Safety in 3D Printing: What Protective Measures Need to Be Taken?

More and more companies are currently becoming aware of the enormous benefits of additive manufacturing and want to integrate 3D printing into their workflows in the future. Time and cost savings as well as increased design freedom in everything from the production of prototypes through to the most complex components are behind this move. However, not only large corporations, but also more and more private individuals are becoming increasingly enthusiastic about 3D printing and experimenting with different designs and materials at home. As tempting as it may seem to buy a 3D printer and print whatever you feel like, the reality is often different. Even though many 3D printers are described by the manufacturer as user-friendly, even experienced users can still make mistakes – which is why it is important to take a few precautions when 3D printing for your safety as well as others.

Whether in the form of filament, resin or powder, using a laser or UV light, proper use must always be observed for each material and process to avoid potential health hazards. In addition, it is particularly important when 3D printing to always be aware of what safety measures can be taken to protect yourself and those around you. In this article, you will learn about the potential risks of using a 3D printer and what measures you can take to maintain a safe 3D printing environment and protect your health.

Before Printing

First of all, we would like to draw your attention to a few steps that you can take before purchasing your 3D printer and before your first print. If you have decided to purchase a 3D printer, you can take the first safety measures before you buy the machine. In Europe, if the machine is marked with the familiar CE seal this means only that the printer meets the requirements of the applicable EU directives and may be sold within the member states of the European Union. Similarly in the UK you can find UKCA marking and UL in the US (though this is voluntary rather than a mandatory safety mark). Though this is not the end all be all of safety in 3D printing, these markings do suggest that the 3D printers correspond to certain basic standards.