The short answer is yes, you should wear a mask while 3D printing, especially if you are using filaments that emit harmful gases and particles. However, not all masks are equally effective, and wearing a mask alone may not be enough to protect your health. In this article, we will explain why 3D printing can pose health and safety risks, what types of masks are suitable for 3D printing, and what other precautions you can take to ensure a safe 3D printing experience.
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process that creates physical objects from digital models by depositing layers of material on top of each other. 3D printing has many applications, such as prototyping, education, art, and hobby. However, 3D printing also involves some potential hazards that users should be aware of and mitigate.
One of the main hazards of 3D printing is the emission of gases and particles from the heated materials. Depending on the type of material, 3D printing can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ultrafine particles (UFPs), and other toxic substances into the air. These emissions can cause irritation, inflammation, allergic reactions, and chronic diseases in the respiratory system, as well as affect the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, and the reproductive system.
Some of the most common materials used for 3D printing are thermoplastics, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polylactic acid (PLA), and nylon. These materials have different emission profiles, with ABS being the most hazardous, PLA being the least hazardous, and nylon being somewhere in between. However, even PLA, which is derived from renewable sources and considered biodegradable, can emit harmful substances such as lactide, acetaldehyde, and formaldehyde.
Another hazard of 3D printing is the exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light or laser beams, which are used in some 3D printing technologies, such as stereolithography (SLA) and selective laser sintering (SLS). These technologies use liquid resins or powdered materials that are cured or fused by UV light or laser beams. Exposure to these sources of radiation can cause eye damage, skin burns, and cancer.
A third hazard of 3D printing is the risk of electrical shock, electromechanical force, or thermal injury from the 3D printer itself. 3D printers use high voltage, high current, and high temperature to operate, and they may have moving parts that can pinch, cut, or crush. Users should be careful when handling the 3D printer, especially when it is plugged in, turned on, or hot.
What Types of Masks Are Suitable for 3D Printing
Wearing a mask while 3D printing can help reduce the inhalation of harmful gases and particles, but not all masks are equally effective. The effectiveness of a mask depends on its filtration efficiency, fit, and seal. Filtration efficiency refers to how well the mask can filter out the contaminants in the air. Fit and seal refer to how well the mask conforms to the shape of the face and prevents air leakage.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the most effective masks for 3D printing are respirators, which are designed to protect the wearer from hazardous airborne particles and gases. Respirators are classified into different types based on their filtration efficiency and oil resistance. For example, N95 respirators can filter out at least 95% of non-oil-based particles, while P100 respirators can filter out at least 99.97% of oil-based and non-oil-based particles.
Respirators also have different styles, such as half-facepiece, full-facepiece, or disposable. Half-facepiece respirators cover the nose and mouth, while full-facepiece respirators cover the eyes, nose, and mouth. Disposable respirators are usually shaped like a cup or a duckbill and have elastic straps that go around the head. Respirators should be selected based on the type and level of exposure, as well as the comfort and preference of the user. Respirators should also be fitted and tested by a trained professional to ensure a proper fit and seal.
Another type of mask that can be used for 3D printing is a surgical mask, which is a loose-fitting, disposable mask that covers the nose and mouth. Surgical masks are designed to protect the wearer from large droplets, splashes, or sprays of bodily fluids, as well as to prevent the spread of germs from the wearer to others. However, surgical masks are not very effective at filtering out small particles and gases, and they do not provide a tight seal around the face. Therefore, surgical masks are not recommended for 3D printing, unless they are combined with other protective measures.
A third type of mask that can be used for 3D printing is a cloth mask, which is a reusable mask that is made of fabric, such as cotton, polyester, or silk. Cloth masks are intended to prevent the spread of germs from the wearer to others, as well as to provide some protection for the wearer from large droplets and dust. However, cloth masks vary widely in their filtration efficiency, fit, and seal, depending on the type, quality, and number of layers of fabric, as well as the design and construction of the mask. Therefore, cloth masks are not very reliable for 3D printing, unless they are combined with other protective measures.
What Other Precautions You Can Take to Ensure a Safe 3D Printing Experience
Wearing a mask while 3D printing is a good practice, but it may not be enough to protect your health and safety. Therefore, you should also take other precautions, such as:
Choose the least hazardous materials for 3D printing, such as PLA, and avoid the most hazardous materials, such as ABS, unless necessary.
Use a 3D printer that has a built-in ventilation system, such as a fan, a filter, or an exhaust duct, to reduce the concentration of emissions in the printing area.
Place the 3D printer in a well-ventilated area, such as near a window, a door, or an air vent, to increase the air circulation and dilution of emissions.
Keep a safe distance from the 3D printer while it is operating, and avoid touching, leaning over, or looking directly at the 3D printer.
Wear eye protection, such as goggles or glasses, to prevent eye damage from UV light or laser beams, as well as from flying debris or splashes of molten material.
Wear gloves, such as latex or nitrile gloves, to prevent skin contact with the 3D printing materials, especially the liquid resins or the powdered materials, which may be toxic, corrosive, or sensitizing.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines for the 3D printer and the 3D printing materials, and read the safety data sheets (SDSs) for the 3D printing materials to learn about their hazards, precautions, and emergency procedures.
Clean the 3D printer and the 3D printing area regularly, and dispose of the waste materials properly, according to the local regulations and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
3D printing is a fascinating and useful technology, but it also comes with some health and safety risks that users should be aware of and mitigate. Wearing a mask while 3D printing is one of the ways to reduce the exposure to harmful gases and particles, but not all masks are equally effective. The best masks for 3D printing are respirators, which have high filtration efficiency and provide a tight fit and seal. However, wearing a mask alone may not be enough to protect your health and safety, and you should also take other precautions, such as choosing the least hazardous materials, using a ventilated 3D printer, and following the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines. By doing so, you can enjoy a safe and satisfying 3D printing experience.
