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How much unattended can my printer be  

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FlyingCog
(@flyingcog)
Active Member
How much unattended can my printer be

Hi,

I know I shouldn't leave printer unattended but I'm not sure how unattended it can be. I'm still needing to set up the enclosure with automatic fire suppression system so it is on a wooden table. For example if it is (almost) directly under a smoke detector and I put fire extinguisher next to it, can I be in next room with closed doors or should I always be in the same room?

Posted : 04/08/2021 5:46 pm
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
No answer applies to all cases, it's a question of acceptable risk

How much risk are you willing to take?

  • The Prusa printers have safety features enabled, but nothing is perfect.
  • If you have your printer in a fire-resistant enclosure with a smoke detector and automatic power shutoff, you're not trusting the firmware features alone to save your bacon. Risk is reduced.
  • If you've got it set on an old wooden shelf with a big bottle of acetone and old magazines next to it, the risks are amplified.
  • If you do have a fire and your insurance company determines that you didn't follow safe practices, they're under no obligation to pay damages.
  • If you're not paying the insurance for your home, ask whoever is.

At a minimum, have the ability to monitor a print regularly (e.g., something like OctoPrint video) and stop prints. A remote power shutoff would also be good. It's the same question as leaving the house with the oven on. If you're asking us whether you should put family and neighbors at risk, we can't tell you.

My notes and disclaimers on 3D printing

and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

Posted : 04/08/2021 7:13 pm
fuchsr liked
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