the medical field, radiation provides information for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. As the use of radiation increases and the risk of exposure increases, interest in radiation protection is also rapidly increasing. First, Brass, PLA XRS and Copper are outputted as values when the internal fill density is 100%, and the internal fill pattern is grid. To evaluate the effect of radiation shielding on the raw materials available in 3D prints, 60 Kv, 80 Kv, 100 Kv and 20 mAs, 40 mAs and 60 mAs were taken in order of 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm and 5 mm. Due to the excellent reproducibility composition, only five shots were taken under the same conditions, and the average value of the value was used. Results at 1mm values show that changing kv and mAs conditions does not result in material with a shielding ratio of more than 90%, and at 2mm values, only two materials, brass and copper, have a shielding ratio of more than 90%. In this case, the largest shielding rate can be seen under conditions of copper, 60kv, and 20mAs. Results from more than 3 mm showed that most values were shielded by more than 90%. Through this study, the shield body manufactured with 3D printing technology shows a high shielding rate in the diagnostic X-ray area, so it is judged that it can be used instead of the existing lead protection tool.