The safety precautions you should take when 3D printing are: avoiding burns, electric shocks, pinch-point injuries, scraper blade cuts, fire hazards, toxic fumes, and support structure removal risks. These precautions will help you prevent physical harm, health issues, and damage to your printer and environment. In this article, we will explain each of these safety measures in detail and provide some tips and tools to help you follow them.
3D printers operate at very high temperatures, ranging from 190°C to 300°C or more, depending on the material used. The hot end, which melts the filament, and the heated bed, which improves the adhesion of the first layer, are the main sources of heat in a 3D printer. Any contact with these parts can cause severe burns and blisters. Therefore, you should always be careful when handling your 3D printer, especially when changing filaments, doing maintenance, or reaching into the machine.
To avoid burns, you should:
Put your 3D printer in an area that is not easily accessible by children, pets, or unauthorized personnel.
Wear gloves when handling your 3D printer, especially the hot parts.
Use an enclosure or a barrier to protect yourself and others from the heat.
Wait for the printer to cool down completely before touching it or removing the print.
Avoiding Electric Shocks
3D printers contain many conductive materials and complex electronics that can pose a risk of electric shock. The main causes of electric shock are faulty ground connections, loose wires, exposed terminals, and short circuits. Electric shock can result in serious injuries, such as burns, cardiac arrest, or even death. Therefore, you should always be cautious when working with your 3D printer, especially when assembling, wiring, or troubleshooting it.
To avoid electric shocks, you should:
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on printer setup and usage.
Use a multimeter to check the voltage and continuity of the wires and components.
Use a surge protector or a power supply unit to regulate the voltage and current.
Avoid touching the printer or the power cord when they are wet or damaged.
Turn off and unplug the printer when not in use or when performing maintenance.
3D printers have many moving parts, such as motors, belts, pulleys, gears, fans, and extruders. These parts can create pinch points, which are areas where a person’s body part or clothing can get caught between two objects. Pinch-point injuries can cause bruises, cuts, fractures, or even amputations. Therefore, you should always be alert when operating your 3D printer, especially when it is in motion or when adjusting the settings.
To avoid pinch-point injuries, you should:
Keep your hands, fingers, hair, and clothing away from the moving parts of the printer.
Wear protective gloves, goggles, and clothing when working with your 3D printer.
Use tools, such as tweezers, pliers, or spatulas, to manipulate the print or the parts.
Stop the printer immediately if you notice any abnormal sounds, smells, or movements.
Avoiding Scraper Blade Cuts
Scraper blades are tools that are used to remove the finished prints from the print surface. They are usually sharp and can cause cuts or lacerations if used improperly. Scraper blade cuts can lead to infections, bleeding, or scarring. Therefore, you should always be careful when using scraper blades, especially when applying excessive force or when the print is stuck to the surface.
To avoid scraper blade cuts, you should:
Use a good quality print surface that allows easy removal of the prints, such as glass, PEI, or BuildTak.
Apply a thin layer of adhesive, such as glue, hairspray, or tape, to the print surface to improve the adhesion and prevent warping.
Wait for the print and the surface to cool down before attempting to remove the print.
Scrape away from your fingers and body, and use a gentle and steady motion.
Wear protective gloves and bandages when using scraper blades.
3D printers can cause fire hazards due to various reasons, such as overheating, faulty wiring, flammable materials, or poor ventilation. Fire hazards can result in damage to your printer, property, or environment, as well as injuries or fatalities. Therefore, you should always be vigilant when using your 3D printer, especially when printing for long periods or when using high temperatures.
To avoid fire hazards, you should:
Ensure that the area where you place your 3D printer is well-ventilated, clean, and free of flammable objects or liquids.
Use a smoke detector, a fire extinguisher, or a fire blanket to detect and extinguish any fire that may occur.
Use a thermal runaway protection feature, which is a software or hardware mechanism that shuts down the printer if the temperature exceeds a certain limit.
Monitor your printer regularly and do not leave it unattended for long periods.
Use safe and compatible materials for printing, such as PLA, PETG, or ABS.
Avoiding Toxic Fumes
3D printers emit small particles and vapors into the air when melting the filament. These emissions can contain toxic substances, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), styrene, or formaldehyde. These substances can cause health issues, such as headaches, drowsiness, nausea, or respiratory problems. Therefore, you should always be aware of the potential effects of the materials you use for printing, especially when printing in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.
To avoid toxic fumes, you should:
Use a good ventilation system, such as a fan, a window, or an air purifier, to remove the emissions from the printing area.
Use a filter or a hood to capture and reduce the emissions from the printer.
Use low-emission materials for printing, such as PLA, PETG, or Nylon.
Wear a respirator or a mask when printing with high-emission materials, such as ABS, HIPS, or PVA.
Consult the safety data sheets (SDS) of the materials you use for printing to learn about their hazards and precautions.
Support structures are additional parts that are printed along with the main model to support overhangs, bridges, or holes. They are usually removed after the print is finished, either manually or with the help of tools. Support structure removal can pose risks, such as breaking or damaging the print, injuring yourself, or leaving residues or marks on the print. Therefore, you should always be gentle and precise when removing support structures, especially when they are complex or hard to reach.
To avoid support structure removal risks, you should:
Use a slicer software that allows you to customize the support settings, such as the density, the angle, the distance, or the type of the support.
Use a soluble or a breakaway material for the support, such as PVA, HIPS, or BVOH, which can be dissolved in water or easily snapped off.
Use tools, such as tweezers, pliers, scissors, or sandpaper, to remove the support structures carefully and smoothly.
Use a post-processing technique, such as acetone vapor smoothing, heat gun, or polishing, to improve the appearance and quality of the print.
Conclusion
3D printing is a fun and creative activity that can produce amazing results. However, it also involves some risks and challenges that require attention and care. By following the safety precautions mentioned in this article, you can enjoy 3D printing without compromising your safety, health, or quality. Remember to always read the instructions, use the right tools, and follow the best practices when 3D printing. Happy printing!
