Alveo3D offers a variety of filters designed to eliminate harmful emissions from 3D printers. Many of you might have questions about these filters, such as which one is best suited for your specific filaments. In this article, we present our top recommendations to help you find the ideal solution for your 3D printing needs.
Reasons for VOCs and UFPs emission from 3D printing FDM
3D printing, particularly 3D printing FDM filament, involves heating thermoplastic filaments to create objects layer by layer. During this process, various emissions are produced, primarily volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ultrafine particles (UFPs).
1. Type of filament
When it comes to 3D printing, different filaments produce varying levels of harmful emissions, such as VOCs and UFPs. Different filaments have inherently different emission profiles based on their chemical composition.
- PLA : Although considered more environmentally friendly, PLA still release lactide and other VOCs when heated.
- ABS, ASA: Known for higher emissions, ABS and ASA releaser styrene, a harmful VOC, and a range of UFPs.
- PETG : Emits fewer VOCs than ABS, ASA but still releases chemicals like ethylene glycol and acetaldehyde
2. Printing conditions
The conditions under which 3D printing occurs can influence the level of emissions. Higher temperatures generally increase the rate of thermal decomposition, leading to more significant emissions.
- Extrusion temperature: Higher temperatures typically result in more VOCs and UFPs.
- Printing speed: Faster printing speeds can increase the amount of material heated per unit of time, potentially increasing emissions.
- The nozzle diameter can significantly affect emissions. Studies have found that using a 0.4mm nozzle generally produces the least amount of particulate matter (PM) for filaments such as ABS, PETG, and PLA. However, for TPU, increasing the nozzle size to 0.6mm can reduce emissions.
- Enclosed vs. Open Printers: Enclosed printers can help contain and filter emissions, whereas open printers may release more into the surrounding environment.
Prusa MK4 with an enclosure (photo credit: Prusa research)
Creality Ender 3 without the enclosure (photo credit: Creality)
Attention:
The 3D printer itself is not the main cause of 3D printing emissions. The most important factors to be aware of are whether the machine is used with an enclosure, the type of filament being used, the operating temperature, the printing speed, and the nozzle diameter.
II. Filament specific recommendations
To choose the best filter for your 3D printing setup, you need to determine which filament you are using and how frequently you print.
The working life of a filter is influenced by several factors, including the type of filament used, the extruding temperature, the concentration of nanoparticles and VOCs, and ambient humidity. These variables determine how quickly the filter becomes saturated and loses efficiency.
For instance, for the P4D Filter:
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- Intensive use: Replace every 4 months.
- Occasional use: Replace every 8 months.
- Usage limit: We do not recommend exceeding 900 hours of use before replacing the filter to ensure optimal performance and safety.
We classify 3D printing filaments into three principal risk categories based on their emissions and potential health hazards:
đź”»High-risk filaments: ABS, ASA, PC, Nylon, Resin
đź”»Moderate-risk filaments: PETG, PETG-CF
đź”»Low-risk filaments: PLA, TPE/TPU
III. 3D printing resin
1. Recommended filters: M100
Explanation: Resin-based 3D printing is known for emitting high levels of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which can be hazardous to health. To effectively manage these emissions, it is crucial to use a filter specifically designed for high VOC removal, such as the M100 filter.
The M100 filter is compatible with the extraction fume AlveoPRO.
2. Why the M100 is the most suitable for all filament and resin?
- High VOC emission handling: The M100 filter is equipped with an advanced HEPA 14 filter and activated carbon, which is specifically selected to reduce odors and treat VOCs effectively.
- Long lifespan: The activated carbon in the M100 filter has a long lifespan of 1500 hours, making it efficient and cost-effective for long-term use.
- Comprehensive filtration: The HEPA 14 filter captures better ultrafine particles than HEPA 13, while the activated carbon absorbs VOCs, ensuring a safer and healthier printing environment.
IV. Alveo3D’s opinion
From the beginning, all Alveo3D filters systems have always included activated carbon and HEPA filters. We consider this a standard for all effective filtration systems. HEPA filters help remove particulates, while activated carbon filters eliminate VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Unfortunately, many 3D printers today still lack activated carbon in their filtration systems or have no filtration at all.
To fully enjoy the advanced technology and amazing creations of 3D printing, we recommend that all users employ a filtration system with both HEPA and activated carbon filters for your 3D printers.
