The Potential Hazards of 3D Printing
Ultrafine particles
3D printing technology has been hailed as a revolutionary way to create objects, but it also has the potential to pose serious safety risks. One of the most significant dangers posed by 3D printers is the release of ultrafine particles (UFPs) into the air. UFPs are tiny pieces of matter that can easily enter the human body through the lungs and have been linked to a variety of health problems, including respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Hot surfaces
Hot surfaces also pose a serious hazard when using 3D printers. The high temperatures required to melt the plastic filaments used in many 3D printers can easily cause severe burns. In addition, the chemicals used to create the plastic filaments can also be dangerous if they are inhaled or come into contact with the skin.
UV light
Another potential danger of 3D printing is high voltages, which are used to heat the filaments. If proper precautions are not taken, these high voltages can pose a serious electrocution hazard.
Ultraviolet light is also used in some 3D printing processes and can be harmful to the eyes and skin.
Mechanical hazards
Mechanical hazards from moving parts are also a concern when using 3D printers. Improperly guarded moving parts can easily cause injuries if they come into contact with fingers or other body parts.
Sharp tools
You are also using some potentially dangerous tools to finish and remove parts, including knives, saws, and sanders. These also can cause harm potentially.
Dangerous chemicals
Another potential hazard of 3D printing is the use of dangerous chemicals in the printing process. Some of the most commonly used 3D printer filaments are made of thermoplastic materials that can release harmful fumes when heated. These fumes can contain a variety of dangerous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have been linked to a variety of health problems, including eye and respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness, and even cancer.
The creations themsleves
3D printers can also be used to create objects that pose a physical safety hazard. For example, it is possible to print firearms and other weapons using 3D printers. (Even drugs!) These weapons can be extremely dangerous if they are not used properly or if they fall into the wrong hands.
Fortunately, there are a few simple steps that you can take to reduce the risks posed by 3D printing.
Safety Equipment
Neoprene or Nitrile Gloves
When working with 3D printers, it is important to wear gloves to protect your hands from UFPs and harmful chemicals. Neoprene or nitrile gloves are a good choice for this purpose because they provide a good barrier against both UFPs and chemicals.
Ventilation
First, make sure that your workspace is well-ventilated. UFPs and harmful fumes can build up quickly in a small, enclosed space, so it is important to have a good ventilation system in place.
If possible, try to print in an outdoor area or in a room with large windows that can be opened to allow fresh air to circulate.
Splashproof Eye Protection
Second, always wear splashproof eye protection when working with 3D printers. This will help to protect your eyes from UFPs and chemical fumes.
Safety Coveralls
Consider wearing safety coveralls when working with 3D printers. This will help to protect your skin from UFPs and chemical fumes.
Respirators
Wear a respirator when printing. Respirators are designed to filter out UFPs and other harmful particles, and they can be very effective at protecting your lungs.
There are a variety of different types of respirators available, so make sure to choose one that is appropriate for the type of printing you will be doing.
Filters
Fifth, use filters to reduce the amount of UFPs and harmful fumes that are released into the air. There are a variety of different filters available, and they can be very effective at reducing the risks posed by 3D printing.
Choosing safer materials
Choose safer materials for your 3D prints. There are a variety of different types of filaments available, and some are much safer than others.
Filaments made of PLA (polylactic acid) are a good choice, as they are biodegradable and do not release harmful fumes when heated.
There are also a number of filaments made from alternative materials, such as bamboo, that are also safe to use. Remember that resin toxicity can be a real thing!
Proper disposal
Finally, make sure to dispose of any waste materials properly. UFPs and harmful chemicals can stay in the air long after you have finished printing, so it is important to ventilation the area and dispose of any waste materials in a safe manner.
How Organizations Can Protect Workers from 3D Printing Hazards
While there are a number of steps that individuals can take to protect themselves from the hazards posed by 3D printing, it is also important for organizations to take steps to protect their workers. Here are a few tips for organizations:
- Ensure that workspaces are well-ventilated.
- Provide workers with personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety goggles, and respirators.
- Only trained professionals should operate 3D printers.
- Regularly maintain and calibrate 3D printers.
- Use only safe materials for 3D printing.
- Dispose of waste materials properly.
- Monitor workers for signs of health problems.
- Organizations should also have a plan in place for dealing with emergencies, such as fires or chemical spills.
- Ensure that waste materials are disposed of properly.
- Educate workers about the hazards posed by 3D printing and the steps they can take to protect themselves.
- Organizations should also consider implementing a safety management system, such as ISO 45001, which can help to reduce the risks posed by 3D printing and other occupational hazards.
CLeaning your 3D printers is also a component of safety
Regular maintenance will help to ensure that your printers are operating correctly and that there are no safety hazards.
It is also important to clean your printers after each use to remove any buildup of UFPs and other dangerous particles.
Use of Corrosive Baths for finishing parts made on 3D printers
There are a variety of corrosive chemicals that can be used to finish parts made on 3D printers. These chemicals can be very dangerous, and they should only be used by trained professionals.
Some of the most commonly used corrosive baths include:
- Hydrochloric acid
- Sulphuric acid
- Nitric acid
- Boric acid
These chemicals can be very dangerous, and they should only be used in well-ventilated areas. Personal protective equipment, such as gloves and respirators, should be worn when working with these chemicals.
Proper disposal of waste materials is also important. Waste materials should be disposed of in a safe manner to avoid contamination of the environment.
Dealing with industrial-size 3D printers
When working with industrial-size 3D printers, it is important to take extra safety precautions. These printers are much larger than those used in homes and businesses, and they can pose a greater risk to workers.
Some of the safety measures that should be taken when working with industrial 3D printers include:
- Ensuring that the area is well-ventilated
- Providing workers with personal protective equipment
- Only trained professionals should operate the printer
- The printer should be regularly maintained and calibrated
- Safe materials should be used for printing
- Waste materials should be disposed of properly
- Monitoring workers for signs of health problems
- Organizations should also have a plan in place for dealing with emergencies, such as fires or chemical spills.
Ensuring that the area is well-ventilated is especially important when working with industrial 3D printers. These printers release a large amount of UFPs and other harmful particles into the air, so it is important to make sure that the area is well-ventilated.
Providing workers with personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety goggles, and respirators, is also important. Only trained professionals should operate the printer, and the printer should be regularly maintained and calibrated.
Safe materials should be used for printing, and waste materials should be disposed of properly. Monitoring workers for signs of health problems is also important.
Organizations should also have a plan in place for dealing with emergencies, such as fires or chemical spills.
3D printing can be a great way to create parts and products, but it is important to take safety precautions when using this technology. By following the safety tips listed above, you can help to ensure that your 3D printing experience is safe and enjoyable.
3D printing is a rapidly evolving technology with the potential to revolutionize the way we manufacture goods. While there are a number of benefits to this technology, it is important to be aware of the potential hazards posed by 3D printing and take steps to protect yourself and your workplace.
Hello, my name’s Rush Chapman. I’m a 3D printing enthusiast. I started this site to help people choose 3D printing projects and select the best 3D printer for your needs, whether you’re a hobbyist or a pro!
