And UFP (Ultra Fine Particle) data, the new version. Again, printing with PLA is quite safe, common sense applies, i.e. open windows every now and then and don’t sit right next to your running printer all the time.
"PLA emitted significantly less overall, and most of it was a non-hazardous chemical, lactide. PLA doesn’t look like a problem.
All of the materials resulted in increased UFP exposure. These levels are above normal household background levels, but lower than certain “microclimates” which (if you follow the references) include principals’ offices with carpet, automobiles, restaurants, and rooms with burning candles or running hair dryers. In short, the UFP exposure doesn’t look like it’s going to be a big deal unless you’re sitting right next to the printer and running it continually."
I just finished skimming the paper itself at [1] and the most interesting factoid I got out of it so far is that a heated bed has quite an impact on the production of UFP and TVOC emissions. Lesson for me: Printing with PLA on an unheated bed with the lowest possible extrusion temperature is the preferred way to minimize emissions from your printer.
Printing with ABS and Nylon is definitely to be only done in well ventilated areas. And investing in a camera and using sth like Octoprint to be able to put the printer in a bit of a disctance is also definitely worth it.
That is pretty much the conclusion that I ended up with. The data show ABS and Nylon emissions are at the very least concerning. The problem as I see it, modern home are so much tighter now here in the US, and IAQ is already a problem because of it. Add a massive amounts of possibly carcinogenic VOC’s to the mix, and there might be problem.
I have noticed that a few 3d printer manufactures are pulling back on the use of ABS, and a couple of the mid range printers are being designed around a HEPA/CARBON air filtration system.
I believe that is an invalid comparison. There are way to many differences between commercial fabrication buildings and in residential buildings.
My field of expertise is in the HVAC/R industry and here in the US the requirements for air exchange for a simple office building are much higher then a single family residential building
Fabrication/Manufacturing building requirements are extreme is some cases.
@Nathan_Walkner
I don’t think it matters, it’s how the machines and building equipment evacuation of those gasses that makes the difference. Even though the emissions might be a 1k times greater, if it’s being diluted the total exposure could be much less.
Depending on where the plant is, I bet they have VOC monitoring in place to meet OSHA regulations.