An Excellent Solution For Evading 3D Printing Emissions


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3D printing can also be referred to as an additive process, where materials are layered layer by layer to form a 3D object. The material or filament is fed to an extrusion head with a heated nozzle. The extrusion head heats, soften, and lays down the heated material at set locations; at this point, it will cool to create a layer of materials; the build platform then moves down, ready for the next layer.

When the plastic filaments are heated up during that process, they release some chemicals in the form of fumes or gases. These fumes comprise a category of gases known as VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and PM (Particulate matter). VOCs are gases produced from certain solids or liquids, including various chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term health effects. These chemicals are cast, not limited to 3D printing only. They are concentrated in a less ventilated area than outdoors. Where are Particulate matter contains microscopic solid or liquid droplets that are minimal that they can be inhaled and cause some health complications.

Even so, some believe that 3D printing at a very low temperature minimizes the risk of VOC and PM production risk. But some FDM filament materials emit VOCs below the temperature needed to make the material pliable enough for printing. So, long-term inhalation of these chemicals can be quite disturbing.

3D printing is a hobby and an excellent component for many manufacturing businesses. So, it is not practical to say that you can stop printing because of the emissions. Therefore, how can you print safely? Here are the suggestions;

  • First, it is essential to note that just as different materials have different properties, filaments produce different emissions levels. For instance, the commonly used filaments like PLA and ABS. They both emit a different amount of VOC and PM. In fact, ABS emits PM one order of magnitude higher than PLA. Furthermore, it is reported that spools of the same material purchased from different suppliers emit a different amount of VOC and PM. Some people have found avoiding using filaments that produce much VOC and PM helpful.
  • It is also recommended to print in an open space with adequate ventilation. This keeps the particles and fumes emitted through printing from concentrating. Though it isn’t a one hundred percent solution, you can also use filaments producing lesser chemicals.
  • Considering the two options available here, what if my projects mostly need filaments that emit higher VOC or PM? How can I protect myself, then? To ensure you are completely safe from harmful airborne contaminants, consider getting a 3D printer air purifier. Using the right air purifier can guarantee the capture of both gases and particles that are emitted during 3D printing. Note it is vital to choose the right air purifier. How can you know which purifier is the best? What determines an ideal purifier is the type of filtration it consists of. For instance, the Snapmaker air purifier for 3D printers consists of the following filters consolidated into one;
    • G4 filter for coarse filtration has been designed to filter relatively bigger particles measuring ≥ 5 µm in diameter. It filters out more than 90% of PM10 and PM5.
    • F9 filter for finer filtration has been designed to capture particles measuring 1 µm or above in diameter. It filters out more than 95% of PM10, PM5, and PM2.5.
    • A customized activated carbon filter consists of a dense pack of activated carbon to absorb VOCs that the particulate matter filter can’t capture. It also eliminates unpleasant odors.
    • Two layers of 70 mm thick ultra-dense HEPA H13 filter can filter up to 99.97% of airborne particles of all sizes, such as PM0.3, that are known to be the most penetrating particles in the air.
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Adil Husnain

Adil Husnain is a well-known name in the blogging and SEO industry. He is known for his extensive knowledge and expertise in the field, and has helped numerous businesses and individuals to improve their online visibility and traffic.