Register your 3D Printer here» 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a method of creating a three-dimensional object layer-by-layer using a computer created design. 3D printers are continuing to find new applications as a means for rapid prototyping and small-scale manufacturing. EHS has reviewed the current guidance on the potential hazards associated with small-scale material extrusion [also known as Fuse Deposition Modeling (FDM)] 3D printers, which is a method involving the application of heat to a filamentous feedstock material, and offers the recommendations listed below for users of this technology. Users of 3D technologies other than material extrusion, such as stereo lithography (VAT photopolymerization), material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, sheet lamination, and any that involve the use of biological materials or metals, must contact EHS to conduct a risk assessment prior to usage. Additionally, EHS must be contacted prior to use of a corrosive bath to remove model support materials or use of additional post-printing curing.Health and Safety Concerns3D printers have been shown to emit both ultrafine particles (UFP) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when operating. The ventilation in offices, libraries, meeting rooms and other poorly ventilated spaces can increase the risk of a harmful exposure to these byproducts of 3D printing.Additional HazardsHot surfaces: The print head block generates heat. Malfunctioning equipment can release hot feedstock. Hot surfaces on the equipment should be guarded and labeled to prevent accidental contact. Surfaces immediately in contact with the printer and surrounding area should be resilient to the equipment operating temperatures.Fire: The high temperature necessary to melt feedstock can present a fire hazard particularly during unit malfunction.Mechanical: Moving parts must be guarded to prevent accidental contact. Guards must not be bypassed or disabled. Equipment with exposed moving parts must have clearly marked exclusions areas.Electrical: Contact with energized parts can present electrocution risk. Equipment should be regularly inspected for damaged wiring or other signs of electrical fault. Printers should be plugged directly into a grounded wall outlet. If provided, additional equipment grounds should be installed per manufacturer’s instructions. Electrical components of printers should not be altered or modified with recertification.Chemical hazards: Some 3D printers require the use of chemical post-print processing to remove extra material surrounding the printed item or associated support material. The use of hazardous chemical baths and curing processes must be reviewed and approved by EHS to ensure proper ventilation, procedures, training, emergency equipment, and personal protective equipment are available.Exposure Control The following are Exposure Control Recommendations for Material Extrusion (FDM) 3D PrintersEngineering ControlsTotally enclosed 3D printers with interlocked guards are preferred.3D printers are best placed in a limited occupancy location, such as a single purpose laboratory or specialty shop location so others are not potentially exposed to UFP/VOC releases. Installation locations must be reviewed by EHS.The ventilation system for the location should allow for directional air flow to minimize airborne generated UFP/VOCs from being released into the location’s room air. In general, ventilation options include:Dedicated exhaust to the outside of the building, ex. snorkels, slot hoods, fume hood, ventilated enclosuresConnecting the enclosure to an approved HEPA and charcoal filtration unitGeneral, non-recirculating room exhaust with a minimum of 8 air changes per hourIf the 3D printer has an equipment exhaust port, the port shall be connected to a dedicated exhaust unless. Printers installed in fully exhausted enclosures (such as fume hoods or exhausted enclosures) may be exempted from this requirement pending EHS review.Since 3D printers are often operated for extended periods during each printing, the room/lab exhaust rates shall not be attenuated with an occupancy sensor. Use of lower unoccupied exhaust rates triggered with an occupancy sensor might allow the harmful buildup of UFP/VOCs in the location.The use of 3D printers in individual Residential Housing units is prohibited. Ventilation requirements are dependent upon the number of printers in one space, the locations of the printers in relation to the occupants of the space, and the type of process and materials used. It is critical to consult with EHS prior to purchasing or installing a 3D printer to ensure that it can be operated safely.Administrative Controls3D Printers must be tested and approved by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory for electrical and fire safety. Certification in accordance with ANSI/CAN/UL 2904 is preferred.Look for printers that have been independently verified or certified to produce lower emissions.Purchase and use print materials recommended by the manufacturer.A person must be identified as responsible for the 3D printer, ensuring that the printer is properly maintained, access is controlled, safe work practices are developed, and users are trained in the safe operation of the printer.3D printers require registration with EHS. During registration, EHS will help responsible person(s) assess installation, develop applicable rules and procedures for safe operation of the printer, and develop processes for documenting training for printer users.Rules and procedures should be posted or available at the 3D printer, including print materials approved for use. Safety data sheets (SDSs) for print media (feedstock) and any other materials associated with the printing operations must be readily available.Personal Protective EquipmentPersonal Protective Equipment Considerations for 3D PrintersEye protection – Unless the printer is fully enclosed and the cover is closed, minimally safety glasses should be used to avoid the risk of exposure to melted print material. Printer operations involving additional liquid handling may benefit from the additional protection of chemical splash goggles.Hand protection – Disposable gloves (such as nitrile) should be used when handling print materials. This can avoid incidental contact with unpolymerized plastics, plasticizers, or other harmful byproducts associated with plastic production. Gloves will also protect your print material from accidental transfer of moisture and oil from the skin that can adversely affect your print quality.Body protection – Use of body protection (such as a lab coat or apron) may be appropriate during printer service events or during chemical post-processing.Safe Work PracticesWear appropriate personal protective equipment while using the 3D printer.Never bypass interlocks or other safety controls. Maintain distance while printer is in operation (avoid hovering near a running printer) to minimize risk of exposure to printer emissions.Following operating guidelines and allowing for a waiting period after printing job has finished to permit cool down and dissipation of contaminants prior to opening the printer to access the finished product.No eating, drinking, applying cosmetics, or handling contact lenses around 3D printers.Wash hands thoroughly after working with 3D printers.Any visible surface dust in and around 3D printers should be cleaned using a wet cloth/sponge/wipe or a HEPA vacuum (do NOT perform dry wiping or sweeping, which can make particles airborne)Anyone working with 3D printers needs to have the appropriate training as described below as well as:Received any applicable lab or printer specific trainingReviewed rules and procedures associated with the printerReviewed SDSs for materials associated with the printer.Training RequirementsUsers of this technology must attend one of the following training sessions listed below.Research or Laboratory Setting: Laboratory Safety Training (EHS)Laboratory Specific Training on 3D Printer (laboratory provided)Non-Research Setting: Hazard Communication TrainingHands-on 3D Printer Specific Training (department provided)Note: Other types of 3D printers besides Fuse Deposition Modeling may be subject to additional EHS provided training requirements.Registering 3D Printers (Existing and New) In order to initiate the registration process of a 3D printer, EHS has set up a 3D Printer Survey. This survey will help to relay key information on the printer and will start the registration process. Go to the Survey or use the QR code in the graphic below. ResourcesChemical Insights – Tools for Promoting 3D Printer Air Quality SafetyUL 200B Guidance Document – Safe Use of 3D Printing for Institutions of Higher EducationEnvironmental Science & Technology – Emissions of Ultrafine Particles and Volatile Organic Compounds from Commercially Available Desktop Three-Dimensional Printers with Multiple FilamentsNIOSH Science Blog: Safe 3D Printing is for Everyone, EverywhereNIOSH Publication 2024-103: Approaches to safe 3D printing: a guide for makerspace users, schools, libraries, and small businesses Staff Shaundree DavisAssociate Director, Environmental Health609-258-6256Stanley HowellSenior Program Manager for Chemical Safety609-258-2711