I notice this article does not mention which 3d printer they owned but it mentions it uses a laser. I assume it’s a FDM printer since they are known to emit harmful chemicals into the air but when I saw it used a laser it made me concerned. I thought only SLA and SLS printers used lasers. So is the formlabs printer emitting carbon monoxide into the air as we print? I just want to know as an avid fan of my printer from Formlabs. I want to make sure I’m not putting myself into danger of this happening as I print in my home.
Also wanted to add my condolences to any friends and family of this couple. I see they also graduated from MIT as did the founders of Formlabs so it’s possible they might have known each other.
1 Like
The media can’t differentiate between a cutter and a printer?
(Sorry - just noticed it’s the Daily Mail, calling it media is stretching the definition)
Probably this.
I’ve seem too many media channels calling a CNC milling machine a 3D printer and visa versa. So much for their tech “experts”.
I’m still sceptical that a laser cutter that’s small enough to be used at home could produce enough CO to flood an apartment.
Well, if they couldn’t get the machine right, who’s to say it really was CO?
I keep finding people wanting to cut PVC with a laser…
Now it appears that CO poisoning has been ruled out. A 3D printer doesn’t actually seem to have been involved; they may have had a laser cutter, though: http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/01/25/berkeley-toxicology-tests-ordered-in-couples-death/
I think Formlabs is safe. If you use Flexible or some third party resin, you will have a massive headache and will stop printing.
But i have a carbon monoxide detector in my room just in case. Actually ABS on FDM printer, also have very bad smell and make indoor printing not possible unless you have a lot of ventilation.
Absolutely Tragic
ALL makers need to be more aware of some of the highly toxic chemicals that are emitted when even common
materials are burned or melted, however the fumes from some polymers commonly available in sheets, used and
cut by a laser cutter/engraver such as:
PVC will create Hydrogen chloride Fumes
Fluropolymers will create Hydrogen Fluoride which will become Hydrofluric Acid after breathing as will add moisture (also those with an FDM machine overheating the PTFE pipe in some extruders)
Nylons, Polyacrylonitriles, Melamines and others - create- Hydrogen Cyanide additionally when cutting if
nitrogen gas is/was used to assist the cut !!!
Useful link.
https://www.directplastics.co.uk/whats-in-those-fumes.html
Makers making and using what are industrial processes in small poorly ventilated domestic environments NOT GOOD.
This is a FL forum so the biggest issue about Formlabs process is the flammability of IPA and in particular the flash point of the vapour so keep your lids on and rinse away from any ignition sources nor use it in a small poorly vented room and also store bulk containers outside in the garage or shed.
Only speculation here on my part, but I’ll be glad if someone reads this and thereafter improves their own practices.
From the IoM guy who made somewhat of a contribution in preventing Formlabs going the way NexD1 just did at the time they were most vulnerable!
Must have been a laser cutter/engraver. They were probably engraving acrylics or some plastic without a fume extractor.
I know with my little 40watt co2 if you don’t vent it properly you can stink yourself out fairly quickly. Some materials that may have Teflon can be extremely dangerous. If Teflon burns it emits nerve gas.
I think future 3d printer should have some form of extraction option. Not for safety but smell. Where it go through flexible tubing when you can put at slight open windows.
1 Like
Not a bad idea, wouldn’t be hard to make a small fume extractor for fdm and sla printers. All you really need is a container that has a pre-filter (foam), carbon filter or sheeting and a hepa filter with a blower on the end to draw the air through.
For the little amount of filtration needed it should be possible to make it really cost effective.
1 Like