Resin 3d printer in apartment

print material - Is 3D printing safe for your health?

There is very little information about safety available, as home 3D printers are relatively new. However, plastics such as ABS have a long history in making plastic products, and a study found that at traditional manufacturing methods (such as injection molding and hot wire cutting) do not release dangerous levels of carcinogens and/or respiratory sensitizers in to the air.

Of course, 3D printers are not among the processes covered in the study. In home 3D printing circles, this study that looks at ultrafine particle (UFP) emissions, is often cited. It finds that printing ABS releases relatively high levels of UFP's and PLA releases significantly fewer (but still quite a large amount). However, it is unclear whether/how dangerous these UFP's are in the amounts emitted.

It is often suggested that PLA, partly because of the reduced UFP emissions is safer to print than ABS, partly because of its "natural" origins as it can be derived from materials such as cornstarch. I would caution against this line of reasoning since "natural" materials can still be poisonous (snake venom is natural, after all) and the cornstarch is heavily processed so it hardly resembles its original form. The lower UFP emissions may suggest it is safer, but the study is only quantitative, not qualitative.

That said, PLA does probably pose less of a risk (despite my earlier argumentation against "natural" materials, PLA does play quite nicely with the human body), but I contend the risk with ABS is not too large anyways, given that it has been safely used in factories for decades.

Another study is often miscited, supposedly saying that 3D printing ABS releases hydrogen cyanide. The study only looks at the thermal decomposition of ABS, which happens at significantly higher temperatures than are reached during printing (but a significantly malfunctioning printer might cause toxic gasses to be released, but I contend that at that point you should worry about your printer being on fire, rather than temporary exposure to some toxins).

There are no printers out there that are fundamentally safer than others. However, some printers have an enclosure (containing the fumes) and some even have a carbon filter and a fan for fume extraction. If you would like to err on the side of caution, this might be a good choice (but again, it is not clear if a carbon filter is totally effective).

Finally, as printers are generally quite noisy it tends to be preferrable to keep your printer in a separate room from where you usually work. In this case, fume exposure (during the few minutes that you go to check on your print) is minimal, and the potential advantages of a "safer" printers or using "safer" materials diminish.

Incidental exposure as a hobbyist is probably not a big deal; workers in factories are exposed to the fumes of melted plastic their entire lives and they don't seem to be dropping dead. On the other hand, if you are going to be printing structurally then it is probably preferable to move your printer to a separate room, if not because of health and safety because of the noise.

Photopolymer Evaporation Analysis with Honeywell HAQ Monitor / Tools / iXBT Live

Greetings! I have already talked in detail about 3D printers, including photopolymer ones, but I managed to briefly talk about the resin itself (printing consumables). Correcting)) Speaking in a general sense, a photopolymer for 3D printing is a complex chemical composition: it is a liquid polymer resin (resin) with a photoinitiator and dyes. The photoinitiator serves as an agent that accelerates polymerization and curing when exposed to ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of about 405 nm. Like any other 3D printing product, when working with SLA printers and resin, safety precautions and basic rules are required, as such work is associated with certain health risks. nine0003

I'll be checking emissions during printing with a custom Honeywell air quality monitor.

HONEYWELL HAQ AIR QUALITY MONITOR

This monitor not only shows the basic air parameters - temperature-humidity (T / H) and dust content (PM2. 5), but also the content of organic volatile substances and formaldehydes in the air we breathe. What is PM2.5, T / H, TVOC (VOC), CO2, HCHO and why it is harmful, see a detailed review of the Honeywell HAQ air quality monitor - gadgets guarding your health. nine0003

There are other tools for air quality analysis - for this I prepared an article on the choice of air quality detectors (PM2.5, CO2, TVOC, HCHO). Basic rules - ventilate more often, pay attention to the air we breathe.

Specific measurements were taken when printing on an inexpensive Longer Orange30 3D printer for photopolymer printing (Longer Orange30 review). About this and other models of SLA printers - a separate article-selection. All photopolymer printers have a similar printing process - layer-by-layer curing of a liquid photopolymer by radiation (UV) through a mask matrix. nine0003

Honeywell air quality monitor showed a preliminary measurement - the air in the room is clean. You can start experimenting.

Filling the printer tray, preparing for printing, including the model for printing.

Photopolymer (standard) UV 405 nm was used. During printing, the printer and tray are covered with a special photoprotective casing that prevents the penetration of ultraviolet radiation. Such a solution a) protects your eyes from the radiation of the UV matrix during operation, and the liquid photopolymer protects from stray light. But the quality of the air removed from the working area is not checked in any way, and the air is not filtered. nine0003

I place the monitor directly in the working area of ​​the SLA printer. Indications and gas content are gradually increasing.

During printing, I receive data by remote connection - from a smartphone. On the face of a clear excess of concentrations of volatile substances and gases of formaldehyde, and other organic compounds.

During printing, the readings are kept at about the same level, even if the room is ventilated, in the immediate vicinity of the working area, the readings are high. nine0003

Photographing the finished model. The photopolymer emits a slight odor.

Photopolymer shows slightly lower TVOC/HCHO readings after washing.

Washed but not fully cured resin "smells". The truth is less. The smell goes away after repeated washing and additional UV treatment for a minute.

But there is no dust in the air. At the time of printing and after the reading, the content of PM2.5 particles is minimal. nine0003

After the printing process, a heavy smell of resin remains in the air - do not forget about ventilation and safety precautions when working with such substances.

Experience has shown that virtually all photopolymer resins have fumes and odours. Depending on the composition, this can be stronger and more dangerous, but there are also safe options, such as dental or bio-resins (Water/Dental).

As for safety when working with resins - ventilate the room (or even better, install a hood), work directly with the resin with personal protective equipment. Avoid contact with mucous membranes (eyes, etc.). nine0003

A special monitor-analyzer will allow you to check and receive timely data on air quality. At the moment, a 10% discount coupon " HQ" is valid.

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the choice of a professional and a beginner / Selections from Aliexpress and not only / iXBT Live

So, I continue the topic of 3D printers, this time we will talk about budget and available photopolymer devices. Photopolymer 3D printing is becoming cheaper and cheaper and is becoming available not only to professionals, but also to novice printers-makers-designers. The cost of a number of models has dropped significantly in recent years, especially budget startups in SLA printing, making available office models of compact printers such as Sparkmaker and Longer. Almost all models are available in a warehouse in the Moscow region, they are delivered quickly, it makes sense to add to the basket and compare, choose the best one for yourself in terms of cost and printing parameters. nine0003

Easy printer for beginners - Sparkmaker SLA

Sparkmaker SLA printer

Sparkmaker SLA is the most affordable printer for beginners. One of the very first available models, the price is less than $200. At the moment, a number of upgrades are available, a lot of spare parts, ready-made models for printing. Print resolution: 845 x 480 dots, working area dimensions: 98 x 55 x 125 mm. Virtually no noise, works autonomously, height calibration is provided. Printers and resin available in Moscow. nine0003

Professional photopolymer printer Longer ORANGE

Longer Orange 30 Longer Orange 10

One of the few 3D printers that I appreciated. The Orange 10 and Orange 30 printers work literally out of the box and, unlike expensive models, are not capricious at all. It is easy to operate, if necessary, you can set the print height. A detailed review of the Longer Orange 30 model. All models and Longer Resin photopolymer are available in Moscow. Orange 10 has a print resolution: 854 x 480 dots, working area dimensions: 98 x 55 x 140 mm. Orange 30 has a print resolution: 2560 x 1440 dots, working area dimensions: 120 x 68 x 170 mm. Virtually no noise, works autonomously, height calibration is provided. Printers and resin available in Moscow.

Anycubic PHOTON excellent resin printer

Anycubic PHOTON Anycubic PHOTON-S

Anycubic's well-deserved large resin 3D printer. Two models are sold at the same time: PHOTON and PHOTON-S. The latter is slightly more expensive, has design changes, but both print perfectly. Of the features, I will highlight the patented hinged mechanism for attaching the table, which facilitates alignment. Both PHOTON models have a print resolution: 2560 x 1440 dots, working area dimensions: 115 x 65 x 155 mm. All models are available in Moscow, at the same time do not forget to buy a fast Anycubic photopolymer - one of the cheapest. nine0003

Photopolymer printer Anet N4 LCD

3D printer Anet N4

An interesting model from Anet is a photopolymer printer of the “N4” model with a print resolution of 2560 x 1440 dots and a working area of ​​120 x 65 x 138 mm. But the price pleases - this is one of the most budget printers with 2K resolution. The minimum "pixel" size is 40 microns. Don't forget to bring Anet photopolymer resin for testing.

Interesting photopolymer 3D printer Nova

Printer Nova3D

An unusual 3D printer was released by Nova3D, a stylish office compact printer for photopolymer printing. Of the features - an accurate T-rail rail was used, the table has an inclination adjustment for easy adjustment. The size of the print area is 130 x 70 x 150 mm. Print resolution 2K (2560 x 1440 dots). Attention: offline printing (from USB Drive) is provided, as well as connection via LAN and WiFi. Printers are available in Russia.

Wanhao Professional Printers

Wanhao Duplicator D11 CGR Wanhao Duplicator D8

One of the most thoughtful and best selling 3D printers from Wanhao. Two models of photopolymer printers are now available in the store - Duplicator D11 CGR (updated model) and Duplicator D8 (2019 model). Both models are deservedly considered the best for photopolymer printing, as for the new D8, I will single out a large print area (192 x 120 x 180 mm). Of the "chips" - WiFi connection.

Kelant 9 Large Resin 3D Printer0067

Kelant S400

Well, one of the inexpensive large-format office models is Kelant S400. The size of the print area is 192 x 120 x 200 mm, the high power of the UV matrix (total power consumption is about 140 W) - all this makes it possible to print quickly and efficiently. The printer is available when ordering from Moscow, IML delivery (courier).

So, the selection includes the most popular, inexpensive and popular models of SLA printers. A number of models were left out of the article, I think I will make a continuation in the near future to cover everything, plus I will add photopolymer resin to the recommendations. By the way, most stores specializing in 3D printing, both on Aliexpress and locally, offer their own options for photopolymer, and there are inexpensive and good options. When choosing, consider the current store coupons, and also choose local delivery (from Russia / RU). nine0003

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