A look at the airborne emissions from 3D printers operating in indoor spaces.
Testing across commercial filaments reveals how heated materials release ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds, while laboratory cell tests examine the impact on human airway cells.
When the material used is heated to take shape, it releases tiny particles and gases into the air. Even the material commonly considered the most basic option, known as PLA, emits particles and chemical compounds when heated. In a test of 17 commercial materials, another common material, ABS, was found to emit more particles. In laboratory tests, human airway cells exposed to emissions from such printers showed changes associated with inflammation and cellular stress.
Printers that use liquid resin come with different risks. Uncured resin can cause skin reactions or asthma, while additional risks exist during washing and finishing using chemical solvents.
Where is it best to place a printer?
Placing such a machine in a bedroom or office is not a good idea, as prints can take many hours. A separate room or workshop with ventilation that exhausts the air outside, or a well-ventilated garage, are better suited for its placement.
Simply opening a window is not enough to safely remove particles and gases. Experts recommend using a special enclosure around the printer with a ventilation pipe that directs the air outside, as well as limiting the time anyone spends near the device while it is operating.
Particulate filters and activated carbon filters can capture some of the pollutants, but they do not automatically make a poorly ventilated space safe. Finally, it is recommended that printers be kept away from flammable materials and that there is a fire detection system in the space.
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