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Are you concerned about the potential emissions from your 3D printer? Every 3D printing operation should ensure quality indoor air, particularly concerning particles and fumes which can cause headaches, skin problems, and other long-term afflictions. Invest in a ventilation enclosure attached to an air filter. This will help reduce emissions created by 3D printing while helping protect yourself and anyone nearby. Getting the essentials is essential to minimize your worries and enhance the efficiency of your 3D printer operations. Reading on will provide you with more information that you need to make the right choice for your projects!
When discussing 3D printing safety, the majority of people can only focus on the potential fire hazard. However, this innovative technology is also a source for ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds. So what makes those particle or VOC emissions such an integral issue?
This article dissects the potential risks of 3D printing emissions from a safety standpoint, while likewise addressing any common misgivings. To conclude, we will provide some ways in which you can guarantee everyone around your 3D printer stays safe during usage.
Fact vs. Fiction
When discussing the safety of 3D printing, it is important to note that there are various misconceptions about emissions. These erroneous beliefs can be divided into four primary claims.
- Fiction: Printing with PLA is a safe and straightforward process, without the need for any ventilation system
Surprisingly, PLA particles are more toxic than ABS on a per unit basis. Nevertheless, taking into account that PLA utilizes much lower temperatures and thus produces less particulate matter overall, it can be hard to distinguish how secure PLA is for printing.
To be precise, printing at higher heat levels tends to expel more ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds than lower temperatures. Since PLA prints at a temperature less than ABS, it consequently releases fewer toxic materials into the air.
- Fiction: Only if it smells bad is the danger real
This statement is false. Oftentimes, 3D printing produces trace VOCs and ultrafine particles that do not produce a scent. However, if you are able to catch the odor coming from your printer, it's unmistakable evidence of toxic compounds in the air that can jeopardize your health over time.
- Fiction: Without being properly ventilated outdoors, the printer's fumes cannot be filtered and will impact your quality of air
Indeed, the majority of 3D printers are not well-ventilated to their external environment due to potential heat loss that can result in warpage or other undesirable effects. Thankfully, we have multiple solutions available and will explore them further.
- Fiction: Despite their superior filtration capabilities, HEPA filters will unfortunately not be able to remove nanoparticles created by 3D printers
Contrary to the above, HEPA filters are in fact capable of filtering out nanoparticles generated by 3D printers - even though they're only rated for larger particles.
Emissions
When it comes to 3D printing emissions, we can distinguish two primary varieties: particulate and VOC. Here's an overview of the dangers these pose; let's dive into each one in greater detail so you have a fuller understanding.
· Particulate
Firstly, let us define what particulate is. Given that FDM and SLA 3D printers condense plastic to create an object, they will naturally release ultrafine particles into the atmosphere that could be inhaled throughout the printing process. Nevertheless, these "ultrafine particles" are too diminutive for our eyes to observe since their size is equal or less than 100 nanometers (which can be compared to a single strand of hair which is 50,000 nanometers thick).
Consequently, these particles' small size is what makes them hazardous. These particulates are so minuscule that they can be inhaled and if one's exposure to them continues over time, it could have damaging effects on the lungs or other organs.
· VOCs
It's important to recognize that many activities in everyday life can also release ultrafine particles and VOCs. For example, cooking on a gas stove may produce similar levels of ultrafine particles as 3D printing does - meaning the risk is there but not significantly higher than other routine activity exposure. Nevertheless, extra caution should be taken since 3D printing often requires a substantially longer time to finish than gas stoves and as such generates more VOCs and particulates in total.
Innovative Solutions for Indoor Air Pollution
We don't want to alarm you, but we do believe that it is best for everyone if you take action today to reduce the amount of VOCs and particulate emissions when 3D printing. Thankfully, there are two primary methods that can help in this endeavor!
a) Use 3D Printer Enclosure
The most effective way to limit the release of hazardous particulates and VOCs is by preventing them from ever leaving your 3D printing station. By using a 3d printing enclosure, you can slow down their spread and contain any toxins generated within its borders.
While attaining a completely airtight enclosure is infeasible, containing particles and VOCs inside the sealed space can significantly minimize levels of pollutants that escape. Oftentimes, enclosures will effectively contain contamination even beyond their perimeter.
b) Ventilate adequately
If you're using enclosed 3D printer and want to ensure that your exposure to total particulates and VOCs is minimized, then finding print locations near open windows is a good idea. This may be possible in areas where the temperature and humidity levels are manageable, as these factors have been known to affect the concentration of airborne pollutants. To further minimize air circulation, you can consider placing fans close to the printer to help direct the particles out of the room. Implementing such precautions can create safer printing environments and optimal 3D printing results.
The misconceptions about 3D printing are now debunked. This means you can finally print out your desired design with ultimate accuracy. To ensure indoor air safety and extend longevity of your 3D printer, make sure you apply the recommended safety measures during the process. Don't be afraid to get creative with this safe and fantastic technology! From personalized accessories to customizable small figurines, you can achieve countless of creations using 3D Printing technology.