The answer is: it depends on the type of material, the ventilation, and the duration of the printing process. Some materials, such as ABS and nylon, can emit harmful fumes and particles that can affect the air quality and pose health risks to the users and bystanders. Other materials, such as PLA and PETG, are considered safer and more eco-friendly, but they still require proper ventilation and filtration to minimize the exposure to potential pollutants. The longer the printing time, the higher the chance of accumulating toxic substances in the air. Therefore, it is advisable to 3D print indoors only with caution and care, and to follow some safety tips to reduce the hazards.
3D printing is a fascinating technology that allows anyone to create physical objects from digital models. However, like any other technology, it also comes with some drawbacks and challenges. One of the main concerns is the impact of 3D printing on the indoor environment and the health of the people involved.
3D printing works by melting and extruding plastic filaments or resins through a nozzle, layer by layer, to form a solid object. During this process, some of the materials can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ultrafine particles (UFPs) into the air. These substances can be inhaled or absorbed by the skin and cause various health problems, such as irritation, inflammation, allergy, asthma, headache, nausea, fatigue, and even cancer. Some studies have shown that the levels of VOCs and UFPs emitted by 3D printers can exceed the recommended limits for indoor air quality, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
The degree of risk depends on several factors, such as the type of material, the temperature, the speed, the size, the shape, and the duration of the printing process. Different materials have different chemical compositions and properties, and thus different emission rates and toxicity levels. For example, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a common 3D printing material that is known to emit high amounts of styrene, a carcinogenic VOC. Nylon, another popular material, can emit caprolactam, a VOC that can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation. On the other hand, PLA (polylactic acid) and PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) are biodegradable materials that are derived from natural sources, such as corn starch and sugar cane. They are generally considered safer and more environmentally friendly than ABS and nylon, but they still emit some VOCs and UFPs, such as lactide and glycol, that can have negative effects on the respiratory system.
The temperature and the speed of the printing process also affect the emission rate and the size of the particles. Higher temperatures and faster speeds can increase the amount and the fineness of the particles, making them more likely to penetrate the lungs and the bloodstream. The size and the shape of the printed object also matter, as larger and more complex objects require more material and more time to print, resulting in more emissions. The duration of the printing process is another important factor, as longer printing times can lead to the accumulation of pollutants in the air and the exposure of the users and bystanders.
How to 3D print indoors safely?
Despite the potential risks, 3D printing indoors is not impossible or prohibited, as long as some precautions and measures are taken to ensure the safety and the well-being of the users and the environment. Here are some tips to 3D print indoors safely:
Choose the right material. Avoid using materials that are known to emit high levels of harmful VOCs and UFPs, such as ABS and nylon. Opt for materials that are safer and more eco-friendly, such as PLA and PETG. However, keep in mind that no material is completely harmless, and that even PLA and PETG can emit some pollutants, so they still require proper ventilation and filtration.
Ventilate the room. Make sure that the room where you 3D print has adequate ventilation and air circulation. Open the windows and doors, use fans and exhausts, and avoid printing in small and enclosed spaces. Ventilation can help to dilute and disperse the pollutants and improve the air quality.
Use a filter or an enclosure. If possible, use a filter or an enclosure to capture and remove the VOCs and UFPs from the air. A filter is a device that attaches to the nozzle or the extruder of the 3D printer and filters the air through a fan and a filter media, such as activated carbon or HEPA. An enclosure is a box or a cabinet that covers the entire 3D printer and prevents the pollutants from escaping into the room. Some 3D printers come with built-in filters or enclosures, while others can be modified or customized with aftermarket or DIY solutions.
Wear personal protective equipment (PPE). When 3D printing indoors, it is advisable to wear some PPE to protect yourself from the exposure to the pollutants. PPE can include gloves, goggles, masks, and respirators. Gloves can prevent the contact with the hot and melted materials, as well as the chemicals and the residues. Goggles can protect the eyes from the particles and the UV rays. Masks and respirators can filter the air and prevent the inhalation of the VOCs and UFPs. However, not all masks and respirators are equally effective, and some may not be suitable for 3D printing. For example, surgical masks and cloth masks can only block large particles and droplets, but not the fine and ultrafine particles. N95 masks and respirators can block 95% of the particles that are 0.3 microns or larger, but not the smaller ones. Therefore, it is important to choose the right type and size of mask or respirator, and to wear it properly and securely.
Limit the printing time and frequency. To reduce the risk of 3D printing indoors, it is also recommended to limit the printing time and frequency. Avoid printing for long hours or continuously, and take breaks between prints. This can help to prevent the accumulation of pollutants in the air and the exposure of the users and bystanders. If possible, print only when necessary, and avoid printing for fun or experimentation.
Monitor the air quality. Another way to 3D print indoors safely is to monitor the air quality and the emission levels. This can help to identify and avoid the situations that can cause high concentrations of pollutants and health hazards. There are various devices and tools that can measure the air quality and the emission levels, such as air quality monitors, VOC sensors, UFP detectors, and smartphone apps. These devices and tools can provide real-time data and alerts, and help to adjust the printing settings and the safety measures accordingly.
3D printing is an amazing technology that can unleash the creativity and the innovation of the users. However, it also poses some challenges and risks to the indoor environment and the health of the users and bystanders. 3D printing indoors is not inherently unsafe, but it requires caution and care, and some safety tips to follow. By choosing the right material, ventilating the room, using a filter or an enclosure, wearing PPE, limiting the printing time and frequency, and monitoring the air quality, 3D printing indoors can be done safely and enjoyably.
