There’s a great online resource discussing the best safety practices for resin 3D printing.
Of the two most common desktop 3D printing processes, resin processes are far more dangerous than FFF. That’s because the resin itself is toxic to varying levels, and the operator is exposed to the resin.
Most resin operators know they should never allow resin to touch skin, and therefore wear nitrile gloves. In addition, ventilation is a must because toxic fumes are emitted by the resin, which could end up in your lungs.
There’s plenty of discussion about resin safety, with a wide range of opinions. Some insist that resin is perfectly safe, similar to household bleach or other toxic chemicals. However, the truth is that acrylate resins tend to accumulate in the body, which eventually (and sometimes suddenly) develops strong reactions. It’s really quite insidious: nothing seems to happen, until it does, and then it’s too late.
The best practice is to keep yourself away from 3D printer resin. But how, exactly is that best done?
A document published by RadTech, the Association for UV&EB Technology, has the answers. RadTech’s mission is to:
- To promote the use and development of UV & EB processing as an industrial technique offering energy savings, elimination of pollution, greater productivity, higher yields and the opportunity for improved, new or unique products.
- To serve as an international forum and reliable source of education and information for individuals and organizations involved in the use of UV & EB processing or who supply equipment, chemicals or other materials to such users.
- To develop and disseminate procedures and data on safe equipment operation and materials handling, testing and quality control.
That last point drove them to publish the material.
The instructions are short and to the point — it’s basically a comprehensive list of do’s and don’ts. They cover setup, housekeeping, hygiene, clean up, first aid, disposal, storage and more.
Much of the material might be familiar to experienced resin 3D printer operators, but I learned a couple of new things from my read. For example, they suggest that some UV resins can actually catch fire, so it’s advisable not to smoke near your resin setup.
RadTech provides the information in both HTML and PDF form. The PDF version is compressed into a single page, which can be printed and posted beside the equipment. This might be particularly useful in makerspaces where there are casual operators of resin equipment that require reminders on best practices.
If you’re using a resin 3D printer, you’d better read this document from start to finish.
Via RadTech (HTML) and RadTech (PDF)
