3D Printer Fume Filtration Concept - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: radian
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2015, 03:19:29 am
content: Hi. I'd like to find a method to filter fumes and ultra-fine particles generated through heating of PLA filaments during 3D printing. I don't have a way to vent fumes outdoors, so my best option is to try my best to clean the air before venting back into the room. This should be doable, and there are commercial solutions available for just this. Sentry Air Systems has a extraction system for just this purpose, but it's $2500+ (seehttp://www.sentryair.com/3d-printing-fumes.htm). At it's core, it uses several filters including a HEPA filter. Apparently HEPA filters can filter out smaller particles than 0.3 um (seehttp://sentryair.com/blog/art-making/our-particle-counter-and-3d-printing-at-the-childrens-museum-of-houston/).Ok, so here's what I'm thinking. I'd like to build a polycarb enclosure around the 3D printer, then add two sets of holes, one for the inlet, and the other for the outlet. At the outlet, I would (somehow) mount the beefiest PC fan I can find followed by an activated carbon filter (to reduce odor) and an off-the-shelf HEPA filter.Here's the problem. I suspect the PC fan would struggle to push air through a set of filter media. PC fans are convenient due to the low voltage (can build a speed controller around it). I was also looking into duct fans, but they are bulky and usually run off AC. Or perhaps even an array of PC blower fans might be feasible, though mounting becomes a bit more challenging.Are there any flat lower-voltage fans that I could consider for this job? In general, do you think this filtration method is conceptually sound?

author: vikasbly44
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2015, 09:24:05 am
content: a study came out arguing that 3D printers could be dangerous, especially if many are used to print ABS simultaneously in an unventilated area. Whether you’re running multiple machines out of a hackerspace or simply don’t like breathing in noxious fumes, Malcolm Langille has come up with one possible solution by throwing together a makeshift exhaust system.Malcolm took his Type A Series 1 and placed it inside of a filing cabinet, to trap the fumes. He then 3D printed adapter rings in order to attach a fan from an old space heater to his enclosure. Next, he connected dryer vent tubing from the fan to a central vacuum to direct the gas outside. Malcolm also fixed a dimmer switch the device, giving him control over the speed of the fan pumping the fumes outdoors. Altogether, he had himself a pretty quick and dirty solution for pushing the smell of melting ABS out of his house.

author: Whales
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2015, 10:16:11 am
content: Can you seal the printers into their own boxes? I doubt it would reduce the total amount of matter released, but it would atleast minimise exposure if you have to 'mind' the printers.

author: daedalus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2015, 10:53:21 am
content: You cant really use PC fans for this, as filters are quite restrictive. Just google "activated carbon filter" and hydroponics, and you should find some relatively cheap fan+filter options (they are used by pot growers to keep the smell under control).The other thought would be to look for a surplus fume cupboard, one that vents into the room, that should have the required HEPA + active carbon filtering inside. Usually these can be found at scrap prices at scientific surplus places / ebay.

author: george graves
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2015, 11:00:42 am
content: The pro laser cutters have some amazing filters(extra cost - $3000) that apparently that filers so well you don't even need to vent(or so they claim).You might look into the spec they list as a start.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 12, 2015, 12:34:37 pm
content: You can substitute a 6" 120 VAC fan for the PC fan if you want to stay small. Fans like this are used in solder fume extractors. You could also try modifying a bathroom vent fan. I saw a neat DIY fume extraction system built off of one. Whatever your solution is, it won't be with a 12 VDC fan.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2015, 01:58:13 pm
content: regardless the solution found. and then you have another problem. how to avoid prints from cracking due to cold air input. anyway, another idea is rc ducted fan brushless motor, but my vote is on fully enclosing the printer 2 in 1 problem solvedymmv.

author: radian
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2015, 02:20:59 pm
content: Quote from: vikasbly44 on February 12, 2015, 09:24:05 amVenting outdoors is ideal, but in my scenario I rent a basement suite and the windows aren't a sliding type, so trying to build in a vent enclosure would be extremely difficult (for me at least). Oh, and it's a paltry -24C on Sunday.Quote from: Whales on February 12, 2015, 10:16:11 amSure, I could seal the printer, but I'm not sure if heat build-up would become an issue. And of course when I open the box to get access to the part, then I would leak all the accumulate particles into the room.Quote from: Mechatrommer on February 12, 2015, 01:58:13 pmI'm hoping this won't be too much of an issue with lower air flows that a PC fan would give.I think I'll stop by and pick up a hepa filter today to play around with.

author: BradC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2015, 01:11:18 am
content: Having recently spent quite a bit of time optimising airflow through soundproofing enclosures (vacuum pumps) using PC fans I can offer one bit of advice. Use the fan to pull at the _end_ of the filter stack, don't try to make it push or sandwich it in the middle. They are far more effective with an open output than they are working into pressure.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2015, 01:32:02 am
content: Quote from: radian on February 12, 2015, 03:19:29 amIs it a known health hazard? Any reference? Are you printing professionally or casually?

author: radian
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2015, 02:10:44 am
content: Quote from: zapta on February 13, 2015, 01:32:02 amSure, here you go:http://ac.els-cdn.com/S1352231013005086/1-s2.0-S1352231013005086-main.pdf?_tid=2ab58048-fea1-11e2-a04b-00000aab0f6c&acdnat=1375798073_9d9ec29cbb6f56638c586dfbe3deeb80And another:http://sentryair.com/blog/health/3d-printing-are-there-particles-how-about-fumes/One more for good luck:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1257642/This is for casual use, but print jobs can take a while regardless, tens of hours for larger jobs.