FDM 3D Printers Could Harm Your Health If You Ignore These Points

3D printers and 3D printing are a key part of Industry 4.0. 3D printers are now quite common on the market, especially low-cost FDM 3D printers. But few people pay attention to safety when using them.

Source: Alobacsi.

Dear Doctor, Every day at work I have to breathe in the smell of burning plastic. Will working there for a long time seriously affect my health? I heard it can cause infertility. Is that true? I am very worried and hope to hear from you soon. Thank you. (Thuy – xuanthuy…@yahoo.com)

Hello,

In daily life, most consumers use recycled plastic, but few know that recycled plastic contains toxic chemical additives and often harbors many harmful germs. So the health risk is not limited to people who use these recycled plastic items directly. Germs also spread into the surrounding environment during washing, because recycled plastic is not sterilized and contains many toxic chemicals. It also affects the workers at recycling facilities and the people who live nearby. Since you work directly in the workshop, your health will certainly be affected, both in the short term and the long term. – Short term: breathing the strong smell of burning plastic every day can cause respiratory and ear, nose and throat problems (stuffy nose, shortness of breath, cough, sore throat), allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and eye and skin conditions.

– Long term: the toxic carbon-containing gases released by burning plastic can cause poisoning, affect the endocrine glands, disrupt digestive function and may cause cancer. Whether they affect fertility has not yet been studied.

Source: Alobacsi.com

Many people use 3D printers without paying attention to small details, which can end up seriously affecting their own health and that of their family and coworkers:

1. ABS and PLA plastic melted during 3D printing both produce compounds that are harmful to health:

– ABS also gives off a very unpleasant smell.

– Melted PLA releases VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

– There are also substances such as ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, phenol, and more.

2. Nanoparticles released during 3D printing settle on the skin and in the small air sacs of the lungs.

3D printers that are open (not enclosed) and have no filtration for toxic fumes and dust can be very harmful to your health.

So which 3D printers are safe?

Contact CT3D Group

CT3D Group – professional 3D printing, 3D scanning, design and rapid prototyping services nationwide.

CT3D Thu Duc – Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hai Phong: in3d.edu.vn – Hotline 0975 008 728 (Mr. Thai)
CT3D District 6 – Ho Chi Minh City: 3dmaker.vn – Hotline 038 7798308 (Mr. Phuc)

How to reduce fumes and ultrafine particles when FDM printing

In FDM printing, the filament is melted at high temperature, which can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ultrafine particles. Emission levels depend on the plastic type, print temperature, print time and how well the room is ventilated. There is no need to panic, but you should take these simple steps:

Put the printer in a ventilated room: avoid bedrooms or closed rooms with no air exchange. An exhaust fan or a window helps.
Choose a printer with an enclosed chamber: an enclosure keeps the temperature stable and stops fumes and dust from escaping straight into the room.
Use a filter: filters that combine activated carbon with a fine-particle filter are commonly used to cut odor and dust.
Don’t stay next to the printer the whole time: for long prints, monitor with a camera or check in from time to time instead of sitting right beside it.
Print at the recommended temperature: too high a temperature increases emissions and can burn the plastic.
Buy filament from known sources: avoid filament of unknown composition and low-quality recycled plastic.

How much care common filaments need

Material	Printing characteristics	Level of care
PLA	Lower print temperature, mild smell	Low – still ventilate
PETG	Little smell, medium print temperature	Low to medium
ABS / ASA	Noticeable smell, needs an enclosure to prevent warping	High – use an enclosure and air filter
Nylon, engineering plastics	High print temperature	High – needs a controlled environment

For offices, schools or homes with young children, if you only print now and then, ordering prints from a professional provider with its own machines and space is both safer and cheaper. See our on-demand 3D printing service to get finished parts without running a printer at your workplace.

Frequently asked questions

Is 3D printing with PLA toxic?

PLA is considered one of the milder, less smelly filaments, but it still releases ultrafine particles when melted. So even with PLA, keep the printer in a ventilated area and avoid sitting right next to it for long periods.

Should I put a 3D printer in my bedroom?

No. Bedrooms are usually closed and you spend a lot of time there. It is best to put the printer in a separate workroom with ventilation or near an exhaust fan.

Do enclosed 3D printers with filters remove all emissions?

Not completely, but they greatly reduce the fumes and dust that escape into the room. How well they work depends on the filter quality and replacing the filter regularly.

Is a plastic smell during printing a sign that something is wrong?

A mild smell is normal, especially with ABS. If you notice an unusual burning smell or smoke, stop the printer right away and check the nozzle temperature, jammed filament or electrical parts.

How can I get 3D printed parts without running a printer myself?

You can send your design file or idea to a 3D printing service. Contact CT3D via Hotline/Zalo 0975 008 728 or contact@ct3dgroup.com for advice on the right material and technology.

Related services at CT3D Group

On-demand 3D printing service
High-accuracy 3D scanning service
Custom 3D design service
CT3D Group network: ct3dgroup.com · in3d.edu.vn – Hotline/Zalo 0975 008 728

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