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Some figures about the UFP emitted by FDM: https://box3d.eu/3d-printing-safety-pollution-health/ https://box3d.eu/3d-printing-safety-pollution-health/ From th

Some figures about the UFP emitted by FDM: https://box3d.eu/3d-printing-safety-pollution-health/ https://box3d.eu/3d-printing-safety-pollution-health/ From this one data point, it seems that ABS is the big emitter.

Mashimo 8y ago
Here is another one [1] taken from [2] Though that is just one graph out of many. With modern PLA getting better and better, it's rare people use ABS. Makes me wonder how harmful PLA is. I want to add an HEPA filter anyway. [1] https://www.tandfonline.com/na101/home/literatum/publisher/tandf/journals/content/uast20/2017/uast20.v051.i11/02786826.2017.1342029/20180430/images/large/uast_a_1342029_f0006_oc.jpeg https://www.tandfonline.com/na101/home/literatum/publisher/t... [2] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02786826.2017.1342029 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02786826.2017.1...
- steve19 8y ago
  PLAs lower melting point is the issue. I only print PLA, mainly because it's less toxic, but I dare not print a part that might end up in a hot car, near a heating source or outside.
  - brianwawok 8y ago
    That is true. I only 3d print trinkets for games, so PLA is great. Never have used ABS but the stories about the small has kept me away.
  - torbjorn 8y ago
    I am shocked by how many people use 3d printed parts in the kitchen, printed PLA is not a food safe matieral. And if you print a toy for your kids it's gonna end up in their mouth at some point...
    - mdorazio 8y ago
      See here [1]. No FDM printed item is going to be food safe because the layered properties allow the accumulation of bacteria, but PLA is generally non-toxic and will only leach a few "safe in small quantities" chemicals into things it comes in contact with. [1] http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/027869159400145E http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/02786915940...
      - flybrand 8y ago
        Could they mean that the material is suitable per 21CFR, but as you state, it would not meet the cleaning requirements. Benign material that could be single use, but a user should not be expected to be able to maintain a clean surface?
        mdorazio 8y ago
        I think that's it. Ok for single use or for things that will only come in contact with food that will be cooked (like cookie cutters). Not ok for plates, cups, spatulas, etc. unless you seal them post-print with a food safe coating. I've seen people print both categories of things, though... As for toys, I don't see a big problem. Even if you eat PLA it won't really do much harm. It's safer than the ABS most toys are made from.
  - mdorazio 8y ago
    Same. 95% of my prints are PLA, but I've had PLA prints deform in my trunk on a hot day. For more durable prints, though, I prefer PETG over ABS for its lower shrinkage, better plate adhesion, and lower fumes. ABS is just generally not a good thing to print with.

Mashimo 8y ago

Here is another one [1] taken from [2] Though that is just one graph out of many. With modern PLA getting better and better, it's rare people use ABS. Makes me wonder how harmful PLA is. I want to add an HEPA filter anyway. [1] https://www.tandfonline.com/na101/home/literatum/publisher/tandf/journals/content/uast20/2017/uast20.v051.i11/02786826.2017.1342029/20180430/images/large/uast_a_1342029_f0006_oc.jpeg https://www.tandfonline.com/na101/home/literatum/publisher/t... [2] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02786826.2017.1342029 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02786826.2017.1...

steve19 8y ago
PLAs lower melting point is the issue. I only print PLA, mainly because it's less toxic, but I dare not print a part that might end up in a hot car, near a heating source or outside.
- brianwawok 8y ago
  That is true. I only 3d print trinkets for games, so PLA is great. Never have used ABS but the stories about the small has kept me away.
- torbjorn 8y ago
  I am shocked by how many people use 3d printed parts in the kitchen, printed PLA is not a food safe matieral. And if you print a toy for your kids it's gonna end up in their mouth at some point...
  - mdorazio 8y ago
    See here [1]. No FDM printed item is going to be food safe because the layered properties allow the accumulation of bacteria, but PLA is generally non-toxic and will only leach a few "safe in small quantities" chemicals into things it comes in contact with. [1] http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/027869159400145E http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/02786915940...
    - flybrand 8y ago
      Could they mean that the material is suitable per 21CFR, but as you state, it would not meet the cleaning requirements. Benign material that could be single use, but a user should not be expected to be able to maintain a clean surface?
      - mdorazio 8y ago
        I think that's it. Ok for single use or for things that will only come in contact with food that will be cooked (like cookie cutters). Not ok for plates, cups, spatulas, etc. unless you seal them post-print with a food safe coating. I've seen people print both categories of things, though... As for toys, I don't see a big problem. Even if you eat PLA it won't really do much harm. It's safer than the ABS most toys are made from.
- mdorazio 8y ago
  Same. 95% of my prints are PLA, but I've had PLA prints deform in my trunk on a hot day. For more durable prints, though, I prefer PETG over ABS for its lower shrinkage, better plate adhesion, and lower fumes. ABS is just generally not a good thing to print with.