Initial Publication Date: February 23, 2015

Safety Aspects of 3D Scanning, Modeling, and Printing

 

by Dr. Franek Hasiuk, GeoFabLab, Iowa State University, franek@iastate.edu

Exclusive of the military and parenting, no job requires a person to go home hurt. Here are some safety aspects to consider when 3D scanning, modeling and printing.

  • Scanning
    • Laser safety
    • X-ray safety for CT systems
    • Photogrammetry
  • Modeling
    • Modeling requires mostly human-computer interaction so repetetive strain injuries are the most ikely source of injury.
  • Printing
    • FDM systems have hot parts (25-250 degrees C) that pose a burn hazard.
    • Most systems have moving parts that can cause pinching and entrapment hazards.
    • FDM systems have been shown to produce ultrafine particles that can cause respiratory ailments in a similar way to laser printers. It is a good idea to run FDM 3D Printers in a well-ventilated room to reduce the risck of exposure to ultrafine particles.