Safety Precautions When Using 3D Printers

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Key Takeaways

  • 3D Printers must be properly enclosed and/or ventilated 
  • Hazards include inhalation of particulates/ vapors, skin irritation/burns, and laser/radiation exposure 
  • 3D printers should not be placed in residence halls or dorm rooms 

What is 3D printing?

3D printing is the action or process of making a physical object from a three-dimensional digital model, typically by laying down many thin layers of a material in succession.   Many 3D printers on the market may lack proper exhaust systems, so caution should be used while operating a 3D printer so to minimize the risk of exposure.  

What’s Hazardous?  

Materials used in 3D printers may range from plastics to resins to metals. The most common form of 3D printing is Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) where extruding plastics from a heated nozzle move in a pre-determined path. The nozzle melts the plastic, and the plastic will be cooled in order to create a solid object layer-by-layer. Other 3D printers use metals or ceramics to fuse powder particles one layer at a time with help from lasers. 

Safety concerns 

3D printer hazards include, but are not limited to: 

  • The generation of ultrafine/nano-sized particles. 
  • Heat. 
  • Mechanical hazards from moving parts. 
  • High voltage. 
  • Ultraviolet light, lasers. 
  • Chemical vapors (ex. styrene, acrylonitrile, or formaldehyde, etc.) depending on the media being used. 

Some of the risks associated with 3D printing include inhalation of particulatesor vapors,  skin irritation/burns, and laser/radiation exposure. To prevent these exposures, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends using the hierarchy of controls (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment).  

  • While elimination is the recommended course of action for eliminating risks, there is little data regarding filament emissions, so it may be difficult to determine whether a filament is hazardous, or not.  
  • Engineering controls are the next best option for keeping personnel safe when using any type of 3D printer. Ventilation and enclosures are the recommended engineering control to reduce exposure to 3D printing particulates and fumes.

An enclosure around the 3D printer will reduce exposure to breathable particulates. Enclosures are usually sold by the printer manufacturer, but other third-party vendors such as PrintedSolid offers a range of options. If an enclosure is not a suitable option, proper ventilation is the next best option.  

The primary means of ventilation are as follows (in order of decreasing effectiveness):  

  1. Direct outdoor exhaust. Examples include the use of single unit local exhaust ventilation, snorkel fume trunks, and enclosed ventilated racks. 
  2. Filters. Examples include HEPA filters (Particulates) and activated charcoal filtration (vapors, gases).  
  3. Increasing air flow in the room. Room ventilation should be increased to at least 4 air changes per hour, with only two 3D printers in operation simultaneously.  In general, 3D printers should not be operated in close proximity to personnel. Due to the lack of proper ventilation or ventilation control, it is not recommended that students use 3D printers in residence halls or dorm rooms. 

When determining where to place ventilation systems, it is best to ventilate the area closest to where the printing is occurring. 3D printers are available in Snell Engineering or Snell Library for student use. 

All 3D printers are required to be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions for use, maintenance, cleaning and disposal. Safety systems manufactured are not to be removed or altered.  

Please review the product Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for material specific safety information before using anything in a 3D printer. SDSs can be found on the SDS search window on your SciShield (formerly BioRAFT) homepage. or on the manufacturer’s website. 

Contact NUPD in the event of an emergency through your SafeZone App or by dialing 617 373 3333.

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