So I currently just have the Printer outside in its enclosure. Would I be able to just attach a ventilation tube to the back of the enclosure and attach the tube to the window screen in my room? I rent so I don't want to cut a hole in the screen nor do I want to keep the printer outside for long periods of time.
I am printing PLA if that helps at all.
Posted Feb 7, 2021, 8:40 PM UTC · edited
If you’re printing just PLA, no need to vent to fresh air. I run a HEPA with a larger carbon filter next to my printers just because. It keeps the dust down and what ever toxic VOCs that may be released should get trapped by the carbon filter.
Can you send a link to the HEPA you have?
So I just looked on Amazon, would this one work?
I run this one. got it at Costco for under $100 and the features are nice. Not sure if they make it anymore though.
But any True HEPA with an activated carbon pre filter will work. Biggest thing to consider is the cost and availability of replacement filters. Cause that’s where they get you. The very popular brands/models will normally have aftermarket filters available for cheaper and longer than OEM.
The idea better safe than sorry comes to mind.
There is no such thing as safe resin. Only degrees of risk management. Don’t be that person who becomes a statistic. PLA is relatively “safe” if it is a large room with good ventilation well away from where folks mostly hangout. Anyone printing in the same room as they work without ventilation is a candidate for the future 3D print version of a mesothelioma class action lawsuit.
Even if I have an Air Purifier next to the printer?
And if that's the case, can I just tape a Ventilation tube to the Window screen and it'd be good that way?
I’m not comfortable recommending any specific approach. Certainly something is better than nothing, and if you can force direct through the air purifier that would help a lot. I’ve seen a number of DIY projects on YouTube that basically use a USB computer fan cut into the enclosure that pull air out through common HEPA filters used in commercial products. I doubt you’d spend much more than $20US and an hour of time. Pretty cheap way to have better peace of mind.
EDIT: yes that approach is very easy to do also. FWIW when I was generating crypto I used duct tubing to push air out through an insert with a common clothes dryer flap. Basically it was a piece of metal that sat in the window frame, I closed the window tight enough to hold the metal in place, when no air blew the dryer flap closed down to keep bugs out. No damage to your apartment, no climate controlling the great outdoors, no bugs moving in, no heat or smell.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M17V4CO/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_8EN8AE4TMHMXA95C0MMT
The USB fan/HEPA filter is possibly all you need for PLA. But the window vent approach gets you ready for other resin types. PLA is great for minis but if you think you’ll eventually do functional printing you want an external window vent.
[deleted]
I am printing PLA
[deleted]
So I'll be realistically good to just have the printer in my room without any worry? I just don't want to cause any health issues with me or my roommates since I'm starting a business with the printer.
[deleted]