When you’re using a 3D printer, ventilation is key to ensuring the machine runs efficiently and you remain healthy. While 3D printers can do amazing things, they’re also potential sources of harmful fumes. As such, it’s vital that you keep the air in your workspace fresh while thoroughly pushing out the bad stuff. Here are several tips for properly ventilating your 3D printing workspace.
Pick a Proper Place
The first point to address is the location of your 3D printer. Whether it’s a Creatbot F160 3D printer or another brand, make every effort to place it in a room that’s airy, has high ceilings, and windows that can be opened easily. Garages and sheds are ideal since they can provide plenty of airflow. If you choose to set up an indoor workspace, pick a room you don’t normally occupy for more than a few hours a day. Printers can run for several hours, and even with all the windows open it’s not a healthy environment to occupy during the printing process. Bedrooms are less-than-ideal areas, even with ventilation, because fumes and residue can settle and accumulate where you sleep.
Add an Air Purifier and Extractor
Here is another one of our tips for properly ventilating your 3D printing workspace: install a small air purifier next to the printer. Ensure it has a HEPA filter that uses activated charcoal to remove the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by your 3D printer. You can also build a setup where the air emitted by your printer runs directly through the purifier. An extractor is an even better addition. It takes in the air from the printer, blows it outside, then replaces it with clean, cool outside air.
Create an Enclosure
Another way to keep the air cleaner around your 3D printer is to make a special see-through compartment for it. A 3D printer enclosure is an air-tight container that keeps all those free-floating and unhealthy particles from floating throughout your workspace. Such compartments are also easily equipped with filters, purifiers, extractors, and fans to carry the exhaust outdoors (after it’s been cleaned with a charcoal filter.)
Help Your House To Breathe
It might be instinctual to shut the door behind you when you leave a 3D printer to run for several hours. Avoid doing so. Depending on the weather, leave the door open and ensure other doors and windows around the house are also open wide. Good ventilation depends on more than one window!