How to Ventilate a 3D Printer

The laborious effort to purchase the best 3D printer can be exhausting. However, owning the best printer can be greatly beneficial, whether for a hobby or a professional reason. But to ensure you’re using it properly, you must take the necessary safety precautions. One of the main concerns is avoiding and expelling toxic fumes. Therefore, knowing how to ventilate a 3D printer is something every owner must be aware of, and below we’ll provide a step-by-step guide.

For more essential 3D printer resources, you can check out our other materials. For example, we have instructions on things like building a 3D printer enclosure and how to print with polycarbonate.

How to Vent a 3D Printer

Many types of 3D print materials, like liquid resin and ABS filament, give off fumes that are harmful to humans. And certain materials release small particulates into the air, damaging the lungs. Then there are other less-harmful materials, like PLA, which aren’t as dangerous but release an unpleasant odor and can cause sickness if breathed for too long.

Whichever material you use, creating a safe environment for your 3D printer is not difficult, but it’s one of the most important things to do. There are multiple ways to accomplish this, and below we’ll run through the various methods to obtain adequate ventilation.

For more helpful resources on what you need for 3D printing, you can check out our other resources, like our guide on how to unclog a 3D printer nozzle.

Method 1 – Build an Enclosure and Vent with Air Filter

One of the most common ways to contain dangerous particulates is by constructing an enclosure. Usually, these enclosures are made out of plastic. But higher-end materials, such as glass encasing, also work.

Building an enclosure is great for containing fumes, particles, and VOCs. However, remember that without proper ventilation, the enclosure will still leak some of the particulates into the room. You can install an air filter or air purifier within the enclosure or room to enhance ventilation. Remember, different air filters work better for certain types of airborne matter. Make sure you choose the right type depending on the type of particulate your 3D printing process produces.

Method Two – Build Encloser and Vent Outdoors

Another common way to reduce the effects of exposure is to vent the printer through a wall or window using a hose and air extractor. However, doing so might create temperature issues during the process, which can warp the object being made, especially if your printer doesn’t have a heated build plate or enclosed chamber.