I’ve found another automatic fire suppression system for 3D printers.
Last week we wrote about “The Cloud”, an inexpensive device that attaches to desktop 3D printers or other devices that could possibly trigger a fire. When a certain temperature is reached, the device explodes and dumps fire-retardant powder over the immediate area, extinguishing the flames.
While this looks like a very good solution — especially since basically no 3D printers include this feature — it had one problem: the fire retardant powder would be left over the area, and could contaminate or possibly even damage the equipment. That’s a good exchange, considering the alternative might be a large fire.
Now, however, I’ve found another option from BlazeCut. This company produces a wide range of fire suppression options, including their “T Series”. This product line is basically a flexible tube that can be mounted in any reasonable way on a device.
At top you can see how it was installed at the top of the inside of a 3D printer enclosure. While this enclosure was used to surround an open gantry machine, it is also often possible to mount a T Series directly inside enclosed 3D printers.
When the temperature of the surface of the tube reaches 100C, it triggers and immediately releases HFC-227ea (heptafluoropropane gas), which immediately extinguishes any nearby fires.
You can see how this works in this video:
Heptafluoropropane is often used in larger-scale fire suppression systems, and can be somewhat dangerous. According to Wikipedia:
“Prior to re-entry of a room where HFC-227ea system has been activated to suppress a fire, the atmosphere should be tested.”
However, it may be that the amount of material used in the T Series is so small it may not have that effect. Regardless, I would strongly advise ventilating any room where a T Series has been triggered. Again, a trade off: ventilation or fire.
One possible functional issue with the T Series is that it likely has to be used in 3D printers that have enclosures. The gas released would displace the oxygen in the build chamber, putting out the fire. I’m not sure how well it would function for an open gantry system, where the gas would quickly disperse.
For those operating 3D printers with enclosures — and that is a rapidly increasing ratio — this could be a relatively easy way to add another level of safety on the equipment.
Via Blazecut
