What are the environmental and safety considerations of metal filament 3D printing?

2 Fumes and ventilation

Another environmental and safety issue of metal filament 3D printing is the emission of fumes and particles during the printing and post-processing stages. Some metal filaments, such as stainless steel, bronze, or copper, can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or metal oxides that can be harmful to your health and the environment. These fumes can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and respiratory problems. They can also contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce the exposure to these fumes, you should print in a well-ventilated area or use a 3D printer enclosure with a fan and a filter. You should also wear a mask, gloves, and goggles when handling the printed objects and the metal waste.

3 Fire and electric hazards

Metal filament 3D printing also poses a risk of fire and electric shocks. Metal filaments are conductive and can cause short circuits or sparks if they come into contact with the 3D printer's electronics or other metal objects. This can damage the 3D printer, cause a fire, or injure you. To prevent this, keep the metal filaments away from the 3D printer's power supply, wires, and heated parts. You should also use a non-conductive print bed, such as glass, ceramic, or plastic, and avoid touching the hot nozzle or the printed object until it cools down. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher nearby and follow the 3D printer's safety instructions.

4 Quality and accuracy

Metal filaments have different properties and behaviors than regular plastic filaments, such as higher density, lower flexibility, and higher shrinkage. This means that they can affect the 3D printer's performance, calibration, and extrusion. They can also cause clogging, warping, cracking, or deformation of the printed objects. To avoid these problems, use a 3D printer that is compatible with metal filaments, adjust the settings according to the filament's specifications, and use a heated bed and an enclosure to maintain a stable temperature. Check the quality and consistency of the filament before printing and use a high-resolution nozzle and layer height to achieve a smooth surface.

5 Cost and availability

Metal filaments are more expensive than regular plastic filaments, ranging from $50 to $300 per kilogram, or even higher for certain specialty materials. They also require more energy and time to print and post-process, which can increase the overall cost of production. Additionally, metal filaments are not as widely available as plastic filaments, and you may have to order them online or from specialized suppliers. You may also need to upgrade your 3D printer or buy additional accessories to print with metal filaments, such as a hardened steel nozzle, a direct drive extruder, or a heated chamber.

6 Benefits and opportunities

Despite the environmental and safety challenges of metal filament 3D printing, it offers benefits and opportunities for makers, hobbyists, and professionals. Metal filament 3D printing can enable you to create metal objects that are strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion, wear, and heat. You can experiment with different metal filaments and combine them with other materials to create unique effects and finishes. Metal filament 3D printing can also open up new possibilities for applications such as jewelry, sculpture, engineering, and architecture. (This article has been updated by LinkedIn editors based on member feedback.)