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3D printing ventilation
How to Ventilate a 3D Printer Properly – Do They Need Ventilation? – 3D Printerly
3D printer fumes and pollutants are usually overlooked by people, but it’s important to ventilate your 3D printer properly.
There are some great ventilation systems that you can make use of to have your 3D printing environment safer and less harmful to people around it.
The best way to ventilate a 3D printer is to put your 3D printer in an enclosure and have a ventilation system that properly tackles the small particulates that 3D printers emit. Make sure you have carbon filters and a HEPA filter to tackle odors and smaller particles.
The rest of this article will answer some key questions on 3D printer ventilation, as well as detail some nice ventilation systems that you can implement yourself.
Do You Need Ventilation for a 3D Printer?
During the printing process, you might have smelled the odor that is produced by the printer. To expel this odor out of the machine and workspace, you can use good ventilation.
However, the quality and smell of odor depends on the type of material that is used for printing purposes. For example, PLA is much safer when it comes to the smell than other filaments such as ABS.
Other than the smell, we also have small particles that are emitted from heating thermoplastics at such high temperatures, the higher the temperature, the worse the particles usually.
It also depends on the chemical makeup of the thermoplastic in the first place. If you are printing with ABS, Nylon or resin material in SLA 3D printers, proper ventilation is highly recommended, along with a mask.
A good enough ventilation system can work very well for ensuring that the surrounding air is clean and not contaminated.
It is said that the average running time for a 3D print can be around 3-7 hours, which is almost a quarter of the whole day when it is producing fumes.
To avoid any kind of harmful effect on your health or body, you seriously need to set up a ventilation system.
Ventilation While Using PLA
PLA is made up of eco-friendly material that produces sweet-smelling fumes that are laced with ultra-fine particles (UFPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Technically, these both materials are not harmful to your health according to the research, but exposure to them daily may cause issues, especially to those with respiratory issues.
An open window or air purification system should work well enough for ventilating PLA.
Although many studies and research mention that PLA is safe, it is hard to measure the marginal health risks over time, and they take many years to properly test for. The risk may be similar to other ‘hobby-type’ activities such as woodworking, painting or soldering.
One study did test PLA for its emissions, and they found that it mostly emits Lactide which is known to be quite harmless. You should keep in mind that different types of PLA are created differently.
One brand and color of PLA could be harmless, while another brand and color of PLA isn’t as safe as you may think.
Many of the studies on emissions from 3D printers are in proper workplaces with many things going on, rather than your standard desktop home 3D printer, so its hard to generalize the findings.
Although it may not be completely safe, the studies show that PLA isn’t very risky, especially compared to other activities that we do on a regular basis.
Even going into a big city with all the pollution from vehicles and factories are said to be a lot worse than 3D printers.
Ventilation for ABS
According to the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, materials commonly used for 3D printing such as PLA, ABS, and nylon can be a source of potentially dangerous VOCs.
ABS has been shown to result in high VOC emissions when heated at those higher temperatures, the main one being a compound called Styrene. It isn’t harmful in small portions, but breathing in a concentrated amount on a daily basis can be harmful to your body.
The concentration of the VOCs however, aren’t as dangerously high as it requires to have serious negative health effects, so printing in a well-ventilated, large room should be good enough to 3D print safely.
I would recommend not 3D printing ABS in a space where you are occupying for long periods of time. If you are 3D printing in a small room with poor ventilation, the rise of VOC concentration in the air can be troublesome.
The UFPs and VOCs produced by ABS during the 3D printing process contains Styrene. This material is not harmful in small portions; however, breathing in it on a daily basis can harm your body.
This is the reason why ventilation is needed during the printing process with ABS.
I would ensure that you are at least using an enclosure with some type of ventilation, ideally in a larger room.
How to Ventilate a 3D Printer
The best thing you can do to ventilate a 3D printer is to make sure your 3D printer chamber or enclosure is sealed/airtight, then to connect a vent from your chamber to the outside.
Some people use a window fan and put it near a window where your 3D printer is to then blow air out of the house. When printing with ABS, many users do this, and it works well to eliminate noticeable smells.
Installing Air Purifiers
Air purifiers have become common in major cities to keep the air clean. Similarly, you can use these air purifiers for your places where 3D printing is being performed.
Purchase a small air purifier and install it next to your 3D printer. Ideally you can put an air purifier within an enclosed system that contains your 3D printer so that the contaminated air passes through the purifier.
Look for the enlisted features in an air purifier:
- Have high efficient particulate air (HEPA) filters.
- A charcoal air purifier
- Calculate the size of your room and select the purifier according to it.
Air Extractors
Air Extractors are considered to be one of the best solutions to improve the ventilation of an enclosed room.
Its working is explained below for you:
- It sucks in the heated air.
- Exchange the heated air with the cool air from outside.
- It uses a fan and suction pipes.
There are two main types of extractors that you can easily purchase from the market, i.e., Twin Reversible Airflow Extractors with and without Thermostats.
Building a 3D Printer Enclosure
You can consider building an enclosure for your printer. It basically involves creating an airtight enclosure equipped with carbon filters, a fan, and a dry-hose that runs outside your home.
In the enclosure, the carbon filter will trap styrene and other VOCs, while the hose will let the air pass through.
This is an effective ventilation process which you can make at home.
3D Printer with Built-in Filtration
There are very few printers that come with a built-in HEPA filtration. Even the manufacturers are aware of the fumes, but nobody bothers installing a filtration.
For example, UP BOX+ is one of the printers that come with HEPA filtration solutions that filter out tiny particles.
You can choose to get a 3D printer with built-in filtration, but these are usually more expensive so be prepared to pay extra for this feature.
The Elegoo Mars Pro is a good example of this which has a built-in carbon air filter to remove some VOCs and resin odor from the air.
How to Ventilate a Resin 3D Printer?
The best way to ventilate a resin 3D printer is to create a negative pressure enclosure which directs air away the enclosure to a space outside.
Long term exposure to resin fumes are unhealthy, even if they don’t smell.
Most people don’t have a dedicated ventilation system and are looking for a simple fix to help ventilate their resin 3D printers.
Following the video above should improve your ventilation for a resin 3D printer.
Remember, resins are toxic and can become allergic to your skin, be careful while using them.
Are 3D Printer Fumes Dangerous?
Not all, but some 3D printer fumes are dangerous and can cause serious damage to the health. As previously described, those UFPs are the more dangerous kind of emissions, where they can be absorbed into the lungs, then into the bloodstream.
According to the research done by the Georgia Institute of Technology, 3D printer fumes can negatively impact the quality of indoor air leading to potential respiratory health issues.
The regulations provided by OSHA actually throw light on the fact that 3D printer fumes are dangerous for health and the environment.
According to the research done on 3D printing filament, ABS is considered more toxic than PLA.
PLA is made up of eco-friendly substance so it is less harmful. This is one of the reasons why PLA is so commonly used, especially over ABS, because of its safety and non-smelling properties.
DIY Ventilation and Filtration for 3D Printing
This 4D Filtration resource is user-supported by donations, affiliate links, and/or ads.
The recommended method for venting a resin printer is to enclose it in a grow tent and vent the fumes outside. Flexible duct and an inline fan will connect the grow tent to a window adapter.
Ideally, the resin printer would be placed outside the residence in a garage, shed, or detached room. Resin printers can be indoors but they should be enclosed and continuously vented.
FDM printers using materials like ABS, ASA, PC, and composites should be vented in a similar manner. During winter, most 3D printers will needed to be heated to ensure successful printing.
Put Resin Printers In A Garage To Maximize Ventilation
It is recommended to place resin printers outside the residence. This mitigates any long-term health risks associated with the resin chemicals off-gassing. This location could be a garage, shed, workshop, balcony, or patio.
If your workspace is well vented, like a garage that has good airflow, then you can leave your resin printer and equipment on a table without an enclosure. When a printing session concludes, you can vent the garage while you are cleaning.
If your workspace is not well ventilated, then it is recommended to place the resin printer in an enclosure, like a grow tent, so you can control the ventilation. Additionally, a grow tent is recommended when heating a resin printer.
Our resin printers are placed in a detached room that is continuously vented. This room was transformed specifically for resin printing.Venting Resin Printers Indoors
Ventilation is a requirement when resin printers are placed inside your house.
Resin printers inside your house should be placed in a separate and sealed room. The resin printer should be put in an enclosure like a grow tent. These are fairly affordable, easy to set up, and are sturdy.
Flexible duct will connect your enclosure to a window adapter. You could drill a hole through the wall but that is not always practical.
An inline fan will pull contaminated air from the enclosure and force it outside.
This is a superb resin enclosure that was community submitted. The inline fan pulls air out of the enclosure and forces it outside via the wall adapter in the top left of the image.Enclosures such as this are arguably overkill, but they are certainly effective. For most people, purchasing a grow tent will be the easier route.
venting resin printers in apartments
Resin printing while living in an apartment is possible, especially if you have windows that open, a patio, or a balcony. An apartment follows the same recommendations as in a house.
It is often asked if the resin printer can be placed in an apartment's bedroom or kitchen. Putting a resin printer where you sleep is a long-term health risk, and putting it in the kitchen can contaminate your food.
If you are in student living, such as a dorm, we do not recommend getting a resin printer. Dorms often have no method of ventilation and any complaints, at minimum, could force you to get rid of the printer. Instead, it is likely that your university library or city makerspace will have printers for you to use.
Community Resin Setups
These are excellent community examples to provide some inspiration in creating your setup.
Email entries to [email protected] or on discord in the #showcase channel. We prefer the images to be landscape and at minimum 1,500x900px. Try to capture the essence of your setup in a single photo. If you have an exceptional setup that needs multiple photos, we'll use multiple slots or create a small slideshow.
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Anonymous By Request
Anonymous by Request Example Setup by 4D Example Setup by 4D Submit Your Setup!Grow Tent Enclosures
The reasons why grow tents are widely used in resin printing is that they are affordable, easy to set up, and sturdy.
A 30 x 18 x 36 inch grow tent retails between $70 to $100. It can comfortably fit a small or medium resin printer, a heater, and resin/equipment. This size can fit two printers, but it will be cramped with a heater.
Always make sure to check the printer's dimensions and pick an appropriate grow tent. If you have the space, a larger grow tent can be useful to store multiple printers, cleaning equipment, resin, and other supplies.
Grow tents can be used:
- outdoors to block wind, sun, rain, and critters on a patio or balcony
- indoors to vent directly outside
- in a garage to help contain heat and optimize venting
- with a fume extractor before being vented
- to fit a printer + a wash & cure station if wide enough
- as a fume hood if using a strong inline fan
Vivosun Grow Tent
$80+
(15% Off)
We use the 30x18x36" size with two small resin printers
VivosunAmazon
AC Infinity Grow Tent
$90+
Tall grow tents can be used sideways if needed
Amazon
Gorilla Grow Tent
$120+
The 24x24x32" size provides plenty of space
Amazon
How Our Resin Room Uses Ventilation + Fans
When it is summer and the temperature outside is ~25-35°C (77-95°F):
- We keep our resin printers outside of their enclosure and on the table.
- On high speed, our inlet fan brings clean air in through one of our Promethean air cleaners (only a MERV 13 filter). This reduces dust in the room.
- On high speed, our outlet fan vents the entire room before, during, and after printing.
When it is summer and the temperature outside is ~40°C+ (104°F):
- We keep our resin printers outside of their enclosure and on the table.
- A portable AC window unit is put on low to medium in order to cool the room.
- If on, at low speed, our inlet fan brings clean air in through one of our Promethean air cleaners (only a MERV 13 filter). This reduces dust in the room.
- On low speed, our outlet fan vents the entire room during printing.
- Both the inlet and outlet fans are turned on high when printing has concluded and cleaning has begun. Afterwards, the fans are left on high, and the AC unit is turned off.
When winter is coming and the temperature outside is below ~20-25°C (68-77°F):
- We keep our resin printers inside a grow tent and the heater temperature set to ~30°C.
- On low speed, our inlet fan brings clean air in through one of our Promethean air cleaners (only a MERV 13 filter). This reduces dust in the room.
- On low speed, our outlet fan vents the entire room during printing.
- Both the inlet and outlet fans are turned on high when printing has concluded and cleaning has begun. Afterwards, the fans are left on high, and the heater is turned off.
When installing the ventilation fans, if the total flow rate of the outlet fan is higher than the inlet fan, then the room is a negative pressure environment. This will pull air into the room through cracks and household HVAC duct. This is the desired scenario.
If the total flow rate of the outlet fan is less than the inlet fan then the room is a positive pressure environment, which will push contaminated air through cracks and household HVAC duct. This is undesirable.
The simplified recommendation is that a single outlet fan should be installed to properly vent your resin printer.
Inline Duct Fans
$25+
100+ CFM
≈0.55+ inh3O
28-80 dB
VivosunAmazon - VivosunAmazon - AC Infinity
120mm DC Fans
$15+
115-178 CFM
0.41-0.94 inh3O
41-54 dB
Ebay - 115 CFM4D - 178 CFM
120mm AC Fan
$18+
110 CFM
0.36 inh3O
47 dB
Amazon
4" Vinyl Duct
$14+
Diameter: 4 inches
Length: 5-20 Feet
4D Filtration
4" Aluminum Duct
$20+
Diameter: 4 inches
Length: 25-50 Feet
Amazon - AC InfinityAmazon - Vivosun
Window Adapter
$18
This flexible window adapter can secure 4 to 6" duct
Amazon
Ventilation Simulations
The following simulations are intended to provide a comparison between common ventilation scenarios for 3D printers.
The animations represent the behavior of the particulates and VOCs that are suspended by airflow. The exact concentrations present during printing are not represented, only the behavior.
Assumptions:
- The small resin printer is simplified to a 20" cube.
- Air temperature is 90°F (32°C), and there is an external wind speed of 5 mph (2.2 m/s).
- The room size is 12x16' (3.7x4.9 m).
- The airflow is represented by transparent brown arrows; the particles are the spheres, colored by the legend dependent on their velocity or temperature.
Worst Case Scenario - No Ventilation
If an indoor room has no ventilation
An indoor room with no ventilation allows for the particle concentration to increase. Resin that off-gasses will eventually spread to the rest of your home.
The mixture remains suspended by free convection that is powered by heat from electronics, sunlight, and artificial light.
Best Case Scenario - Outside The Home
If the printer is on a balcony or patio with a 5 mph wind
While not always practical, placing the printer outside allows for particles to be swiftly carried away by a light wind.
The goal of ventilation is to attempt to reach this behavior while the printer is indoors.
Garage or Indoor Open-Air Ventilation
If a garage or room has a box fan in a window
Perhaps the cheapest garage or indoor solution, putting a box fan in the window will move a lot of air but will gradually expose the entire room to the external temperature.
In a garage, this could work when it is warm outside, but the cool winter air can result in print failures. A small heater will be needed in this case.
The simulated box fan is rated at 1,800 CFM and ≈0.10 inH2O.
If another window or door is cracked open
Slightly opening a window allows for air to enter the room, ensuring that there are no stale pockets of air. The static pressure experienced by the fan is lowered, thereby increasing the flow rate.
This case will be common for most rooms due to air leaking in through cracks, ducts, and under doors.
If another window or door is fully open
Fully opening a window or door maximizes the circulation and ventilation of the air-particle mixture.
Remember that this showcases the particle behavior and not the concentration.
Garage or Indoor Ventilation via Enclosure
If a grow tent is used to vent the resin fumes
This is an ideal solution for ventilation since the particles are contained and there is minimal impact on the air temperature of the residence.
The simulated enclosure is a grow tent that lets air in through the zipper and small cracks. The ventilation is provided by a 120mm fan with a meager 40 CFM and 0.11 inH2O.
Smaller fans prevent excess heated/cooled indoor air from being lost during printing. However, when the enclosure is opened, the small fan is not able to extract the fumes to the extent that a tube-axial (inline) fan could.
Install Filtration as a Secondary Defense
Installing ventilation should always be the primary focus, with filtration acting as a secondary defense. In the event that ventilation is not possible then fume extractors can be utilized so long as they are maintained and the filters replaced regularly.
For resin printers, even if ventilation is installed, you may feel more comfortable with the extra layer of defense provided by a fume extractor or air cleaner.
For FDM printers, installing filtration is often a necessity since the vast majority of filaments are temperature sensitive and their enclosures are not vented.
For FDM printers, the focus will be split on removing both particulates and VOCs, whereas SLA will be primarily VOCs.
Particulates can be efficiently removed with MERV 11-16 or HEPA filters. HEPA filters are not always the best option since they often have a lower flow rate compared to a MERV filter, but they perform well for fume extraction.
The efficient removal of VOCs will require a bed of activated carbon granules or pellets. Impregnated foam is not recommended since it is not as efficient nor as long-lasting as granules.
The capture efficiency of professional/industrial activated carbon systems can be 92-98%, but smaller units with a carbon thickness of 1-2 inches can have an efficiency of 40-60%.
The capture efficiency of carbon will vary depending on the chemicals, impregnation, thickness, temperature, air speed, and etc. The efficiency will decrease when the carbon surpasses a saturation threshold dependent on the thickness of its mass transfer zone.
Filtration - Fume Mitigation
These small air cleaners are designed to be placed inside the acrylic cover of a resin printer.
The units only use activated carbon so they be able to capture an estimated 40-60% of fumes until they become saturated. Particulates will not be captured to any meaningful extent.
The P Mini air cleaner's files are free to download, it uses a blower fan with a higher static pressure, the extra battery capacity gives hours of additional use, and the thick carbon bed will have a longer life and higher capture efficiency.
4D Filtration - P Mini
DIY
Battery: 5,000 mAh
Carbon: 50 g
Dimensions: 53x53x133 mm
4D FiltrationPrintablesThingiverse
Anycubic - AirPure
$30
Battery: 2,000 mAh
Carbon: 13.
6 g
Dimensions: 46x46x115 mm
AnycubicAmazonAliExpress
Elegoo - Mini Air Purifier
$30
Battery: 2,000 mAh
Carbon: 13.6 g
Dimensions: 44x44x107 mm
ElegooAmazonAliExpress
Filtration - Fume Extractors
Fume extractors are designed to remove the majority of containments from the air leaving an enclosure.
The Promethean air cleaner is offered as an affordable alternative that can be hooked up using duct, be inside an enclosure, or next to the printer. Additionally, the high flow rate allows it to act similar to a normal air cleaner.
The BOFA fume extractors utilize HEPA media, have a thicker carbon bed, and are more quiet - the downside is the price bump. Fume extractors are ideal for resin and FDM.
4D Filtration - Promethean
DIY or $200
MERV Filter: $15
Activated Carbon: $20
Airflow: 11-27 cfm
Noise: 41-68 dB
Protection: Particulates & VOCs
via MERV & Activated Carbon Granules
4D Filtration
BOFA - Print Pro 2
$770
Combo Filter: $260
Airflow: 26.
5 cfm
Noise: <44 dB @ "typical"
Protection: Particulates & VOCs
via HEPA & Activated Carbon Granules
BOFAMatterHackers
BOFA - Print Pro 3
$1,200
Combo Filter: $260
Airflow: 88 cfm
Noise: <57 dB @ "typical"
Protection: Particulates & VOCs
via HEPA & Activated Carbon Granules
BOFAMatterHackers
Resin Printer Ventilation FAQ
The easiest way to vent resin fumes is via duct from an enclosure to a window adapter. A fan will pull contaminated air in the enclosure out through the window.
It is possible to sufficiently ventilate a resin printer if you have a window, patio, or balcony. If the printer is placed on a patio or balcony, it will need an enclosure to prevent exposure from sunlight, but you will not need any duct or fans. A printer vented out a window will need an enclosure, duct, fan, and window adapter.
If you live in student housing, we recommend against getting a resin printer. If complaints are made, at the very least, you could be forced to remove the printer. Beyond the fumes, the IPA used would be declared a potential fire hazard. College libraries and city makerspaces should have the printers needed for your projects.
The garage is one of the best places for a resin printer. Placing the printer in a garage will prevent fumes from entering your home.
When a printing session has concluded, the garage can be vented via fan or by opening the doors.
Resin printers can be put outside if they have protection from the elements. An enclosure like a grow tent will provide sufficient protection.
Ultimate Resin Guide - compare resin printers, resin material, and equipment
Preparing for Resin Printing - setting up an enclosure, heating, ventilation, filtration, and cleaning equipment
FDM Printers Guide - comparison table and top picks for filament printers
Resin Properties or Filament Properties - comparison table and top picks for materials
Disclaimer: You assume all responsibility and risk for the use of, but not limited to, the resources, advice, and opinions of 4D Filtration or its employees.
4D Filtration or its employees do not assume any liability or create any warranty for the use of any information. 4D Filtration may receive commissions for referral links. Prices are approximated for simplicity and they may fluctuate due to sales or markdowns. Amazon .com should refer you to your local amazon site if you are not in the United States; there is a chance Amazon's link redirect system will take you to a different product.
Exhaust ventilation in urban areas
Technical worker
Since I print mainly with ABS plastic, I decided to start fighting the stink from printing. Yes, and the wife is constantly sawing for this stink.
Initial data: A typical urban anthill. A double-glazed window without a window, but divided into two parts (different in width). The design on the window must be removable.
My first thought was 4mm plexiglass, ideal. But the price for a piece 1330x378mm did not impress. In a hardware store I came across a sheet of polypropylene 3.
5 mm thick (4 times cheaper than plexiglass), which was just enough for two layers. I glued it with a glue gun, additionally tightening it with M3 screws. For rigidity, I inserted (was available) an aluminum strip of 1.5 mm.
To clamp the polypropylene sheet in the frame, I traced and printed fasteners. I used 6mm studs as spacers.
As a result, it blows only slightly through a small gap in the left corner, there is a metal insert that prevents the sheet from being pressed.
I used a 55x110 ventilation box and a 100mm air duct as air ducts.
This is what it looks like above the printer.
I drew the air intake for two 120mm fans myself, I did not find a finished model on the fingerverse. I didn’t buy duct fans - there are a lot of 120mm computer fans at home. They are controlled from the side of the switches.
I printed BF with plastic, but by the end of printing it began to delaminate anyway.
The first option was printed by FD - so it generally crumbled in the hands.
Spray-painted liberally with primer, acrylic paint, and varnish. In the end, there are no cracks.
The transition from the duct to the window was made from ventilation corrugations. I also installed a non-return valve - as a result, it does not blow into the room from the street.
The window had a strong bend, the draft was falling. I had to put another 120mm fan.
Since the structure is removable (on the window). I made a clip for unfastening the removable part. Perfectly clamps the air duct. So that it does not blow, I made silicone tapes inside the clamp.
As a result, after a day of printing - there is no smell in the room. Everyone is happy, the child too. There is only one minus - the construction must be removed from the window to close the window.
And immediately a question for Simlify 3D users - he got me already. How to make sure that there is no spillage between the parallel walls of the shell?
Nozzle physically 0.6 (checked, like the truth). Flow at 1.20. When I set the nozzle programmatically to 'Auto' (becomes 0.72) - in general, the stratification begins to creepy. The best result is obtained with a program of 0.45. What am I doing wrong?
In the same Kura, there are no problems with sintering when printing (with a flow of 1 and a nozzle of 0.6), Simlify 3D is full of rubbish. So the problem is not in the mechanics of the printer.
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Air pollution in 3D printing
Main page
Articles
Smoke from a 3D printer
Smoke from a 3D printer
Introduction How does the printer pollute the air How does BOFA filter
What is 3D printing
3D printing is also known as additive manufacturing.
This means that the product is created by adding material in layers. The process is controlled by a coordinate XYZ robot with digital control. Printers work with plastic or metal. The material is fed to the deposition point in the form of wire or powder. The printer is melting the material. Then it connects to the previously applied base.
A 3D printer will produce objects of complex shape. This favorably distinguishes the additive process from the subtractive one, when excess is removed from a large piece of material. Machining, laser processing, soldering or welding generate more contamination. And a lot of material is wasted. 3D printing does not consume a lot of extra material. It appears to be a clean process, but it still pollutes the air.
Anyone using 3D printing needs to be aware of the health risks. The 3D printer seems safe. But it can generate toxic fumes and hazardous substance particles. Technological processes that transform the material pollute the air in the workplace.
This applies to cutting, engraving, thermal decomposition in a laser machine, soldering with a toxic flux, etc. Molten metals and polymers are no exception.
Why is a 3D printer dangerous?
Ultrafine particles
Heating a substance causes the release of solid particles, droplets and vapors. They may be harmful if inhaled.
European scientists are gradually revealing the dangers of 3D printing to health. According to the 3D Printer Emissions Report , plastic melting releases small nanoparticles of material into the air. They cannot be seen without special equipment. But that doesn't mean they are safe.
PLA plastic nanoparticles are used in pharmaceuticals as a means of delivering drugs to various organs, including the brain. Cosmetics use the same effect. Ultrafine particles penetrate the skin. By themselves, PLA particles are not toxic. But no one knows about the consequences of accumulation in human organs.
Nanoparticles condense into relatively large formations. It is known for certain about the harmfulness of soot nanoparticles of automobile exhausts . They are associated with degenerative brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.
ABS plastic is toxic when melted. Nanoscopic ABS particles are just as toxic. These particles are very small. During inhalation, they enter the brain through the olfactory nerve. They spread throughout the body through the bloodstream. Most organs can get rid of them naturally, but the brain and lungs become clogged for a long time.
In fact, particles as small as 10-200nm easily enter the bloodstream through the lungs. Their toxic action differs from the original substance in the usual shapes and sizes. According to study by the Italian Institute of Health and Consumer Protection nanoparticles are deposited in the lungs in greater quantities than e-cigarette smoke.
Gases or vapors
Molten ABS gives off a particularly unpleasant odor.
Other plastics including nylon, HIPS and HDPE emit the same toxic fumes but have less odor.
Polymer materials can vaporize some of their constituents. Dioctyl phthalate is often added to them for flexibility and mold resistance. During high heat or laser treatment, benzene is released in hazardous quantities. And while working with PVC, HCl aerosol condenses in the air.
The high temperature in the area of the printer head causes the air to expand. Vapors quickly spread in the work area along with plastic particles. Thermal degradation products of polymers are shown in the diagram below.
How does BOFA work?
A smoke extractor is an extractor hood with filters placed in one device. She got her name at the time when she removed the smoke of a soldering iron or a laser engraver. But these same devices with special filters are also suitable for a three-dimensional printer. The smoke extractor block for the printer is not much different from the soldering block.
3D printing is sensitive to changes in air temperature. Therefore, he is afraid of drafts. If you are using a small open printer, then the polluted air can be removed with a conventional smoke extractor. In order not to disturb the climate in the printer, select the minimum air suction speed.
If your 3D printer model is closed, there is a protective cover, then you can install a cleaning curtain. During operation, while the printer window is closed, it can be turned off. But it will clean the outgoing air when you open the box to take out the finished product.
If your printer is large and completely enclosed, then it will most likely have built-in pipes for connecting the hood. They can be connected to a smoke extractor with large filters. It can operate continuously or turn on at the command of the printer. The fume extractor captures dirty air and returns it back to the printer so as not to change the air temperature during the printing process.
3-stage filtration
A complete smoke extractor is equipped with three filters. The first is the pre-filter. It does not let in coarse dust, so as not to clog the main fine filter with it. The fine filter is HEPA. Particles of all sizes, including aerosols and nanoparticles, settle on its fibers. The gas filter completes the cleaning. It consists of densely packed activated carbon granules with interlayers of fiberglass. Activated carbon traps VOCs and nanoparticles that HEPA missed.
Smoke extractor against exhaust
The cheapest way to remove smoke is a duct fan and air ducts. The emission of polluted air through the window is prohibited by SanPin standards. And the smoke extractor has advantages.
- Good air purification from all kinds of solid particles and aerosols
- There will be no odors from melted plastic or metal in the room
- You will be sure that your health will not suffer
- The microclimate in the 3D printing machine will be stable
- Supply ventilation with heating or air conditioning is not needed, as for the extract through the window
Eliminate the harmful agent
The hood with filters will solve the problems with harmful emissions from 3D printing with polymers and metal powder.
