Ameralabs has published a fascinating analysis of the toxicity of 3D printer resin.
The Lithuanian company has been producing quality 3D printer resin for almost a decade now, so they have considerable experience with the materials.
They deeply understand the issue of resin toxicity, which unfortunately still has serious misconceptions in the broader 3D print world. This is especially so with so many consumers purchasing low-cost desktop resin 3D printers, and hints of safety from equipment manufacturers.
The truth is that most 3D printer resins are indeed toxic, but with a dangerous property: the human body’s reaction to exposure begins only after multiple exposures to the chemicals. In other words, someone could be working with resin improperly for a while before they very suddenly have serious symptoms — and these will never go away.
Because of this phenomenon, some 3D printer operators mistakenly believe that resin “is safe” because they just haven’t yet experienced a reaction.
Ameralabs is also concerned about this issue, and did something about it. They just published a long, 23-point safety analysis of 3D printer resin. The report is freely available to all, and I strongly encourage you to read through it, especially if you are a resin 3D printer operator.
Among the findings in the report, there are quite a few points that readers may not be aware of, including:
- That you should replace your nitrile gloves at least every five minutes when handling resin.
- Water-washable resin is often much more toxic than IPA-style resin.
- Bio-based resins are not safer than non-bio-based resins.
- Washed (but not yet cured) prints are still dangerous to handle.
- Curing via sunlight is very unpredictable.
- Resin prints are never food safe.
And many more. This is easily the most comprehensive and easy-to-read reports on the toxicity issue available today, thanks to Ameralabs.
Resin toxicity is one of those silent problems that will eventually rise up and cause a lot of trouble. If everyone took the necessary precautions, there wouldn’t be an issue. Resin 3D printing can indeed be safe — but only if you follow all the procedures.
Unfortunately, many home 3D printer operators do not, and they will be the first ones to suffer the consequences.
Via Ameralabs
