3d printing safety- venting the fumes

[bobthehobbyguy]

So I'm curious how the issue of venting for the 3d resin printers has been addressed by those who are using them.

[stitchdup]

I've got 2 printers in my front room where i spend most of my time. During the summer i have the windows open but in winter i dont. The only ventilation is from the kitchen extractor fan but its rarely running. I have copd/emphysema and it hasn't affected it so far. I do get sore heads from the alcohol wash but antiseptics do that to me as well. It may be different for other resins. I do wear gloves when handling unexposed/unwashed resin but thats it as far as safety stuff goes with me.

[stinkybritches]

These things do a surprisingly good job of offsetting the resin fumes.

ELEGOO Air Purifier for LCD/DLP/MSLA 3D Printers (Pack of 2) https://a.co/d/bd9IR7K

I also use a whole room air purifier if the fumes are too strong.

[bobthehobbyguy]

This is an interesting youtube video about the fumes and their safety issues. Brings up some interesting points. 

 

 

[iamsuperdan]

Interesting video.

I print in a room that has okay ventilation. I keep the window open, and the ceiling fan is moving the air. If the fan is on and window is open, the room doesn't smell like resin at all.

Of course, I only have one machine going at a time, and it's not running 24/7. So I think for my projects, it's not too bad. 

I know others that run multiple printers at once, and run them constantly. 

 

One question that I've never actually seen the answer to...

What it the actual hazard of direct contact with resin?

I have my box of disposable gloves that I wear, so for me actual contact is rare, but I've never seen actual warnings that contain some of the hazards. 

Most warnings I've seena re just like "don't let resin touch your skin. And don't drink it."

 

[bobthehobbyguy]

 

As commented in the video the smell is not indicative of the hazardous fumes.  One big problem is developing an allergic sensitivity.

As far as the documentation of the effects would be related to the material data sheets. 

All I can say is be safe guys. Make sure you are protecting your health.

Edited December 4, 2023 by bobthehobbyguy

[iamsuperdan]

2 hours ago, bobthehobbyguy said:

 

As far as the documentation of the effects would be related to the material data sheets. 

You know...I never thought to look for am MSDS.

For those wondering, here's the MSDS for the water washable resin from Elegoo.

 

 

 

[MeatMan]

19 minutes ago, iamsuperdan said:

You know...I never thought to look for am MSDS.

For those wondering, here's the MSDS for the water washable resin from Elegoo.

 

Thanks for posting the MSDS. The company I retired from req'd annual hazardous chemical training so I'm very familiar.

For me, my resin printer is in the room I paint in and I turn on my paint booth blower while I'm printing (which is what I'm doing right now!) and I have confidence it is adequate. I also use my paint respirator from the time I enter until I leave.

[MeatMan]

On 12/2/2023 at 8:21 PM, bobthehobbyguy said:

This is an interesting youtube video about the fumes and their safety issues. Brings up some interesting points. 

 

Great post. I had seen this vid and even thought about buying a VOC meter. I still may someday soon.

[MeatMan]

5 hours ago, iamsuperdan said:

Interesting video.

I print in a room that has okay ventilation. I keep the window open, and the ceiling fan is moving the air. If the fan is on and window is open, the room doesn't smell like resin at all.

Of course, I only have one machine going at a time, and it's not running 24/7. So I think for my projects, it's not too bad. 

I know others that run multiple printers at once, and run them constantly. 

 

One question that I've never actually seen the answer to...

What it the actual hazard of direct contact with resin?

I have my box of disposable gloves that I wear, so for me actual contact is rare, but I've never seen actual warnings that contain some of the hazards. 

Most warnings I've seena re just like "don't let resin touch your skin. And don't drink it."

 

Great post! I'd also like to add after reading that MSDS, "most of all, don't get it in your eyes!"

[iamsuperdan]

52 minutes ago, MeatMan said:

Thanks for posting the MSDS. The company I retired from req'd annual hazardous chemical training so I'm very familiar.

For me, my resin printer is in the room I paint in and I turn on my paint booth blower while I'm printing (which is what I'm doing right now!) and I have confidence it is adequate. I also use my paint respirator from the time I enter until I leave.

Yeah, through work I've been very familiar with MSDS sheets and WHMIS. Never thought to look it up for the hobby.

I always use my 3M masks when spray painting, and I paint in the garage.