The 3D printer is a sword with two edges. It is designed to better transform technology and society, but also to have a negative impact. Like any new technology, the advantages of 3D printing are easy to absorb. It offers a new world for all industries and enables the movement of manufacturers to lower transport costs, environmental effects, waste and dependence on companies. Read the informative article about The Health Hazards of 3D Printing.
But 3D printers are potentially hazardous and wasteful machines and have not yet been fully examined in terms of their social, political, economic and environmental impacts.
3D Printing Harmful Effects
Thermoplastic filaments to powdered metal and concrete use a range of materials. Many materials have risks that users should know and be trained to handle. 3D printing is not without risks just like any technology, many of them still to be found. In spite of the hazards of 3d printing, companies are looking to revisit processes and improve business activities using 3D printing technology.
The most common processes for 3D printing use plastic threads called feedstock, which are liquefied through a heating element and then thrown through a bottle. Some materials may be harmful to extended exposure to smoke. During the printing, hazardous vapours and gases have been found in recent studies on 3D printers and thermoplastic feedstock. ABS Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene and PLA Poly were the two best-used thermoplastics.
Unhealthy air emissions
When used at home, 3D printers can pose a health risk. 3D desktop printers’ emissions are similar to cigarette burning or gas or electricity cooking. This was the first study to measure airborne 3D desktop printer particulate matter emissions. When plastic was heated and small numbers were printed, 20 billion ultrafine particles were emitted in machinery using PLA filament per minute, and up to 200 trillion particles were emitted in the ABS. These can settle in the lungs or stream of the bloodstream and pose a health risk, particularly for asthma patients.
Experts in the industry predict that 3-D printing will transform production as all know it. The public will continue to receive attention and promote new innovation through exciting projects such as the restoration of coral reefs, growing functioning organisms and body components, and the replication of invaluable artefacts.
How to minimize the risk of 3D printing
Well Ventilated Space
By placing the 3D printer in a well-ventilated room, you minimise smoke exposure. Ensure that the bedroom in which the printer is located has adequate ventilation for fire windows and space.
System of Ventilation
You may have to use an air quality monitor to implement an advanced air ventilation system. The air quality monitor helps you to minimise health risks by providing air quality information at any stage of the 3D printing process. If the printer is in the living room you can control fumes by adding an air purifier, especially the HEPA filter.
Buy Safer Printer
3D printers from a reputable manufacturer of 3D printers should be purchased. These 3D printers use and are presumably safer photo-ionizing technology.
Substitute Toxic Material with a Safer One
Always strive to replace the safer materials of toxic 3D printing. Materials containing carbon nanotubes are, for example, harmful to people. Do not use materials with a high concentration of nanoparticles.
Administrative Controls
Management control is one of 3D printing’s least favoured rules. The idea is that the number of people who visit the 3D printing room should be limited. The only people who work there to take away the models or for maintenance should be allowed into space.
Protect your employees with PPE while handling 3D printing
While surface 3D printing seems relatively safe, a deeper look demonstrates the danger of compounds, chemicals and materials that are used and emitted during printing. Employers can take several important steps to protect their workers to counter 3d printing health hazards.
There are numerous ways of providing adequate protection from ensuring adequate safety training to becoming familiar with which equipment and materials present the most risk. In addition, the proper use of PPE in 3D printing constitutes one of the easiest steps for 3D printing by organisations to ensure the safety of their employees.
Bottom lines
Nowadays, people get aware of 3D printing and its health hazards. You should give special attention to protect your health while working in the field.