Buying a 3D printer is just the first step. You also need to configure it correctly. When it comes to placing a 3D printer, many factors come into play, especially when it comes to aspects such as health, safety and convenience. This makes certain areas of the home or workspace perfect for a 3D printer, while others pose a major risk.
For example, experts have long warned against installing 3D printers in bedrooms because prolonged exposure to the printer’s harmful emissions puts your health at risk. Likewise, placing 3D printers in areas subject to frequent temperature changes, such as near a window or air vent, impacts print quality, as 3D printers work best in spaces where temperatures are stable.
Whether you’re working with rapid prints or want to run the 3D printer overnight, proper setup is essential to ensure high-quality prints, minimize health and safety risks, and provide peace of mind. Placement is just as important as choosing the best 3D printer or filament.
Your room
Your bedroom may seem like the perfect place to set up a 3D printer. It will always be there, allowing easy access throughout the day. Whether you want to monitor a print in progress or start a new one in the middle of the night, the 3D printer will be at your fingertips. But your bedroom is the worst place to set up a 3D printer.
One of the things you need to know about 3D printers is that they emit harmful fumes. And if you stay near it for long periods of time, it poses a major health risk. These emissions depend to some extent on the filament used. Studies suggest that the higher the temperature needed to melt the filament, the greater the emissions. This means that filaments like ABS will produce more emissions than PLA. Remember that they are both toxic, although PLA is considered a little safer than ABS. So, whether you use ABS or PLA, it is best to always place the 3D printer in a well-ventilated area. As for avoiding exposure to particles generated during the printing process, you can opt for 3D printers with enclosures.
Even if we ignored the health risks, installing a 3D printer in your bedroom has an impact on your sleep. This is because 3D printers make noise and generate heat. When used for long hours at night, it becomes more than an inconvenience, affecting your comfort level. Of all the places in your home, the bedroom should be the last to install a 3D printer.
Kitchen
Your kitchen may also seem like a convenient place to set up a 3D printer. It is well lit, has adequate ventilation and plenty of stable surfaces. But this is another place where you should never install a 3D printer, and there are several reasons for this.
First, harmful fumes and emissions from the printer can contaminate objects around it. Likewise, the kitchen itself contains airborne impurities, such as grease, food particles, etc., which can adhere to components and affect the normal operation of your printer. You’ll also be forced to clean the 3D printer more frequently, a task that can simply be avoided by placing it in a relatively clean space.
Additionally, the kitchen has high humidity levels and humidity affects the filaments. Even under normal conditions, it is advisable to store the filaments in airtight containers with a few sachets of silica gel to prevent moisture build-up. Next comes the temperature fluctuation. As you cook, the temperature rises quickly and once cooking is finished, it drops just as quickly. Your 3D printer cannot handle this well, and this is reflected in the quality of the prints.
Common areas with frequent movement
When it comes to common areas, for example the living room or a hallway, these are again poor choices for placing a 3D printer. This is because these areas experience a lot of movement throughout the day, which exposes your printer to continuous vibrations. When this happens, prints may show signs of misalignment between layers. Keep in mind that 3D printing is meant to be a precise operation and should ideally not be exposed to external vibrations of any kind.
Apart from that, if you have children or pets in the house, placing it in common areas increases the risk of someone accidentally hitting the 3D printer. While this will most certainly affect the job in progress, there is also a risk of damage to the printer itself in the event of a major collision or if it is dropped.
You should ideally place the 3D printer in a garage, laundry room, or other area with little traffic. And be sure to install exhaust fans to remove ultrafine plastic particles and other harmful emissions. If you want to monitor the work in progress, install a top-notch security camera. Or to save money, you can turn an old webcam into a security camera.
Near windows and air vents
Placing your 3D printer near a window may seem like a smart move, given all the talk about the need for good ventilation. But it is also not the right choice for three reasons. First, areas near windows are more sensitive to temperature changes. It will be warmer during the day and cooler at night than the rest of the house, making it a bad place for 3D printers. It is best to go to places where temperatures remain largely stable. Also make sure the printer is not exposed to sunlight.
Second, if the 3D printer is placed near an open window or operational vent, the sudden blast of air may cause warping. This is obviously something you don’t want. Finally, the 3D printer must be kept away from dust, which is why it should not be placed near a window. Like any other device, dust accumulation will reduce the lifespan of your 3D printer, as well as the quality of the prints.
Although ventilation is important, uncontrolled airflow is not the solution. On the contrary, it creates more problems. That said, you don’t necessarily have to move the printer to another room, just away from the window or ventilation.
Uneven, unstable or small surfaces
Although it may seem obvious, it remains one of the most common 3D printer mistakes. It is essential to place the printer on a flat, even surface. Even a slight tilt can cause parts to shift during printing. The surface must also be stable. Ideally, you should opt for heavy tables or desks that remain stable and do not wobble. If there is a lot of vibration or foot traffic, you can use shock absorber pads to minimize the effects. An uneven or unstable surface also poses a safety risk, as the printer may fall due to sudden movements.
Additionally, the space must be large enough. Although most people want a surface area large enough to accommodate the printer, you also need space around it. This ensures easy cleaning and avoids accidents. Additionally, 3D printers often create a lot of mess and tight spaces make cleanup even more difficult.
If you are actively using the printer, you will also need storage space for filaments or resins, as well as other 3D printer essentials. It’s essential to plan all of this in advance, otherwise you run the risk of poor print quality, a lot of frustration, and even accidental damage to the 3D printer.