Best air purifier for 3d printer
7 Best Air Purifiers for 3D Printers – Easy to Use – 3D Printerly
The number of 3D printers entering homes, classrooms, libraries and many other locations is astounding and we can see through trends, it’s only going to keep on increasing.
Unfortunately, during the use of a 3D printer, you’ll be exposed to negative effects on air quality around you such as fumes and other harmful pollutants/emissions.
In many cases, there are even provisions and laws fixed by governments to mandate certain levels of pollution in a host of settings such as public buildings. If we want to follow these type of guidelines, you’ll need a device that clears pollutants from the air.
Based on this, it’s a good idea to tackle this problem so it doesn’t affect your respiratory health as well as others around you. Luckily there are professional products called air purifiers which do exactly that.
I’ve decided to put together a list of the 7 best air purifiers for your 3D printer.
Specs
- Product size: 23 x 12 x 12 inches
- Weight: 21 pounds
Features
- Ultra-dense h23 true HEPA filter
- Activated carbon filter to tackle VOCs
- 3-fan speeds
- Timer function
- Check filter indicator
- Auto, sleep & timer mode functions
Pros
- Cleans air in 30 minutes in rooms as large as 881 ft²
- High quality filter captures large particles like lint, hairs & fluff
- True HEPA filter fights small particles like dust, mold spores, pollen & mites
- Carbon filter absorbs unwanted odors
- Great for allergy relief, especially in the summer
- Adjustable fan speed tackles the worst of air quality
- Very low noise at just 25 dB
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Filter may need replacing sooner due to use & air quality
- Stock of filter can be low depending on demand
- Filters are pretty expensive but needs replacing every 6-8 months on average
Review
This air purifier is one for the long term. It does everything you need it to do plus a lot more as you can see in the features. Other than the wide range of positives that this machine has, the big downside is the price of the filter. Sometimes you just have to pay for quality because LEVOIT has plenty of it.
Many users have used this and been pleasantly surprised with its results. At first, air purifiers may seem like they don’t do much, but a high quality one really makes the difference.
One user described how he has a neighbor who constantly chain-smokes day and night and it drove him mad. Not only that, but he had kids who were breathing all the contaminated air which isn’t an ideal situation.
After purchasing a LEVOIT LV-h233 machine, their problems were cleared up so much better. Simply running it on high for 10-20 minutes totally cleared the smell and it’s no louder than a white noise machine. They also moved to a dusty, dry desert area which was also fixed with this air purifier.
If you have a filament or resin 3D printer, this air purifier should significantly reduce the fumes and provide you with cleaner air.
It looks professional, well-packaged and has made a massive change to many people around the world.
Get the LEVOIT LV-h233 Air Purifier from Amazon, for a respectable price.
Specs
- Product Size: 9.25 x 20 x 22.25 inches
- Product Weight: 21 pounds
Features
- Filtration and circulation of air in room five times in an hour. It renders air fresh.
- 99.9% capturing airborne particles.
- Quite well for an extra bigger room to the size of 465 sq. ft
- Neutralization of odor.
- Auto-off timer option
- Touch controls are easy to use.
- Deals with up to 0.3 microns.
Pros
- Effectively clears dust from room, as well as lightening the feel of air inside your room
- Independently tested to ensure it performs to all product claims
- Quite simpler with offerings of the double filter
- Equipped with filter change indicator
- Equipped with blue light off on the control panel
- It is not noisy, so it won’t disturb your daily activities or your sleep
Cons
- No automatic monitoring
- No Wi-Fi availability
- Touchscreen has low sensitivity
Review
It covers 465 sq. ft. area for cleaning which is more than enough for most rooms in a house.
3D printers set in that room size will benefit by cleaning the air thoroughly, much more so than not having an air purifier at all. This is definitely a machine that shouldn’t be taken lightly in terms of its ability to get rid of bad odors and transform your air quality to something very ideal.
This machine has a genuine A+ pre-filter which is the first level of filtration for those larger particles that we can see, like dog hairs, lint and dust. These should be replaced every 3 months or so.
We then have certified true HEPA filters which capture the commonly-known 99.7% of microscopic allergens floating in the air. For the best performance, you should replace this filter every 12 months.
It is equipped with cooling modes such as germ, allergen and a turbo mode which does a great job tackling the levels of air pollution you require.
It doesn’t have a remote control like some other air purifiers, but that isn’t a necessary feature. The Honeywell HP300 is a good product to have if you are looking for a serious product.
Specs
- Product Size: 13 x 13 x 20.4 inches
- Product Weight: 13 pounds
Features
- Energy star rating for low energy consumption.
- No extra batteries needed for the product.
- 99% removal of dust, cooking odors, etc.
- It sounds up to 31dB and that is no louder than a whisper
- Filters air 5 times in one hour
- It is useful for up to 540 sq. ft rooms
Pros
- The style of the product is quite trendy.
- The carbon layer is placed on the inner HEPA filter that gets rid of odors
- Blue Air adds more effectiveness to the carbon filter and filtered air is passed through the carbon layer
- It is much quieter than you can even watch a movie by sitting next to it
- It is quite unobtrusive
- Works well in medium to large bedrooms
- Low energy consumption at 30-60w
- Smells clean like sterilized and it feels like you are breathing from O2 tank
Cons
- Button on the front is quite sensitive to be turned on
- Not equipped with a filter change indicator
- Not the quietest operation
Review
Blue Pure produced this product for the person in the middle, who doesn’t want something too budget or too expensive.
It is pretty small compared to most 3D purifiers at this price but it has a good capacity for a range of up to 540 square feet. This air purifier would do a great job to clean 3D printer particles from burning filament.
The provision of the three-stage filtration renders it adequate for being a true HEPA filter purifier.
Polypropylene is used to capture dust particles in the surrounding space.
If you have a medium or large room that suffers from 3D printing particles being extruded, then this is a good product to go for.
Specs
- Product Size: 8.7 x 8.7 x 14.2 inches
- Product Weight: 8.8 pounds
Features
- Core 300 used to clean air in the surroundings.
- Operation is not disturbing because light can be turned off and it provides you affectless night from light.
- Timers for 2,3,4,5 hours are provided to add more convenience.
- Check filter indication light
- Energy star certification for safe use. Avoidance from UV/Ion light by cleaning the air.
- A most silent air purifier that does not create any voice. It works at 24dB quiet sleep without any voice.
- 3-in-1 h23-grade True HEPA filter making it more reliable with professional services from California where it is designed.
Pros
- Core 300 adds an extra efficient cleaner for your environment, up to 219 ft²/20m²
- 5 changes of HEPA filtered air per hour
- Silent workers to make you sleep better even sleep next to it and its robust exposure will not make you feel its presence.
- Timer provision for more convenience
- Small in size
- Lightest to carry
- Energy star certification
- UV rays protector
- Equipped to turn off light to get avoided by light disturbance.
- The longer length and large expansion area improve filtration.
Cons
- No automatic monitoring.
- Having no Wi-Fi capability
Review
If you are looking for an air purifier for small space even for homes to get protection from polluted air quality then you are looking for the right product.
It can be used for purifying air polluted from your 3D printer. Although we can’t see these small particle, they are definitely being put out in the air and we don’t have the best ways of getting rid of it. The LEVOIT Core 300 does a great job filtering these tiny particles.
Its smaller size and lightness add easiness to portability. It would be an amazing addition to a small office or home. This is pretty much quiet. On average, it uses just 35 watts of power and that is not bad for any user.
There may be reports or you may see this in comments that it gets warm after operating for months, but it is quite simple to release this concern by turning it off and keeping windows open for some time.
You should go for this product if you are on a budget because it is quite a new product and there would not be any issue to recommend it for small places air purification.
Get the LEVOIT Air Purifier, the #1 Amazon Best Seller today.
Specs
- Product Size: 24. 1 x 23 x 9.8 inches
- Product Weight: 19.4 pounds
Features
- It covers an area of around 815 square feet.
- Equipped with six different stages of purification.
- 99.97% efficiency to particles of 0.3 microns.
- Efficiency level up to 99% for particles up to 0.1 microns.
- It can stand on two positions whether alone or mounted with a wall.
Pros
- Equipped with filter change indicator.
- The sound level is quite lower around sleeping.
- The motor is energy certified.
- It can work up to 2 years if operated for 12 hours on a daily basis.
- Equipped with a 5-year warranty.
- Removes odor of cigarettes, cooking and much more
- Modernized equipped design and control system.
- Topline air purifying product.
- Use of brushless motor.
Cons
- It cannot hold on to its settings in case of sudden power loss.
- No automatic monitoring.
- No Wi-Fi availability.
Review
RabbitAir is as famous in the market for its products but it is a matter of their history which makes them a viable option to purchase.
They have been developing amazing products and competing against other brands since 2004. They are one of the leaders in the market and they know how to add wanted features to their products to really make a difference.
This air purifier is definitely a candidate for one of the best air purifiers of 2020, but it does come at a premium price.
The flat design makes it more radiant and the brand has taken it as an advantage to come up with vinyl applications.
It is equipped with a six-stage filtration processes; pre-filter, medium-filter, true HEPA filter, customization by your own choice, ion generators, and activated carbon filter. It makes it quite exceptional to get attention to the maximum.
It is quite an amazing product that it would be enough even a long talk. There is only one downside of the product that the speed of fans is pretty slow. But still quite good and you would really like to use your earned money quite wisely.
Specs
- Product Size: 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches
- Product Weight: 15.4 pounds
Features
- 4 fan speeds for greater control
- Equipped with 3-stage air purification
- VOC smart sensor & air quality visual indicator
- HEPA filter to capture particles up to 0.3 microns
- Covers rooms up to 360 sq. ft.
- It works at a noise level of 27.8 dB
- Equipped with plasma technology
- Equipped with smart sensors to monitor air quality
- Remote controlled system to work out by your own ease
Pros
- Set and forget auto mode in smart sensors
- CADR & AHAM certified plasma cleaner
- Automatic fan speed controller to lower it
- Able to dim control panel display during night operation
- Energy-efficient cleaning
- Washable after every three months to maximize the effectiveness
Cons
- May get malfunctioned by interference from other electronic devices.
- Avoid using the PlasmaWave technology as it can produce ‘Ozone’
Review
Winix is a Korean-based company and quite good at providing air purifiers for the last 40 years. The 5500-2 is equipped with quite an excellent quality of plasma air cleaning technology.
On its front, it is equipped with a 5-button function. Moreover, the company directed not to keep it quite open in sunlight to avoid any of the products.
It is a well-designed product with better performance value. From the wide number of features this machine has to the many benefits and certifications, this air purifier is a good choice for clearing up 3D printing pollution.
Specs
- Product Size: 13.5 x 7 x 19.5 inches
- Product Weight: 12 pounds
Features
- It is equipped with a manual control system.
- Equipped with a two-year warranty.
- Sensor to measure air quality and change speed to real-time use.
- 5-in-1 air purification system
- Ionizer which is ozone-safe (9 parts per billion)
- Auto mode which adjusts fan speed in real time
- Remote-control operation
Pros
- Ozone free environment.
- Highly efficient protection from air pollutants
- Eliminates odors fast
- Easily be able to tell whether air quality is good, bad or average
- Equipped with a 2-year warranty
- Very quiet in operation, especially in sleep mode at 20 dB
- Low price product equipped with great value
Cons
- Customer service has been reported to have some issues but most is good
Verdict
It is a product with much familiarity in design and top of the line features to make it easy to use and very effective in functionality. On top of that, it’s all at a very competitive price for a high-tier air purifier.
Customers have highly rated this product with more than 2000 comments from customers who are quite satisfied with that product.
It is equipped with 5-stage air quality to develop an environment of great protection from polluted air. It can easily cover a room of size 360 square feet. It is quite simple to use and easy to control.
It has continued to be a popular product on Amazon with positive reviews because of its budget air purification. The fan power has been known to be quite weak on the lower settings, but this can easily be turned to the higher modes.
Final Recommendations
When we look at features, specifications, benefits along with cons and finally, the price, there is one air purifier I recommend the most.
That purifier is the LEVOIT LV-h233. It comes from a very reliable brand that is well-respected in the air purifier space and it will do its job to get rid of 3D printing pollution.
The h23 true HEPA filter is a necessary feature which works very well for its intended purpose and it’s ideal for large rooms. Even past the scope of 3D printing, if you have respiratory issues, allergies, pets or kids, this product will be an excellent addition to your home gadgets.
Best Air Purifiers for 3D Printers [With HEPA and Carbon Filters]
If you’re a 3D printer enthusiast, then you’re probably well aware of the pollutants that are emitted when printing. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best air purifiers for 3D printers, with both HEPA and carbon air filters.
Printing in a well-ventilated room is always advisable, but if you want to take things one step further, an air purifier is a great way to eliminate any harmful emissions from your 3D printer.
Which Air Filters Work for 3D Printers?
There are three types of filters that are effective at trapping particles emitted by 3D printers: HEPA, carbon air filters, and PECO filters.
HEPA Filters
Airborne contaminants come in many forms, from large particles that are easily visible to the naked eye to smaller microparticles that can only be seen with a microscope. During the printing process, 3D printers release a fine mist of ink particles into the air, known as ultrafine particles, or UFPs. These particles are small enough to bypass the body’s natural defenses and enter the bloodstream, where they can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer.
HEPA filters are designed to trap particles as small as 0.3 microns in size, which means they are effective at capturing most UFPs. However, True HEPA filters are even more effective, with the ability to trap 99.9 percent of particles as small as 0.1 microns. This makes True HEPA filters the best option for reducing exposure to UFPs emitted during the 3D printing process. You can also find out if HEPA air filters remove asbestos from the air by checking our article here.
Carbon Air Filters
A carbon air filter is a type of air filter that uses activated charcoal to trap pollutants. Carbon filters are effective at trapping a range of pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are released when plastic is heated during 3D printing. VOCs can be dangerous to your health, so it’s important to remove them from the air you breathe.
But, while carbon air filters are good at removing VOCs and odors, they are not as effective at trapping UFPs. This is because the pores in activated charcoal are too large to capture such small particles. Moreover, carbon air filters need to be replaced more frequently than other types of air filters, as they lose their efficiency over time.
PECO Filters
There are many dangers that come with 3D printing, chief among them the release of toxic fumes into the air. But a new technology promises to change all that, and it’s called photoelectrochemical oxidation (PECO).
PECO filters out both particles and VOCs from the air, permanently destroying any toxins. What’s more, PECO can destroy carbon-based particulates, which is what most plastic molecules are made of. In other words, PECO filters are the best way to keep your air clean and safe when 3D printing.
Read Also: Do Air Purifiers Release EMF Radiation?
Best Air Purifiers for 3D Printer Pollution
Now that we know which air filters are effective at trapping 3D printer emissions, let’s take a look at the best air purifiers for 3D printers.
1. Molekule Air Purifier with PECO Technology
The Molekule air purifier is a top-of-the-line device that is perfect for larger rooms up to 600 square feet. It features an easy-to-control touch-screen interface, and it also can be remotely controlled by phone.
This air purifier has three fan speeds that you can choose from to customize your purification needs. It is also very quiet, only 41 decibels at the lowest speed. Additionally, it can be easily carried and placed anywhere in the room.
The best feature of the Molekule air purifier is the PECO technology. This doesn’t just collect 3D printing pollutants, it destroys them at a molecular level. There is also an indicator to track the replacement schedule for your PECO filter.
Check out this 3D printer air purifier on Amazon.
2. Medify Air Purifier with h23 True HEPA Filter
The Medify air purifier is designed with a sleek touch screen operation panel that allows you to choose from 3 fan speeds and a 0-8 hour timer. The lowest setting operates virtually silent, making it ideal for nighttime use. It also has a sleep mode, which completely dims the unit’s panel lights.
Perfect for spaces up to 1,000 square feet, this air purifier will remove 99.9% of harmful particles including allergens, dust, contaminants, and more down to 0.1 microns in size using HEPA h23 filtration technology. The activated carbon filter removes VOCs and burning plastic odors that come from 3D printing.
The Medify air purifier has a child lock feature, making it great for both kids and pets. It also comes with a filter replacement indicator to let you know when it’s time to replace the filters.
You can check and buy this HEPA air purifier for 3D printers here.
3. Levoit Air Purifier with a True HEPA and Carbon Filter
The Levoit air purifier has a CADR of 466 m³/h and delivers fresh air in rooms as large as 1,150 square feet in just 30 minutes. It is equipped with a 3-stage filtration system: h23 True HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, and nylon pre-filter. Therefore, it can remove 99.97% of particles, including resin 3D printer fumes.
This air purifier has a rated power of 49W, making it a low-cost option that doesn’t consume a lot of energy. Additionally, it is whisper-quiet with noise levels as low as 25dB in sleep mode.
It’s also easy to use, with a timer that can be set for 1-12 hours and a filter replacement indicator. The air purifier is safe and trustworthy with a Levoit professional customer support team.
Click here to see the Levoit air purifier on Amazon.
4. ELEGOO Mini Air Purifier for Resin 3D Printers
The ELEGOO mini air purifier not only matches ELEGOO Mars series printers, but is also compatible with other types of 3D printers, such as LCD, DLP, and MSLA resin 3D printers. It works by absorbing and filtering out the resin odor before it is circulated throughout the printer.
This small and affordable air purifier comes with one activated carbon block that can be used for 3 to 6 months and can be replaced as needed. The 2000mAh battery allows the purifier to work continuously for at least 24 hours once fully charged. The only downside is that the charcoal packs are difficult to find.
See this product on Amazon.
In conclusion, the best air purifier for a 3D printer is one that has both HEPA and carbon air filters. This will ensure that any harmful pollutants are removed from the air, making it safer for you to breathe.
We also recommend trying the Molekule air purifier with PECO technology, which is specially designed to break down and remove UFPs and VOCs.
18 must-have 3D printing accessories for resin printers - Accessories
Tiffany Garrett
Accessories
Resin printers are getting cheaper and more affordable all the time, and top 3D printers like the Anycubic Photon and Elegoo MARS are lowering the cost of resin printing like never before. However, resin printing is much more complex than FDM printing, so you may need many different accessories. Some of them will make your life easier, some will make you safer, and all of them will help you start your journey. Here are 18 of the best accessories for your resin printer.
- made for cleaning: Container for brine / Model bath
- Safety, first of all: Nitrile gloves
- Easy cleaning: WHOM WHAM BAM BAM
- Press Removing: Tool for Removing 3D-PC
- Easy lift: DDSKY, 2 pcs. Strong suction handles
- Spill absorbent: Amazon Pantry 9 paper towel0011
- For cleaning do not drink: isopropyl alcohol ANIMILE 99%
- When things are going badly: Plastic spatula
- are not on the teeth!: Toothbrush with soft bristles
- Refuse bad: filters for Kravka 100 micron
- Solution: Anycubic Wash & Treat V2
- Don't Save: FEP Film
Made to Clean: Brine Container / Model Bath
Recruitment
Thanks to the fantastic 3D printing community, we have this gem. This little brine container has a strainer that is perfect for cleaning your models. Simply fill a container with isopropyl alcohol and place the model in a strainer. You can then use a strainer to take it out of the tub when it's ready.
$12 at Amazon
Safety First: Nitrile Gloves
Safety Choice
It may seem odd to have something like gloves as one of the top choices, but trust me, you don't want tar on your skin. Nitrile gloves are the most important item on this list, and having a good supply will save you from serious chemical burns. Resin printing is a lot of fun and rewarding, but I had a bad reaction just from getting splattered on me. Be safe.
$25 at Amazon
Easy Cleanup: Wham Bam Slap Mat
Silicone mat under resin 3D printer will keep your work surface clean and spill free. Because the silicone doesn't react, you can set the resin directly on the mat and chip it off when it's safe to do so. The Slap Mat is thick and well made so it's worth the money.
$19 at Wham Bam Systems
Print Removal: BuildTak 3D Print Removal Tool
It's basically just a pallet cutter or paint scraper, but it's important to remove the print from the build plate onto the resin bath without damaging it. I love using this extra wide knife which allows me to get the most out of the model without stressing it out.
- $19 at Amazon
- $20 at Matterhackers
Easy lift: DDSKY, 2 pcs, Strong suction cup handles
Most resin printers come with removable acrylic covers that can get dirty if you get dirty nitrile gloves. This set of two suction cup handles makes it easy to remove lids. I use both; one clean when I don't have resin on my hands and one dirty when I do. This reduces the chance of accidentally getting resin on your hands.
$15 at Amazon
Spill Absorbent: Amazon Pantry Paper Towel
I have yet to find a better cleaning material than paper towel for cleaning resin and you will need a good supply as resin is messy and stains if you don't clean her quickly. Pharmacy paper towels don't absorb moisture as well, and the resin doesn't wipe off as well.
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$21 on Amazon
For cleaning do not drink: Isopropyl alcohol anhydrous 99%
Resin cleaning can be messy. After you have printed the model and before it is completely cured, it must be washed in a bath of isopropyl alcohol. This will remove the excess resin and your model will look its best. You will be using quite a lot, so keep it handy and keep it safe.
$37 at Amazon
When Things Go Wrong: Plastic Spatula
Not every print is a winner. Sometimes your print does not stay on the build platform and you need to remove it from the FEP sheet in the bath. Using a metal scraper will ruin the FEP almost immediately, so use a plastic scraper instead.
- $10 at Amazon
- $6 at Walmart
Too Tough!: Soft Bristle Toothbrush
When you have detailed prints, you need to get rid of excess resin from all lines. These soft-bristled toothbrushes work great, but you need to be as gentle as possible. If you rub them too hard, you may damage the print.
- $12 at Amazon
- $13 at Walmart
Skip the Bad: 100 Micron Paint Filters
You will often need to change resins when 3D printing, and it's important to avoid mixing the cured resin. These nylon filters are perfect for resin filtration and the included funnel is a godsend.
- $13 at Amazon
- $9 at Walmart
Solution: Anycubic Flush and V2 Treatment
Anycubic's Wash and Cure Box is cheap and honestly great for completing the resin printing process and you're doing yourself a disservice not having one. It erases and fixes your prints in one convenient machine.
$150 at Amazon
Save Money: FEP Film
All 3D printed parts break at some point. Be prepared for the worst and keep spare FEP film handy. It's not the cheapest option, but it's good quality and will last a long time in most DLP printers.
$16 at Amazon
Hard Light: UV Curing Light
The final step in resin print finishing is curing in bright sunlight or using a UV lamp. This powerful lamp can be a great UV curing station with a little elbow grease.
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- $23 at Amazon
- $45 at Matterhackers
Not blind: Goggles
Just last week I didn't wear glasses. Some resin mixed with alcohol got on my eyelid. I had a red chemical burn there for four days. This is not a joke, folks. Put on all possible protective equipment.
- $16 at Amazon
- $7 at Walmart
Take it Easy: Dual Cartridge Respirator
It may sound like overkill, but the resin gives off toxic fumes. If you don't have a good ventilation system, then a respirator is essential. If you plan to spray paint your prints, you will still need one of these.
$27 at Amazon
Easy Clean: Ultrasonic Cleaner
This ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is an alternative to a pickle jar and is ideal for automatically cleaning your prints. All you have to do is insert the print, add isopropyl alcohol, then set the timer for 3-5 minutes and leave. The cleaner will do the rest. It even has a handy basket for easy retrieval.
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- $136 at Amazon
- $66 at Walmart
Twirly Whirly: Solar Powered Turntable
Usually these little spinners are designed to display beautiful things. Luckily, they also work to secure prints. If you place your print on the turntable and then use a UV light, the model will rotate to ensure uniform curing from all sides.
$9 on Amazon
Wash: Denatured Alcohol
An alternative to the standard IPA that many people use to clean parts, denatured alcohol works slightly better in our tests, but is less irritating to the eyes and nose. You'll still want to make sure your workspace is well ventilated and that your condition allows it to be used. California has banned the sale of denatured alcohol as a fuel, but it's not clear if it can still be used to clean 3D printed parts.
$22 at Amazon
Breathe Free: Air Purifier
Resin printing is not carcinogenic, but may have an unpleasant odor and fumes may irritate the eyes and nose. Always use resin 3D printers in a well-ventilated room, but an air purifier definitely won't hurt. It will clear the air of any significant irritants. It also works on any mold or smoke from your workshop.
$90 on Amazon
These things matter
I know I'm telling you to be as careful as a broken record, but that's because it's important. I love this hobby and I want you to enjoy it. However, to do this, we must be careful and respect the tools. Don't worry about chemical burns.
Nitrile gloves are absolutely essential if you want to work with resin in liquid form or immediately after it has been printed. From personal experience, you want to wear safety glasses too.
On the other hand, the 3D printing community found this little pickle strainer for cleaning and sold out in one day! When we find something that makes our lives easier, we jump to it, and we've bought so many of them that when you add a resin printer to your Amazon cart, it prompts you to buy that too. Brilliantly.
Air pollution in 3D printing
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Smoke from 3D printer
Smoke from a 3D printer
Introduction How the printer pollutes the air How BOFA filters
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 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 harmfulness of nanoparticles of soot from 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 the smoke of an electronic cigarette.
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 hood in 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.