How can you ventilate your 3D printing workspace safely?

1 Why ventilation matters

Ventilation is the process of replacing stale or polluted air with fresh or clean air. It helps to reduce the concentration of airborne contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ultrafine particles (UFPs), or resin vapors, that can be emitted by 3D printing materials. Ventilation also improves the quality and comfort of your indoor environment, by regulating the temperature, humidity, and odor levels. Poor ventilation can lead to various health problems, such as headaches, nausea, irritation, allergies, asthma, or even cancer. Therefore, ventilation is essential for your safety and well-being when 3D printing.

2 How to measure air quality

Before you start ventilating your 3D printing workspace, you need to know how bad the air quality is. You can do that by using a device called an air quality monitor, which can measure the levels of different pollutants, such as VOCs, UFPs, carbon dioxide, or particulate matter. Some air quality monitors can also display the temperature and humidity readings, which can affect the performance and durability of your 3D printer and materials. You can place the air quality monitor near your 3D printer or in the center of your workspace, and check the readings regularly. If the readings are above the recommended limits, you need to take action to improve the ventilation.

3 How to choose a ventilation method

Ventilating your 3D printing workspace can be done in two ways: natural or mechanical. Natural ventilation relies on the natural airflow from windows, doors, or vents to exchange indoor and outdoor air. Mechanical ventilation uses a fan, duct, or filter to force or extract the air in or out of your workspace. The best method for you depends on several factors such as the size and layout of your workspace, the type and amount of 3D printing materials you use, the weather and outdoor air quality conditions, and your budget and preferences. Natural ventilation is the easiest and cheapest method as it does not require any additional equipment or installation; however, it may not be effective enough for large or enclosed workspaces or for high-emission materials. Mechanical ventilation is the most efficient and reliable method as it can control the airflow rate and direction, filter out pollutants; however, it may be more expensive and complicated to set up and maintain. Additionally, it requires electricity and may generate noise or heat.

4 How to optimize your ventilation system

Once you have chosen a ventilation method for your 3D printing workspace, it is important to optimize it to ensure it works properly and safely. To achieve this, you should place your 3D printer near a window, door, or vent, or connect it to a duct or fan that leads outside. This will help to remove the pollutants directly from the source and prevent them from spreading. Additionally, using a filter or an air purifier can capture the pollutants before they enter or leave your workspace. Different types of filters are available, such as HEPA, activated carbon, or electrostatic, depending on the size and nature of the pollutants you want to eliminate. It is essential to change or clean the filter regularly to maintain its efficiency. Furthermore, creating a negative pressure in your workspace by using an exhaust fan or a vent that extracts more air than it introduces can prevent pollutants from escaping into other rooms or areas of your building. Lastly, monitoring and adjusting the airflow rate and direction according to your needs and conditions is important. You can use a device called an anemometer to measure the wind speed and direction in your workspace. Curtains, blinds, or screens can also be used to block or direct the airflow as needed.

5 How to protect yourself and others

Ventilating your 3D printing workspace is not enough to ensure your safety and health. To protect yourself and others from possible exposure to pollutants, you need to follow some simple precautions. Wear personal protective equipment, such as a mask, goggles, gloves, or apron when handling or printing with 3D printing materials. Choose the appropriate type and size of PPE according to the material and the level of exposure, and dispose of or wash the PPE after use. Keep your 3D printer and materials in a well-ventilated and isolated area away from living or working spaces. If possible, use a separate room or a cabinet with a door or lid that can be closed and locked; label the area or cabinet with a warning sign or sticker indicating potential hazards and ventilation requirements. Additionally, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in your 3D printing workspace; wash your hands and face thoroughly before and after 3D printing; and clean your workspace regularly with a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?