The answer is: it depends on the type of 3D printer, the material used, and the ventilation of the area. Some 3D printers may emit harmful substances or pose fire or electrical hazards, while others may be relatively safe to use indoors. In this article, we will explore the different types of 3D printing processes, the potential health and safety risks associated with them, and the best practices to ensure a safe 3D printing experience.
Types of 3D printing processes and associated health and safety risks
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a method of creating a three-dimensional object layer-by-layer using a computer-created design. There are many types of 3D printing processes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common ones are:
Material extrusion: This process involves heating and extruding a filament of plastic or metal through a nozzle to build a piece by layers. The most popular example of this process is fused deposition modeling (FDM), which uses thermoplastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polylactic acid (PLA). The main health and safety risk of this process is the inhalation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ultrafine particles (UFPs) that are released during the heating and melting of the filament. These substances can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, nausea, and other health effects. Additionally, the nozzle and the print bed can reach high temperatures, posing a risk of burns or fire.
VAT photopolymerization: This process uses ultraviolet (UV) light to cure and harden a liquid resin into a solid object. The most common example of this process is stereolithography (SLA), which uses photopolymers that react to UV light. The main health and safety risk of this process is the exposure to the resin and the UV light. The resin can be toxic, corrosive, or allergenic, and can cause skin and eye irritation, dermatitis, or sensitization. The UV light can also damage the eyes and the skin, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Furthermore, the resin may require a post-processing step involving a solvent bath, which can pose additional hazards.
Powder bed fusion: This process involves melting and fusing a layer of powder using a laser or an electron beam. The most common example of this process is selective laser sintering (SLS), which can use metals, plastics, or ceramics as the powder material. The main health and safety risk of this process is the inhalation of the powder, which can be fine, airborne, and combustible. The powder can cause lung damage, inflammation, or infection, and can also pose a fire or explosion hazard. Moreover, the laser or the electron beam can cause eye or skin injuries, and require proper shielding and protection.
Directed energy deposition: This process involves feeding a metal powder or wire through a nozzle and heating it on the build platform using a laser or an electron beam. The most common example of this process is laser metal deposition (LMD), which can create complex metal parts. The main health and safety risk of this process is similar to the powder bed fusion process, as it involves the inhalation of VOCs and metal fumes, and the exposure to the laser or the electron beam. Additionally, the metal powder or wire can be explosive, and require careful handling and storage.
Binder jetting: This process involves depositing a binding agent on a layer of powder to create a solid object. The most common example of this process is powder bed and inkjet head (PBIH), which can use metals, plastics, or ceramics as the powder material. The main health and safety risk of this process is the inhalation of the powder, which can be fine, airborne, and combustible. The powder can cause lung damage, inflammation, or infection, and can also pose a fire or explosion hazard. Furthermore, the binding agent can be harmful to the skin or the eyes, and require proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
Material jetting: This process involves depositing droplets of material on the platform and curing them with UV light. The most common example of this process is multi-jet modeling (MJM), which can use wax or photopolymers as the material. The main health and safety risk of this process is the exposure to the material and the UV light. The material can be toxic, corrosive, or allergenic, and can cause skin and eye irritation, dermatitis, or sensitization. The UV light can also damage the eyes and the skin, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Sheet lamination: This process involves bonding sheets of material on the build platform and cutting them with a laser or a blade. The most common example of this process is laminated object manufacturing (LOM), which can use paper, plastic, or metal as the material. The main health and safety risk of this process is the inhalation of VOCs and dust, and the exposure to the laser or the blade. The VOCs and dust can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, nausea, and other health effects. The laser or the blade can cause burns, cuts, or fire.
Best practices to ensure a safe 3D printing experience
Based on the different types of 3D printing processes and the potential health and safety risks associated with them, here are some general best practices to ensure a safe 3D printing experience:
Choose a safe location: The location where the 3D printer is used should be well-ventilated, spacious, and away from flammable or combustible materials. The 3D printer should also be placed on a stable and level surface, and away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or moisture.
Choose a safe material: The material used for 3D printing should be compatible with the 3D printer and the design, and should have a low toxicity, flammability, and reactivity. The material should also be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, and away from children and pets.
Use proper personal protective equipment: The user of the 3D printer should wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves, goggles, masks, or respirators, depending on the type of 3D printing process and the material used. The PPE should be worn at all times during the 3D printing operation, and should be disposed of or cleaned after use.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: The user of the 3D printer should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the installation, operation, maintenance, and calibration of the 3D printer. The user should also read and understand the safety warnings and precautions provided by the manufacturer, and should not modify or tamper with the 3D printer.
Keep the 3D printer clean and maintained: The user of the 3D printer should regularly clean and inspect the 3D printer for any signs of wear, damage, or malfunction. The user should also replace or repair any faulty or worn-out parts, and should not use the 3D printer if it is not working properly.
Do not leave the 3D printer unattended: The user of the 3D printer should monitor the 3D printing process and check for any errors, jams, or overheating. The user should also turn off and unplug the 3D printer when it is not in use, and should not leave it unattended or accessible to children or pets.
Seek professional help if needed: The user of the 3D printer should seek professional help if they encounter any problems or issues with the 3D printer that they cannot resolve on their own. The user should also seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms or injuries related to the 3D printing process, such as skin or eye irritation, respiratory distress, or burns.
3D printing is a fascinating and innovative technology that can create amazing objects and products. However, it also comes with some health and safety risks that need to be addressed and mitigated. By following the best practices outlined in this article, the user of the 3D printer can ensure a safe and enjoyable 3D printing experience.
