It makes perfect sense to install a 3D printer in a workspace like a garage or spare room. Not only because the printer itself takes up a lot of space, but also so you have room to prepare the work area, adjust, sand or cut the prints once they’re finished, and even paint some models. If you live in a smaller home or in a shared space like an apartment with roommates, this simply won’t be possible. It’s perfectly fine to keep your 3D printer in your bedroom and store it there if you have the space, but you’ll want to do this between prints and not while you’re using it.
When a 3D printer is active, it can release harmful fumes and particles that can pose serious health risks. They are best used in a well-ventilated space and most of the time a bedroom or even a small office does not meet the criteria. Proponents often recommend wearing personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles and mask, and possibly respiratory protection) when using a 3D printer.
The level of respiratory safety will depend on the space in question. If your bedroom is large with lots of open space, this may not be a problem. You’ll just want to make sure it’s aired out and cleaned before resting or any time you’re not wearing PPE. You may be able to get away with small 3D printers designed for a desktop or with enclosed printing areas.
How dangerous are 3D printers in a bedroom?
It all depends on the size of the space. Bedrooms, offices and ancillary rooms tend to be smaller than an open living or dining room. Even garages and basements often have generous layouts. A major health risk associated with 3D printers, which almost no one talks about, is the release of these harmful gases and particles. 3D printers can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as well as very small or fine particles that can enter your lungs. Concentrated in a smaller space, you are more likely to be exposed, which is why ventilation is so important.
Another safety factor is that 3D printing jobs tend to last for long periods of time. You might have a printer working on a project all night or the next day. With a printer in your room all this time, in such a small space, while releasing contaminants, it’s not hard to see why this would be a bad idea. And that’s all before taking into account the potential fire risks of running a printer near soft materials and fabrics for long periods of time.
In your bedroom, you might have lots of pillows, thick blankets, rugs, etc. The risk of fire from a modern 3D printer may be negligible, but it is not zero. The nozzle, device and components can become very hot during printing. Having a larger, ventilated space can help reduce the chances of heat buildup.
If there is no room, where?
If you have limited space, it’s not easy to find a large open space to print, especially if you have to lug your printer, filament, and equipment around with you. If you live alone, you might consider your dining room, a separate office or possibly the living room. If you don’t live alone, you’ll need to ask your roommates or family if this bothers them, as printers can make a lot of noise. Other ideas include outdoors, on a back patio or driveway, or in a community center if you live in a complex. Public spaces are also available, called public makerspaces, which you can find in directories for most areas, as well as in some public libraries.
It’s not ideal, but another option is to simply rent office space or remote work space. They have become more common since people started working from home – they are also sometimes called coworking spaces. If you really want to get creative, you can find a way to better ventilate a smaller space. But it will probably take some resources and a lot of ingenuity.
This would work best with an enclosed printer that you can connect ventilation pipes and other outlets to. Enclosed printers are usually a little more expensive, but most popular 3D printer brands offer enclosed models. It’s an involved hobby. Choosing between closed and open printers is just one of the few things you need to know before you get started.
