3D printer fires are rare, but they can happen due to various factors such as electrical overheating, loose thermistor, thermal runaway, extruder jam, or flammable materials. To prevent 3D printer fires, users should follow some safety measures such as proper maintenance, ventilation, monitoring, and fire protection. This article will explore the causes, statistics, and prevention of 3D printer fires, and provide some tips for choosing a reliable and safe 3D printer.
3D printers are devices that use heat and electricity to melt plastic filament and create three-dimensional objects. They are widely used for hobby, education, and industrial purposes, and offer many benefits such as creativity, customization, and innovation. However, like any electrical device, 3D printers also pose some risks and hazards, especially if they are not used or maintained properly. One of the most serious risks is the risk of a 3D printer fire, which can damage the printer, the surrounding area, or even the entire house.
According to various sources, some of the common causes of 3D printer fires are:
Electrical overheating: This occurs when the wires inside the printer get too hot and melt the insulation, causing a short circuit and a fire. This could be due to poor wiring, installation, or quality control, or to wiring deterioration over time.
Loose thermistor: A thermistor is a temperature sensor that measures and controls the heat level of the print head and the heated bed. If the thermistor becomes loose or detached, it can give inaccurate readings and cause the printer to overheat or underheat, resulting in a fire or a failed print.
Thermal runaway: This is a malfunction that happens when the printer fails to regulate the temperature and keeps heating up until it reaches a critical point. This could be due to a faulty firmware, a broken fan, a clogged nozzle, or a loose connection.
Extruder jam: This happens when the filament gets stuck or tangled in the extruder, preventing the normal flow of the material. This can cause the filament to overheat and catch fire, or damage the extruder or the print head.
Flammable materials: Some 3D printing materials, such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic, are flammable and can ignite when exposed to high temperatures or sparks. The use of these materials without adequate ventilation or safety precautions can increase the risk of a fire.
There is no definitive answer to how often 3D printer fires happen, as there is no official data or statistics on this topic. However, based on some anecdotal evidence and online reports, 3D printer fires are rare, but not impossible.
One way to estimate the frequency of 3D printer fires is to compare the number of 3D printers in use with the number of reported fire incidents. According to a report by Statista, the global installed base of 3D printers was estimated to be around 6.7 million units in 2020, and is expected to grow to 15.3 million units by 2024. On the other hand, a quick search on Google or Reddit reveals only a few dozen cases of 3D printer fires, most of which were caused by low-quality or DIY printers, such as the Anet A8, which had a reputation for catching fire due to its poor design and construction.
Based on these numbers, one could assume that the probability of a 3D printer fire is very low, perhaps less than 0.001%. However, this does not mean that 3D printer users should be complacent or careless, as even one fire can have devastating consequences. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers of 3D printers and to take the necessary precautions to prevent them.
How to Prevent 3D Printer Fires?
The best way to prevent 3D printer fires is to follow some safety measures and best practices, such as:
Choose a reliable and reputable 3D printer brand: Not all 3D printers are created equal, and some may have more quality and safety issues than others. Therefore, it is advisable to do some research and read some reviews before buying a 3D printer, and avoid cheap or unknown brands that may cut corners or compromise on safety features. Some of the well-known and trusted 3D printer brands are Prusa, Creality, Ender, Ultimaker, and MakerBot.
Install and update the firmware regularly: The firmware is the software that controls the 3D printer and its functions. It is essential to install and update the firmware regularly, as it may contain bug fixes, improvements, and safety features. One of the most important safety features is the thermal runaway protection (TRP), which is designed to prevent overheating and potential fires by shutting down the printer if the temperature exceeds a certain limit.
Check and tighten the connections: Loose or faulty connections can cause electrical problems, such as short circuits, sparks, or fires. Therefore, it is important to check and tighten the connections regularly, especially the wires, the thermistor, the power supply, and the heated bed. It is also recommended to use strain relief on the wires to prevent them from breaking or bending due to stress or movement.
Use high-quality and compatible filament: The filament is the material that is used to create the 3D objects. It is important to use high-quality and compatible filament, as low-quality or incompatible filament may cause extruder jams, overheating, or fires. It is also advisable to avoid flammable materials, such as ABS, and opt for more fire-resistant materials, such as PLA (Polylactic Acid) or PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol).
Keep the printer in a well-ventilated and fireproof area: Ventilation is essential for 3D printing, as it helps to dissipate the heat and prevent the accumulation of toxic fumes or gases. It is also advisable to keep the printer in a fireproof area, away from flammable objects, such as curtains, paper, or furniture. Additionally, it is recommended to use a 3D printer enclosure, which is a box or a case that covers the printer and provides insulation, protection, and stability.
Monitor the printer and have a fire extinguisher nearby: It is never a good idea to leave a 3D printer unattended, especially for long or overnight prints. It is always better to monitor the printer and check for any signs of trouble, such as smoke, sparks, or strange noises. If a fire does occur, it is important to have a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it. The best type of fire extinguisher for 3D printer fires is a Class C fire extinguisher, which is suitable for electrical fires.
3D printer fires are rare, but they can happen due to various factors such as electrical overheating, loose thermistor, thermal runaway, extruder jam, or flammable materials. To prevent 3D printer fires, users should follow some safety measures such as proper maintenance, ventilation, monitoring, and fire protection. By following these tips, users can enjoy the benefits of 3D printing without worrying about the risks of fire.
