How Safe Is 3D Printing? A Deep Dive Into Printing Particles

Report on 3D Printer Emissions and Filtration Efficacy

Introduction

Made With Layers (Thomas Sanladerer) has done a brilliant study on how harmful 3D printing particles are and how we can help eliminate them. He discusses the emissions of 3D printers, specifically focusing on the different types of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by various common filaments like ABS, ASA, PETG, and PLA.

Thomas even builds a sensor array to measure and analyze these emissions and provides insights into the potential health risks and mitigation strategies.

Here is my summary of the video and some key points to take from it.

Key Findings

1. Smell and Perception of Danger:
   • ABS emits a distinctive “smelly” odor, which is generally considered unpleasant and potentially harmful, leading many to switch to ASA, which has a milder smell. However, ASA can emit more harmful particles and VOCs than ABS. The absence of smell does not equate to safety.
   • PETG emits no noticeable odor but produces a white powder that can settle on printheads, indicating particulate emissions that are also present in the air.
2. Health Risks of Particulate Matter and VOCs:
   • The two main types of emissions from 3D printers are particulate matter (PM) and VOCs. Smaller particles (under 2.5 µm) are particularly dangerous as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even reach the brain, potentially leading to inflammatory reactions and increased risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
   • VOCs, which include harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and acetone, are toxic and can have long-term adverse health effects.
3. Testing and Results:
   • Thomas constructed a sensor array with multiple low-cost sensors to measure particulate matter and VOCs during 3D printing.
   • The results indicated that:
     • ABS and ASA: These filaments emitted particulates well beyond safe exposure limits, with ASA potentially being more harmful due to higher BPA concentrations in the emitted particles.
     • PETG and PLA: These filaments emitted much lower levels of particulates, staying within generally safe limits. PETG was confirmed to be free of BPA, while data on PLA was inconclusive but expected to be similarly safe.
     • VOCs: While VOCs were measurable during printing with ABS, ASA, and PETG, PLA did not register significant VOC emissions. VOC levels during printing were lower than the baseline levels in Thomas’ living area, suggesting that VOCs from filament printing might not be the most pressing concern.
4. Mitigation Strategies:
   • Enclosures: Simply enclosing a 3D printer does not significantly reduce emissions. However, enclosures can be effective if integrated into a filtration or extraction system that creates negative pressure, pulling air through a HEPA filter or exhausting it outside.
   • Air Filters: Thomas tested an IKEA air filter and found it effective in reducing particle concentrations from unsafe levels to zero within an hour for ABS emissions. However, VOC filtration was less effective due to the small size of the filter’s activated carbon element.
   • Printing at Lower Temperatures: Printing at lower temperatures significantly reduces particle emissions, though at the cost of layer adhesion quality.
   • Old vs. Fresh Filaments: No significant difference was found between old and fresh filaments regarding emissions, except for a slight increase in VOCs with old PETG.

Here Is The Original Video

Conclusions

Made With Layers investigation highlights the importance of understanding the emissions from 3D printing and taking appropriate steps to mitigate potential health risks. While PLA and PETG are safer alternatives to ABS and ASA, they are not entirely free of emissions.

Effective strategies include using air filters, especially those with substantial activated carbon content, and potentially reducing print temperatures. The study suggests a cautious approach to 3D printing, particularly in shared or poorly ventilated spaces.

The testing may not be fully up to scientific standards, but the findings align with other research, suggesting that there is a genuine concern about 3D printer emissions and long-term effects remain largely unknown. They advocate for increased awareness and better safety practices among 3D printing enthusiasts.

Thanks for reading and make sure to tell us what you think in the comment section or in our 3D Printing Adult Facebook Group.

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