1 Topic by lazzy_8 (edited by lazzy_8 2013-03-23 18:09:49)

  • lazzy_8
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Topic: Are the fumes from printing with ABS toxic?

I'm in a room with my new printer printing away and I've noticed the place filling up with the smell of burnt plastic.  Should I not operate this device in a closed room?  Are the fumes dangerous?  Is it safter if I were to build an enclosure so the fumes wouldn't leak out as much?

Solidoodle 2 w/ heated bed

2 Reply by elmoret

  • elmoret
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Re: Are the fumes from printing with ABS toxic?

I run mine with an enclosure, vented through a window with a 80mm case fan.

ABS starts offgassing HCN and CO at about 350C, and really starts offgassing around 600C. Normal printing temperatures are around 200C, so you should be safe from dangerous fumes, but the smell makes some people uncomfortable. It's kinda like painting - a good idea to do it in a well-ventilated area, but not likely to kill you or give you more than a headache.

Filastruder - the robust, inexpensive filament extruder
E3Dv6 All Metal Hotend - the premier 3D printing hotend

3 Reply by lazzy_8

  • lazzy_8
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Re: Are the fumes from printing with ABS toxic?

Great, thanks for the reply.  Good to know my 3d printer won't give me cancer or something. smile

Solidoodle 2 w/ heated bed