3D Printer Safety

Recently, 3D printers, an additive manufacturing technology, have been increasing in both popularity and affordability. They are being used in laboratories, offices, shops, and also in residential locations (dorm rooms and apartments).  In some 3D printing processes, thermoplastics are heated, nozzle extruded and then deposited onto a surface to build the object. Since most 3D printers do not have exhaust ventilation or filtration accessories, placement of the printer and selection of printing materials must both be carefully considered. There are both chemical and physical hazards associated with 3D printers, which are determined by the type of printer, chemicals used for print materials, and parts finishing process:

 These hazards include:

• The generation of ultrafine/nano-sized particles (UFP);
• Chemical vapors (ex. styrene, acrylonitrile, or formaldehyde, etc.) depending on the media being used.
• Generation of Heat and contact hot surfaces:
• Mechanical hazards from moving parts;
• High voltage;
• Ultraviolet light;
• Use of tools to remove and finish parts

The following is a list of safety precautions that need to be considered when using a 3D printer:

1. All 3D Printers must be registered in BioRAFT/SciShield
2. All 3D printers must be placed in a well-ventilated area and/or directly ventilated to the outside, regardless of the printing materials that will be used. . Air exchanges of at least 4-6 per hour are recommended for the adequate ventilation for up to 4 desk top printers.
3. Whenever possible, purchase 3D printer models that are enclosed. (Full enclosure appears more effective at controlling UFP emissions than a cover)
4. Any 3D printer that is larger than a desk top model please contact OES to conduct a risk assessment.
5. Always use the manufacturer’s supplied controls and follow manufacturer’s instructions for set up and operation.
6. When 3D printers are running, users should not congregate around the printing operation to minimize the inhalation of particulates being created.
7. Maintain a distance from the printer to minimize breathing in emitted particles and choose a low-emitting printer and filament when possible;
8. Whenever possible, 3D printers that utilize resins and/or corrosives should be placed in areas designed as labs or shops that have eyewashes and safety showers
9. If the printer nozzle jams, turn off the printer and allow it to ventilate before removing the cover;
10. Wash hands thoroughly after working with 3D printers.

1. There shall be no eating, drinking, applying cosmetics, chewing gum, or handling contact lenses in rooms that contain 3D printing operations.

1. All work surfaces must be cleaned by a wet method. Sweeping and other dry methods can create airborne particles.
2. All 3D metal printing operations must be assessed on a case-by-case basis by Occupational and Environmental Safety.
3. If you use a material other than PLA or using experimental materials while printing, please contact OES to conduct a risk assessment.
4. TRAINING : Anyone that works with a 3D printer needs to take Lab safety training (for Research labs)  or Hazard Communication (non-researcher areas), training.

There are a variety of printing materials available for use with 3D printers, each with its own inherent hazards. The two most commonly used materials are Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). In general, PLA is much safer to use than ABS.

Each 3D printer has been designed to use certain types of materials. These materials have inherent hazards and may become more hazardous when they are subjected to the 3D printing process or are inadvertently ignited.

Please review product Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) within SciShield for material specific safety information before using anything in a 3D printer.

1. Corrosive baths shall only be used in a designated lab space only.
2. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including: lab coat or apron, chemical resistant gloves, and safety goggles when handling the chemical, placing an item in, or removing it from the bath.
3. Ensure there is an eyewash in the vicinity of the bath, in case of a splash.
4. Use tongs when placing an item in, or removing it from, the bath.
5. Ensure tank is properly labeled with the chemical name and associated hazards.
6. Ensure there is proper ventilation in the area where the bath is located.
7. Do not pour any chemical down the drain. All used chemicals must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
8. Anyone that works with the corrosive bath must take Hazardous Waste training.
9. Caustic Soda is corrosive and can cause chemical burns, scarring and blindness.
10. Mixing it with water generates heat that could ignite other materials.
11. Sodium hydroxide should always be added to water and not vice versa.

• OES 3D Printer Fact Sheet (PDF)
• ULRI - Safe Use of 3D Printing for Institutions of Higher Education (PDF)
• CDC - Approaches to Safe 3D Printing: A Guide for Makerspace Users, Schools, Libraries and Small Businesses (PDF)
• National Safety Council
• CDC - NIOSH 3D Printing Safety at Work
• CDC - NIOSH 3D Printing with Filaments: Health & Safety Questions to Ask
• CDC - NIOSH 3D Printing with Metal Powders: Health & Safety Questions to Ask
• CDC – NIOSH  Characterizing 3D Printing Emissions and Controls in an Office Environment
• NIOSH Activities in 3D Printing (PDF)
• Emerging Health and Safety Issues in Makerspaces (PDF)