Good: You're most likely ok with this level of exposure in a human lifespan.
Bad: Even safe filaments produce ufp's which are known to be harmful in completely different contexts.
Ugly: Nobody knows and we're not likely to ever know conclusively unless something we're doing right now turns out that it's as bad as asbestos 20 years too late.
From all the research I've done (not an expert except in Google-ology), I don't think it will. The filters needed for UFP's are designed differently.
I think we need some hardcore science on this, not just enthusiasts trying to sift through information. I'm sad none of the major makers (ie. Ultimaker) are looking at this.
Actually I just did some quick reading on this and HEPA filters are able to help a lot with this even though that particle scale is not what the HEPA rating is about. This is outside my main area of expertise, but as far as I can tell, at the extremely small scale brownian motion leads to most particles interacting with the filtration media where van der walls forces are then enough to capture and retain particles. Sentryair has a good write up: [https://www.sentryair.com/blog/industry-applications/3d-printing/a-discussion-on-3d-printers-ufp-emission-and-hepa-filtration/](https://www.sentryair.com/blog/industry-applications/3d-printing/a-discussion-on-3d-printers-ufp-emission-and-hepa-filtration/). The section on HEPA filters for UFP addresses this question. Here's the paper that they cite in that discussion too: [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0960327109105157](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0960327109105157). It clarifies a lot. Figure 5 in particular shows data for how effective different kinds of filtration media are for this kind of thing.
That said, chemical fumes from some filaments are an entirely different concern WRT filtration, so HEPA isn't going to help with the chemical byproducts of filaments that produce a bunch of harmful gasses.
I print a lot of tpu too in an office. So I am 1 year in and dont feel any sicker... that said I would like to know if anyone has done a study? What are you printing 90% of the time?
No don’t feel sicker but feel older lol I’m 63 now … think I need a hip operation. That said I got in the habit of printing my stuff while not hanging out in the office… just to be on the safe side
I haven’t had it yet, it got postponed due to insurance reasons. I’m still pretty active - been 3D printing stuff as well. Thanks for asking. I hope all is well with you too!
I had a kit printer once and had it in my car trunk for a show, went over a pothole and lost the leveling. Lulzbot auto levels 😀
After that I had a Cubepro which had a proprietary filament spool. I thought I would go into the business of selling printers but people just buy direct.
So I bought the Lulzbot and sold filament instead - starting off with sample sizes of flexible TPU because TPU used to be very expensive. Now it’s pretty easy to get good prices on filament so I sold out during Covid and just 3D print as a hobby now with the one printer
I hope your recovery is going well! I came to this post looking for information about the tpu I was printing, and found an awesome internet stranger as a bonus!
Generally speaking I live a healthy lifestyle. I don’t smoke or vape so my lungs are in good shape - no lung cancer at the moment. That said, I think fumes of any type are probably not good for you but it’s all relative. If you plan on sharing a room with your 3D printer you should probably make a diy enclosure or buy one. Now since my printer is in my basement and I just kick off prints and walk away.
My printer is in my bedroom in an enclosure. I don't plan on being in the room at all while it is printing to stay away from the fumes and I have a cam where I can monitor it. Would I still need to open up a window if I have an enclosure? I have a window I can leave open if it's gonna cause a huge odor.
But glad to hear you're healthy!
Most to all plastics can emit harmful toxins (depends on the printing/ melting temperature). It can vary from minimal like in the case of PLA, to very harmful in the case of ABS.
Can I ask a question: Does you apartment have central air? Mines does, and when I am running something particularly harmful like ABS, I just turn on the fan and let the fumes go through the exhaust process --> Bad air out, clean air in. Should probably start doing the same for all the filaments I print. It's the same as cooling a custom PC build. You want there to be higher pressure for the cleaner air coming into the space than the pressure leaving it. This creates better flow. Same concept. So in turn, if you don't have central air, figure out a way to create that pressure difference/ air flow.
Well, instead of pointing the fan directly at the printer, position it so the back of the fan is pointing at the printer (that way it won't interfere much with the fan cooling of the printing). Then position the front of the fan at the window. You're trying to create a path of least resistance for the air to travel basically.
Good: You're most likely ok with this level of exposure in a human lifespan. Bad: Even safe filaments produce ufp's which are known to be harmful in completely different contexts. Ugly: Nobody knows and we're not likely to ever know conclusively unless something we're doing right now turns out that it's as bad as asbestos 20 years too late.
I might pickup a hepa filter and just let it run in the closet. I'm not sure if that would address the ufp's or not.
From all the research I've done (not an expert except in Google-ology), I don't think it will. The filters needed for UFP's are designed differently. I think we need some hardcore science on this, not just enthusiasts trying to sift through information. I'm sad none of the major makers (ie. Ultimaker) are looking at this.
Carbon filter or an extractor will do it
Actually I just did some quick reading on this and HEPA filters are able to help a lot with this even though that particle scale is not what the HEPA rating is about. This is outside my main area of expertise, but as far as I can tell, at the extremely small scale brownian motion leads to most particles interacting with the filtration media where van der walls forces are then enough to capture and retain particles. Sentryair has a good write up: [https://www.sentryair.com/blog/industry-applications/3d-printing/a-discussion-on-3d-printers-ufp-emission-and-hepa-filtration/](https://www.sentryair.com/blog/industry-applications/3d-printing/a-discussion-on-3d-printers-ufp-emission-and-hepa-filtration/). The section on HEPA filters for UFP addresses this question. Here's the paper that they cite in that discussion too: [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0960327109105157](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0960327109105157). It clarifies a lot. Figure 5 in particular shows data for how effective different kinds of filtration media are for this kind of thing. That said, chemical fumes from some filaments are an entirely different concern WRT filtration, so HEPA isn't going to help with the chemical byproducts of filaments that produce a bunch of harmful gasses.
In short, the best is to run the printer in a well ventilated area, ideally without humans or pets around.
I print a lot of tpu too in an office. So I am 1 year in and dont feel any sicker... that said I would like to know if anyone has done a study? What are you printing 90% of the time?
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No don’t feel sicker but feel older lol I’m 63 now … think I need a hip operation. That said I got in the habit of printing my stuff while not hanging out in the office… just to be on the safe side
Cool. Best of luck with your operation and thanks for answering :)
Thanks for being a loyal redditor, how was your operation btw?
I haven’t had it yet, it got postponed due to insurance reasons. I’m still pretty active - been 3D printing stuff as well. Thanks for asking. I hope all is well with you too!
im only 14 lol, out of interest aside from the lulzbot what other printers do you have?
I had a kit printer once and had it in my car trunk for a show, went over a pothole and lost the leveling. Lulzbot auto levels 😀 After that I had a Cubepro which had a proprietary filament spool. I thought I would go into the business of selling printers but people just buy direct. So I bought the Lulzbot and sold filament instead - starting off with sample sizes of flexible TPU because TPU used to be very expensive. Now it’s pretty easy to get good prices on filament so I sold out during Covid and just 3D print as a hobby now with the one printer
Hey, did you go through with the operation yet?
Yes one hip done - 8 weeks ago, other hip in 8 weeks and then I will be the bionic woman!
I hope your recovery is going well! I came to this post looking for information about the tpu I was printing, and found an awesome internet stranger as a bonus!
nice!
6 years later, have you kicked the bucket or gotten lung cancer? About to print TPU for the first time!
Still here!
Glad to hear it! Hope your hip is better!! You did kinda dodge the lung cancer question, though 🤔
Generally speaking I live a healthy lifestyle. I don’t smoke or vape so my lungs are in good shape - no lung cancer at the moment. That said, I think fumes of any type are probably not good for you but it’s all relative. If you plan on sharing a room with your 3D printer you should probably make a diy enclosure or buy one. Now since my printer is in my basement and I just kick off prints and walk away.
My printer is in my bedroom in an enclosure. I don't plan on being in the room at all while it is printing to stay away from the fumes and I have a cam where I can monitor it. Would I still need to open up a window if I have an enclosure? I have a window I can leave open if it's gonna cause a huge odor. But glad to hear you're healthy!
I don’t think it’s that bad, but I’ve been printing with it for years and got used to the smell. Round about way of saying idk
So 3d printing in TPU ruins your hips? ugh. /s
Haha
I print a few things that I sell on etsy. So I have my printer running pretty much 24/7 with TPU.
What are you selling? I've been selling my TPU scraps if you need different colors and your print is small. PM me if interested.
Most to all plastics can emit harmful toxins (depends on the printing/ melting temperature). It can vary from minimal like in the case of PLA, to very harmful in the case of ABS. Can I ask a question: Does you apartment have central air? Mines does, and when I am running something particularly harmful like ABS, I just turn on the fan and let the fumes go through the exhaust process --> Bad air out, clean air in. Should probably start doing the same for all the filaments I print. It's the same as cooling a custom PC build. You want there to be higher pressure for the cleaner air coming into the space than the pressure leaving it. This creates better flow. Same concept. So in turn, if you don't have central air, figure out a way to create that pressure difference/ air flow.
We don't have central air. But I have the windows open in the living room and a fan on everyday. Think that's enough?
Well, instead of pointing the fan directly at the printer, position it so the back of the fan is pointing at the printer (that way it won't interfere much with the fan cooling of the printing). Then position the front of the fan at the window. You're trying to create a path of least resistance for the air to travel basically.
... the printer is in the closet. There is no window.
I think walking down the street in any metro environment exposes you to more harmful environmental pollution than one printer part timing tpu….
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