Where should I place my printer - Fumes
Hi Guys,
Today my first MK35+ arrived and as a newbie I am trying to decide where should i place my printer in the long term. The first thing that comes to mind is the fumes being generated thus I have been thinking of 2 options
1) Consider leaving it in my apartment near a window for ventilation. Advantage - less worry in terms of security, monitor printing, disadvantage - fumes, gf's curious cat.
2) Place in my Basement (bottom of Apartment building), Advantage - extractor in basement for fumes. Disadvantage - security.
I prefer option 1 but if placing it in basement is recommended (due to fumes) I could try to set up security system using my raspberry pi.
Any suggestions are welcome.
Cheers
RE: Where should I place my printer - Fumes
@steadyeddie
You forgot option C) put it in a cabinet with a carbon filter.
Pro's :
1) The cat lives. (or at least gets to keep several of it's lives. you get to keep gf.)
2) The fumes will be processed through the filter. (No window Needed)
3) you will be able to print hard to print materials easier. (enclosures are great for this)
4) no security concerns.
Con's:
1) you have to either build it yourself or pay for one (not that big a deal)
2) Refer back to 1)
Win, win if your asking me.
Have fun
Swiss_Cheese
The Filament Whisperer
RE: Where should I place my printer - Fumes
Are there any definitive studies showing that episodic exposure to fumes from casual hobbyist 3d printing is harmful?
I have two printers in a home office, no windows, but an overhead exhaust fan (which I usually neglect to turn on). When I print PLA and PETg, there's really no discernible odor outside of the enclosure. With ABS there is, but not objectionable, to me, anyway. ('It smells like melted plastic in here.') We do have a cat, but she's scared of the printers. LOL, I could never get her to pose on a print bed. 😉
RE: Where should I place my printer - Fumes
I certainly wouldn't put a 3D printer in a shared space unless you have some means (e.g., a cage or cabinet) of securing it, particularly given the length of many 3D print jobs.
The issue is more what you print. Some filaments (particularly ABS) emit known harmful particles like styrene. Others like PLA and particularly PETG do not. All emit some level of ultra-fine particles (UFPs), the impact of which is not fully known. However, microwaves and laser printers spit out more, and living near a busy roadway will expose you to even more. PLA emits a relatively low amount of UFPs, PETG even less. Additives such as colorants may affect the amount given off.
In general, PLA and PETG prints are pretty inoffensive, but I know of one person who can't stand PLA fumes. Keep the printer in a ventilated space and you should be fine. I'd avoid sleeping around it, but otherwise positioning it in a utility space with a washing machine should work. There are soft-sided enclosures available that will contain emissions somewhat.
RE: Where should I place my printer - Fumes
Thanks for the informative responses. I will look into the options.
Regarding the cat, I doubt he will do a pose on the print bed but more likely make his territorial mark!
Cheers
RE: Where should I place my printer - Fumes
@steadyeddie
but more likely make his territorial mark!
...and when that heats up you really will wish for a fume extractor...
Cheerio,