Additive manufacturing – also known as 3D printing – has been revolutionising production for a while. It’s fast and efficient, but it’s not without its challenges. Additive manufacturing does involve the release of hazardous fumes and dust during printing. Without proper extraction, these contaminants can jeopardise air quality, harm employee health and cause additive manufacturing equipment damage.
Fumes and Dust in Additive Manufacturing
Every additive manufacturing process, whether printing with plastics, resins, or metal powders, generates some form of fume or dust. As 3D printers fuse materials, they emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ultrafine particles into the air, and melting plastic filament releases chemicals like styrene. Metal powder processes similarly disperse fine metallic particles and fumes. Many of these materials are also highly combustible when they’re in fine particle form. The printing process generates extremely small dust that is often invisible but hazardous if not controlled.
This brings health risks and air quality concerns.
Uncontrolled 3D printing fumes and dust pose real and severe health risks to employees. Studies have found that 3D printers can emit VOCs (like styrene and formaldehyde) that are hazardous when inhaled, along with nanoparticles small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs.
Over time, exposure to these emissions can cause respiratory irritation, asthma, or more serious conditions. As just one example, ABS plastic emits styrene – a toxic gas and suspected carcinogen – and can even release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
Fine particulate is equally concerning.
These ultrafine particles can lodge deep in the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. They could potentially cause inflammation or other long-term health issues. Improved air quality is, therefore, a natural and critical safety concern. Proper fume and dust extraction directly improves air quality by capturing hazardous emissions at the source, protecting staff from breathing in dangerous pollutants.
Meeting Ventilation Standards and Regulations
Industrial 3D printing operations are subject to the same workplace safety regulations as other manufacturing processes – and often to additional rules addressing dust and fumes.
In the UK, regulations like COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) require employers to control exposure to harmful airborne substances, which means using proper ventilation or extraction for any process that generates dangerous fumes or dust. Guidance for 3D printing specifically recommends using local exhaust ventilation with effective filters to capture the fine particles and organic compounds released when melting plastic filament, preventing those emissions from dispersing into the workspace.
Failing to meet these ventilation standards can lead to legal penalties, aside from the very real risk of endangering employees. Investing in a proper extraction system helps you to remain compliant with these laws and demonstrates due diligence. Effective extraction keeps contaminant levels low so your facility stays audit-ready and workers stay safe.
Preventing Equipment Damage and Downtime
Beyond health implications, inadequate fume and dust control can harm expensive additive manufacturing equipment. The same particles that threaten your employees’ lungs can infiltrate sensitive machinery. Fine dust from processes like laser sintering or filament printing will settle on printer components, clogging nozzles and fouling laser optics.
This accumulation causes malfunctions and wear.
Corrosive chemical fumes (such as those released by certain plastics) might also lead to circuit boards degrading and could damage the wiring inside the printer. Proper extraction massively lowers these risks by capturing particles and vapours before they ever reach the equipment. Keeping the internal workings of printers clean minimises unplanned maintenance and extends the machine’s lifespan.
If you’re able to prevent dust from settling on moving parts, it means fewer jams and errors, which in turn reduces costly downtime. A well-designed extraction setup protects your 3D printing investment, while a cleaner operation ultimately translates into a more efficient, reliable production.
Looking to Protect Your Team and Your Production?
At VODEX, we pride ourselves on being leading experts in fume and dust extraction solutions, and we’re passionate about helping companies protect staff and improve efficiency. VODEX provides high-quality extraction systems that capture hazardous fumes and dust at the source, preventing exposure and improving air quality across your facility.
Our team helps you to meet all relevant ventilation standards, safeguarding staff health and preventing equipment damage from poor air control. With VODEX, you get consistent and experienced support in improving your air quality and protecting your team and equipment.
Whatever the scale of your business, VODEX can advise on the ideal extraction setup for your needs. View our products now to find out more, or get in touch with our team for more detailed information.
FAQs
What types of fumes and dust do 3D printers produce?
It depends on the material. Plastics release VOCs and fine particles, while metal printing creates metallic dust and fumes.
How does fume and dust extraction work?
Extraction systems use local ventilation to capture emissions at the source, passing air through HEPA or carbon filters before recirculating or venting it.
What are the risks of inadequate ventilation?
Poor ventilation allows fumes and particles to accumulate, affecting air quality, harming health, and increasing fire risks.
Do all 3D printers need extraction?
While some produce fewer emissions, all benefit from extraction to reduce airborne contaminants and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
