There's a few dangers with 3D printing.
Fire safety. 3D printer fires are caused by one of two primary issues:
3D printing filament is flammable, though you should never be getting anywhere near that point. To make sure that's the case, get a printer with thermal runaway protection. Basically the printer will auto shut-off if the heater isn't responding normally.
Electrical safety. Many 3d printers have soldered wire in screw terminals. The solder will creep under pressure and let that joint come loose, causing arcing and fire. Cutting off the soldered ends and, ideally, capping the wire with a crimped end is a great idea.
On my own print setup, I also have an enclosure with:
a BlazeCut passive fire extinguisher (WhamBam makes an alternative since I installed that).
a smoke detector that's linked to my home security system. If the alarms go off, power is completely cut to my 3D printer.
Another safety issue is fumes. The more common filaments are PLA and PETG. PLA has a slightly sweet scent while being worked, and PETG has no detectable odor for most people. Neither of them are toxic with moderate exposure, though 3D printing has been shown to put off microparticles. A HEPA filter and/or an enclosure is a great idea.
The last issue is mental health. :)
Older 3D printers used drivers for the stepper motors that cause the motor to emit a distinctive loud "EEEERRRT ZEEEEEEE WHEEEEEM ZZZZZEEET ZZEEEEET" noise. I can imagine someone smashing a family members 3D printer with a rock after hours of that. Unless this is in a very isolated area, I'd strongly advise a printer with a silent board.
Good luck on this. 3D printing is a great technical hobby, and synergizes with a great deal of other activities.
It literally is harmless. Many things you use daily also release VOCs. Pla and petg are practically completely untraceable of anything harmful in the air.
Could you point me onto a SINGLE study done on the effects of VOCs of PLA and PETG on humans?
With that logic, I can also say, that because there have been so many people working in the plastic industry with ABS and ASA, and they don't have cancer, so I won't have cancer while working with ABS and ASA without a filter as well!
Oh, yes, I print ABS on a daily basis, but I don't have cancer! How wonderful!
Everything is dangerous, if left unsupervised. Your son will hate the sound level, too.
Long term exposure is never recommended. If the printer HAS to be in his room, purchase an enclosure for it and connect a vent tube to the window.
If you insist on buying from Creality, please don't buy anything older than Ender-3 V3 series - especially for beginner.
Idk my v2 works great since I bought it
There's a few dangers with 3D printing. Fire safety. 3D printer fires are caused by one of two primary issues: 3D printing filament is flammable, though you should never be getting anywhere near that point. To make sure that's the case, get a printer with thermal runaway protection. Basically the printer will auto shut-off if the heater isn't responding normally. Electrical safety. Many 3d printers have soldered wire in screw terminals. The solder will creep under pressure and let that joint come loose, causing arcing and fire. Cutting off the soldered ends and, ideally, capping the wire with a crimped end is a great idea. On my own print setup, I also have an enclosure with: a BlazeCut passive fire extinguisher (WhamBam makes an alternative since I installed that). a smoke detector that's linked to my home security system. If the alarms go off, power is completely cut to my 3D printer. Another safety issue is fumes. The more common filaments are PLA and PETG. PLA has a slightly sweet scent while being worked, and PETG has no detectable odor for most people. Neither of them are toxic with moderate exposure, though 3D printing has been shown to put off microparticles. A HEPA filter and/or an enclosure is a great idea. The last issue is mental health. :) Older 3D printers used drivers for the stepper motors that cause the motor to emit a distinctive loud "EEEERRRT ZEEEEEEE WHEEEEEM ZZZZZEEET ZZEEEEET" noise. I can imagine someone smashing a family members 3D printer with a rock after hours of that. Unless this is in a very isolated area, I'd strongly advise a printer with a silent board. Good luck on this. 3D printing is a great technical hobby, and synergizes with a great deal of other activities.
Thanks so much for the info. Very helpful!!!
And 3D printing produces VOCs. It's best to 3D print in a well ventilated area.
And the bambulab A1 mini is a much better first printer.
Thanks everyone! Helped a lot
If its just PLA, or PETG he is gonna be printing with its harmless. If its ABS, ASA, PC, Nylon, etc you will want it well ventilated/enclosed
Just because it doesn't smell a lot does not mean that it is harmless.
It literally is harmless. Many things you use daily also release VOCs. Pla and petg are practically completely untraceable of anything harmful in the air.
Could you point me onto a SINGLE study done on the effects of VOCs of PLA and PETG on humans? With that logic, I can also say, that because there have been so many people working in the plastic industry with ABS and ASA, and they don't have cancer, so I won't have cancer while working with ABS and ASA without a filter as well! Oh, yes, I print ABS on a daily basis, but I don't have cancer! How wonderful!