The short answer is no, it is not safe to sit next to a 3D printer while it is operating. You should keep a safe distance from your 3D printer and avoid staying in the same room for long periods of time. This is because 3D printers can emit harmful fumes and particles that can affect your health and the quality of your prints.
In this article, we will explain why 3D printing can be dangerous, what are the main risks and how to minimize them, and what are the best practices for 3D printing safely. We will also provide some useful resources and tips for further reading on this topic.
3D printing is a process that involves heating up plastic filament and extruding it through a nozzle to create a solid object layer by layer. Depending on the type of filament and the temperature of the nozzle, 3D printing can produce different levels of emissions that can be harmful to your health and the environment.
The main types of emissions from 3D printing are:
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): These are gaseous substances that can evaporate from the heated filament and the printer itself. Some common VOCs from 3D printing are acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, styrene, and benzene. These substances can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. They can also affect the central nervous system and increase the risk of cancer.
Ultrafine particles (UFPs): These are tiny solid particles that are smaller than 0.1 microns in diameter. They can be released from the nozzle and the filament during the melting and extrusion process. UFPs can penetrate deep into the lungs and the bloodstream, causing inflammation, oxidative stress, and damage to the cells and organs. They can also worsen respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis, and heart attacks.
Microplastics: These are small pieces of plastic that can break off from the printed object or the filament during or after the printing process. They can accumulate in the environment and pose a threat to wildlife and ecosystems. They can also be ingested or inhaled by humans and animals, causing digestive and respiratory problems, and potentially transferring toxic chemicals and bacteria.
The level and type of emissions from 3D printing depend on several factors, such as:
The type of filament: Different filaments have different chemical compositions and melting points, which affect the amount and nature of the emissions. For example, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a common filament that produces high levels of VOCs and UFPs, while PLA (polylactic acid) is a biodegradable filament that produces lower levels of VOCs and UFPs. However, PLA can still emit some harmful substances, such as lactide, which can cause eye irritation and allergic reactions. Other filaments, such as PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), nylon, polycarbonate, and wood, can also produce varying levels of emissions.
The temperature of the nozzle: The higher the temperature of the nozzle, the more emissions are produced. This is because the filament is heated to a higher degree, which increases the evaporation and decomposition of the plastic. The optimal temperature for each filament varies, but generally, it ranges from 180°C to 260°C. You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the recommended temperature for your filament.
The duration and frequency of printing: The longer and more often you print, the more exposure you have to the emissions. This can increase the accumulation of the emissions in your body and the environment, and the potential health effects. You should limit the duration and frequency of your printing sessions, and avoid printing overnight or when you are not around.
The ventilation and filtration of the room: The ventilation and filtration of the room where you print can affect the concentration and dispersion of the emissions. A well-ventilated and filtered room can reduce the exposure to the emissions, while a poorly ventilated and filtered room can increase the exposure. You should always print in a well-ventilated and filtered room, and use an exhaust fan, a window, or an air purifier to improve the air quality.
What are the main risks of sitting next to a 3D printer?
Sitting next to a 3D printer while it is operating can expose you to several risks, such as:
Health risks: As mentioned above, 3D printing can emit harmful fumes and particles that can affect your health. Some of the short-term effects include irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Some of the long-term effects include respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and organ damage. The health risks can vary depending on the individual’s sensitivity, age, pre-existing conditions, and genetic factors. However, anyone can be affected by the emissions, especially children, pregnant women, elderly people, and people with chronic diseases.
Quality risks: Sitting next to a 3D printer can also affect the quality of your prints. This is because your body heat and moisture can interfere with the cooling and solidification of the filament, causing warping, cracking, or deformation of the printed object. Moreover, your movement and vibration can disturb the stability and accuracy of the printer, causing layer shifting, stringing, or blobbing of the printed object. You should always keep a safe distance from your 3D printer and avoid touching or moving it while it is printing.
Fire risks: 3D printers can also pose a fire risk, especially if they are poorly designed, maintained, or operated. Some of the common causes of fire in 3D printers are faulty wiring, overheating, short circuits, power surges, or flammable materials. A fire can cause serious damage to your printer, your property, and your safety. You should always use a reliable and certified 3D printer, check the wiring and connections regularly, use a surge protector, and avoid leaving your printer unattended while it is printing.
To minimize the risks and print safely, you should follow some best practices, such as:
Choose a safe filament: You should choose a filament that has low emissions and is biodegradable, such as PLA, PETG, or wood. You should avoid using filaments that have high emissions and are toxic, such as ABS, nylon, or polycarbonate. You should also check the safety data sheet (SDS) of your filament, which provides information on the composition, hazards, and precautions of the material.
Use a safe temperature: You should use the recommended temperature for your filament, which is usually indicated on the spool or the manufacturer’s website. You should avoid using a higher temperature than necessary, as this can increase the emissions and the fire risk. You should also use a thermometer or a thermal camera to monitor the temperature of your nozzle and your printer.
Use a safe duration and frequency: You should limit the duration and frequency of your printing sessions, and avoid printing overnight or when you are not around. You should also take breaks between printing sessions, and allow your printer and your filament to cool down. You should also wear a mask or a respirator when you are near your printer, and wash your hands and clothes after handling your printer or your filament.
Use a safe location: You should print in a well-ventilated and filtered room, and use an exhaust fan, a window, or an air purifier to improve the air quality. You should also keep a safe distance from your printer, and avoid staying in the same room for long periods of time. You should also keep your printer away from any potential fire hazards, such as flammable materials, electrical outlets, or heat sources. You should also have a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a fire alarm nearby, in case of emergency.
Use a safe printer: You should use a reliable and certified 3D printer, that has safety features, such as a thermal runaway protection, a filament sensor, a power resume function, or an emergency stop button. You should also check the wiring and connections of your printer regularly, and replace any damaged or worn parts. You should also follow the manufacturer’s instructions and maintenance guidelines, and update the firmware and software of your printer.
3D printing is a fun and creative activity, but it can also be dangerous if not done properly. You should not sit next to a 3D printer while it is operating, as this can expose you to harmful fumes and particles, affect the quality of your prints, and increase the fire risk. You should follow some best practices to minimize the risks and print safely, such as choosing a safe filament, using a safe temperature, using a safe duration and frequency, using a safe location, and using a safe printer. By doing so, you can enjoy 3D printing without compromising your health and safety.
