The odds of a 3D printer catching fire are very low, less than 0.001%, according to a study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). However, this does not mean that 3D printer fires are impossible or negligible. There are several factors that can increase the risk of a 3D printer fire, such as overheating, improper wiring, flammable materials, lack of maintenance, user error, and others. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures to ensure the safety of your 3D printer and your environment.
3D printing is a revolutionary technology that has enabled many people and businesses to create a wide range of products, from prototypes to final products, with ease and efficiency. 3D printers work by melting plastic filament and depositing it layer by layer to form a 3D object. However, as with any technology, there are potential risks and hazards to consider. One of the most serious risks is the risk of a 3D printer fire, which can cause damage to the printer, the surroundings, and even the entire house.
In this article, we will explore the causes of 3D printer fires, how often they happen, and how to prevent them. We will also provide some tips and best practices for 3D printer users to ensure the safety and quality of their 3D printing projects. By following these guidelines, you can reduce the odds of a 3D printer fire and enjoy the benefits of 3D printing without worry.
There are several factors that can cause a 3D printer to catch fire. Some of the most common ones are:
Motor or extruder overheating: Motors and extruders are essential components of 3D printers that are used to move and melt plastic filament, respectively. If these components are not functioning properly or are not properly cooled, they can overheat. If the temperature rises too high and the plastic filament or other materials in the printer catch fire, overheating can result in a fire.
Improper wiring: 3D printers require a significant amount of power to operate, and improper wiring can result in a short circuit and a fire. This could be due to poor wiring or installation, or to wiring deterioration over time.
Use of flammable materials: Some 3D printing materials, such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic, are flammable and can catch fire when exposed to heat sources. The use of these materials in a 3D printer without adequate ventilation or safety precautions increases the risk of a fire. So, always ensure you have proper ventilation when 3D printing with any material.
Lack of proper maintenance: 3D printers require routine maintenance to ensure that they work properly and safely. Maintenance should not be taken lightly and regular maintenance, such as cleaning and replacing worn parts, can reduce the risk of a fire.
User error: 3D printers, especially the entry-level DIY or desktop printers, are not yet completely standardized and can pose an electrical threat. For complete newbies, these machines can be quite complicated to understand and thus chances are high that a user error can cause a fire. This could include not calibrating the printer properly, using the incorrect settings, or failing to follow proper safety guidelines.
Others factors: A power surge, temperature fluctuation, or any other malfunction can also cause a 3D printer to catch fire.
According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the probability of a 3D printer catching fire is relatively low. The study found that out of 20,000 3D printers, only 24 incidents of fire were reported. This means that the probability of a 3D printer catching fire is less than 0.001%.
However, this does not mean that 3D printer fires are impossible or negligible. There have been several cases of 3D printer fires that have caused serious damage and even fatalities. For example, the Anet A8 3D printer, which was a popular model due to its low price, was notorious for catching fire due to its faulty thermistor, which is a temperature sensor that controls the print temperature. Many users reported that their Anet A8 3D printers caught fire and burned down their printers, their rooms, and even their houses.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers of 3D printers and to take the necessary precautions to avoid 3D printer fires.
How to prevent 3D printer fires
You can take several precautions as a 3D printer user to avoid 3D printer fires. Some of the most effective ones are:
Ensure thermal runaway protection is enabled: Thermal runaway protection (TRP) is a safety feature in 3D printers that is intended to prevent overheating and potential fires. It works by detecting if the temperature of the print head is too high or too low and shutting down the printer if necessary. Almost all 3D printers now include TRP, but some may require manual activation. You should check your printer’s manual or online resources to ensure that TRP is enabled on your printer.
Buy a printer from a reputable brand: Not all 3D printers are created equal, and some may have lower quality or safety standards than others. You should do your research and buy a 3D printer from a reputable brand that has good reviews and ratings from other users. You should also avoid buying cheap or counterfeit 3D printers that may have faulty or substandard components.
Install a smoke detector above your printer: A smoke detector can alert you if there is any smoke or fire coming from your 3D printer. You should install a smoke detector above your printer and test it regularly to ensure that it is working properly. You should also have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.
Monitor your 3D printer: You should never leave your 3D printer unattended while it is printing, especially if you are printing with flammable materials or for long periods of time. You should always keep an eye on your 3D printer and check for any signs of overheating, malfunction, or fire. You should also use a real-time monitoring device, such as a webcam or a smart plug, that can allow you to remotely monitor and control your 3D printer from your phone or computer.
Check for defects in the filament: The filament is the material that is used to create the 3D object. If the filament is defective, such as having air bubbles, moisture, or impurities, it can affect the quality and safety of your 3D printing. You should always check your filament before using it and store it in a dry and cool place. You should also use high-quality filament from trusted brands and avoid using expired or damaged filament.
Maintain your printer properly: 3D printers require regular maintenance to ensure that they work properly and safely. You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and perform routine maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating the moving parts, tightening the screws and belts, replacing the worn or damaged parts, and updating the firmware. You should also calibrate your printer before each print to ensure that the settings are correct and optimal.
Use a fire-retardant filament: Some 3D printing materials are more fire-resistant than others, such as PLA (Polylactic Acid) plastic, which is a biodegradable and eco-friendly material. You should consider using a fire-retardant filament for your 3D printing projects, especially if you are printing near heat sources or flammable objects. You should also avoid using materials that are highly flammable, such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic, without proper ventilation or safety precautions.
Properly wire your printer: 3D printers require a lot of power to operate, and improper wiring can result in a short circuit and a fire. You should ensure that your printer is properly wired and installed, and that the wires are not exposed, frayed, or damaged. You should also use a surge protector or a power supply unit (PSU) to protect your printer from power fluctuations or surges.
Keep flammable materials far from your printer: 3D printers generate a lot of heat, and if they come in contact with flammable materials, such as paper, wood, fabric, or alcohol, they can start a fire. You should keep flammable materials far from your printer and ensure that there is enough space and ventilation around your printer. You should also avoid placing your printer near curtains, carpets, or furniture that can catch fire easily.
Educate yourself and others on the proper use and handling of the printer: 3D printers are not toys, and they should be used and handled with care and responsibility. You should educate yourself and others on the proper use and handling of the printer, such as reading the manual, following the safety guidelines, and wearing protective equipment. You should also supervise children and pets around the printer and keep them away from the hot or moving parts.
3D printing is a wonderful technology that can bring many benefits and possibilities to your life. However, it also comes with some risks and challenges, such as the risk of a 3D printer fire. By following the tips and precautions mentioned in this article, has provided you with some useful information and tips on what are the odds of a 3D printer catching fire and how to prevent them. We hope that you have learned something new and valuable from this article. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for reading and happy 3D printing!
