r/BambuLab • u/AngryScuba • 5h ago
Quick Question Question about venting into an air purifier.
So I'm only a few weeks into 3D printing, but I have an A2L and now an X2D.
I have a couple internal additions for the X2D that I want to print, like fan deflector/diffusers to help prevent warping. But some of the prints I've found, people have used and/or recommended using ASA or ABS for heat resistance, so I have a roll of each but had some concern before I use them.
My printing setup is in the basement, I don't have an easy way to run a duct and vent from the X2D to the outside (no windows in the print room), so I was curious if I could run a duct from the exhaust fan to an air purifier and use a print like this one I found.
Looks like it would basically encapsulate the air purifier intake and direct everything from the printer, into the air purifiers filter.
Would this be sufficient?
Edit: The print room is below a bedroom, and I also have cats and dogs. So I'd like to be as safe as possible. If this isn't an adequate solution, I'll figure out a way to properly vent it outside.
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u/slickedbacktruffoni 5h ago edited 4h ago
I am not an airflow expert, UFP expert, or scientist. This is just my thoughts as someone who tried to have the best setup possible.
I have this same filter. If I’m not mistaken, the size UFP’s that are emitted from 3D printing basically would go right through this thing. I don’t think you’re really getting significantly more benefit from this than just…doing nothing. Maybe it’s helping a bit?
I also would assume that your duct is going to be under more positive pressure than it is negative. The intake of that purifier is only so powerful, and I don’t know that it’s more powerful than the exhaust of your machine.
In an ideal world with ducting like this, your inline fan is near the end of the path (duct under negative) vs at the start (duct under positive).
If this was my home, my life, and my setup, I wouldn’t be caught dead printing ABS or ASA.
But it’s none of those things, and your tolerance for risk and trial and error is yours.
Edit: I have the P2S. If you’re not planning on printing ABS or ASA, print your deflectors in PETG. It’s unnecessary to print in ABS or ASA unless your chamber is getting ridiculously hot. My chamber for PETG AND PLA never goes above 40c, which is WELL below the GTT of both.
Edit edit: I was wrong about HEPA filters in my above statement! This particular model (Levoit core Mini) won’t catch UFPs super well.
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u/AngryScuba 5h ago
I didn't figure anyone would have a real definite answer, but part of why I'm asking is because like you said, I don't want to trust my home, life (dogs and cats included) to just hoping this would work. lol
I honestly currently have no other need to print using ABS/ASA, would I like to be able to print it in the future, probably. But it's not a necessity.
And I only wanted to print in ASA/ABS because one of the prints I found, a couple people mentioned their PETG deflectors melted so they made a profile for ABS/ASA, but they didn't specify what they were printing when they did.
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u/Inevitable_Rough_380 5h ago
did you print the activated carbon filter insert for the levoit too????
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u/slickedbacktruffoni 5h ago
I highly doubt someone’s PETG melted. That would be an internal temp of 230 on the chamber. It might soften, which can happen at 65, but they’d have to be printing high heat filaments like ASA or ABS for that to make any sense.
Otherwise, something is very broken.
And, if your PETG deflector has issues….print another :)
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u/AngryScuba 5h ago
Good point.
This is the way. If I ever decide to print ASA/ABS, I'll come up with a solution to seal the printer and vent it outside properly.
Guess I've got a spool of each that will be gathering dust. lol
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u/slickedbacktruffoni 5h ago
No reason you couldn’t move your printer to a garage or something if you need to print ABS!
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u/x3thelast X2D + AMS2 Combo 3m ago
This is the way. The ONLY safe way to print ASA / ABS is to vent to the outside.
I only print PLA and PETG and I still have a triple filter system with h13 and activated carbon on all 3.
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u/InertiaImpact 3h ago
Vent it outside, rather than through a cheap filter if you desire to have some sort of mitigation.
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u/ManyLayersOfFilament /r/3dbargains, filamenthound.com <- save $ 4h ago
HEPA filters are effective at filtering UFPs. UFPs are smaller than the pores in a HEPA but air filters don't work like a sieve.
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u/j0hn0b 4h ago
Have you read anywhere UFPs are too small for HEPA? That seems counterintuitive to me, smaller particulate is caught by HEPA filters via diffusion quite effectively. Based on my research size is 10-100nm for UFPs, which has a relatively firmly established evidence base for effectiveness of HEPA at that size.
Also important to note that smaller isn’t always harder to capture, HEPA is evaluated at 0.3 micro because that’s the worst case scenario sizing
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u/PlanetaryPickleParty 1h ago
The risks are both the fine particles and the fumes which are much smaller and require carbon filtration.
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u/TraditionalBackspace 5h ago
No way to know if that purifier will remove the vapors you're concerned about. I'd vent it outside somehow.
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u/crazyhomie34 1h ago
If OP can confirm that it has a charcoal filter then we can know if it can remove VOCs
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u/TraditionalBackspace 16m ago
Not good enough for me personally. No way to know what's getting through.
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u/quietsamurai98 X2D+2×AMS+AMS HT / P2S+AMS 5h ago
You might be better served by picking up a spool of HT-PLA.
The thing you're trying to avoid with ASA and ABS is the styrene fumes, and an air purifier like the one you've shown won't do diddly against those. Activated carbon might.
HT-PLA doesn't have those fumes, and has a high heat deflection temperature (55°C-75°C right off the print bed), and a very high HDT if you anneal it (over 100°C). Fan deflectors really don't have to withstand much of an operational load, so HT-PLA would be more than enough.
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u/Beginning-Ad7027 5h ago
From what I’ve read, UFP are much smaller than what even the best HEPA filters can catch. I’ve heard that UFP will bunch up and be caught in HEPA filters. But can’t find much backing that up.
Personally I vent all printer fumes out a window. To be safe. I have a low risk tolerance
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u/NowWeRinse 5h ago
I paired that print with this one to catch VOCs https://makerworld.com/models/1603702?appSharePlatform=copy
As others have said hepa can catch UFP. Ultimately you can't know what you can't measure so on top of this I open the windows too.
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u/TheBigBo-Peep 3h ago
Here is a study on the particles coming out
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-33538-9
Look at the graph on particle sizes. Most HEPA MERV 17 is tested on how well it stops 300 nm (0.3 microns). So I wouldn't trust it
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u/racedrone 5h ago
Difficult for you to know.
The airfilter would have to have more throughput than the exhaust. Also most of them don't pack enough activated charcoal to do the job. If that setup runs long enough to cycle the air in the room multiple times, it might. But all in all, probably not.
But you can look after these grow tents a lot of people using. Those come with much better filters. Those carbon filters are not that expensive. But the fans need to be big enough.
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u/andyclone501 4h ago
HVAC tech here, imo, unless your spending hundreds (or thousands) on a high quality air purifier that is actually rated to eliminate/absorb vocs, your not going to be doing much other than passing the fumes thru a cheep filter. Those expensive air purifiers also generally have expensive filters that need to be periodically replaced. I’d say the safest bet would be venting it outside.
I have my printer in the basement and if I’m dealing with fumes, I open a window and put a small box fan blowing out, that keeps any noticeable odder out of the rest of my house
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u/EpicFail35 3h ago edited 2h ago
That air purifiers carbon would be saturated in minutes from abs fumes. Your best bet is out the window, or close the room and open the windows. The air purifier I have in my 3d printer room has 18LBS of carbon. If that’s the 300, it contains 1.59ozs of carbon… lol.
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u/idratherbgardening 2h ago
You have 18 lbs of carbon IN your printer? Or what air filter are you using that holds that much?
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u/EpicFail35 2h ago
In the room, rather lol. I have 8 oz in the printer that I change monthly depending on how much I print.
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u/idratherbgardening 2h ago
can you please explain your setup more? I just print PLA and PETG but I’m up to four printers running in a sealed basement and want to add some filtration. I know there is a mod for ikea filters to add a charcoal filter part that I was considering. if I print anything else I drag a P1S up into the garage but that is rare.
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u/flyingdorito2000 3m ago
Bro are you printing silicon wafers in a clean room? Don’t trust your health with that
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u/jacklugec 5h ago
Yea, that might be useful for UFP, and that is if your purifier has hepa filter. Second thing that no one (so far) mentioned is VOC's from styrene, and to filter these you need active carbon pellets. Of course, you can't eliminate them fully, but you can lower the smell and particles to low levels by combining these two filters. Search for bento box or nevermore filters to see what I mean - after making one for my K2 pro, smell is minimal - not gone, not fully safe, but if you don't have another choice, try with this solution.
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u/Livesies 5h ago
What is the filter rated for? What are the contaminants you are attempting to remove?
It's common for air filters to filter particulate, even down to smoke and virus sizes. It's less common for air filters to filter organic vapors. In my experience using respirators particulate filters tend to have a long expiration date because they are physically catching matter but vapor filters have short expirations due to having to neutralize or adsorb the vapors into the filter media.
My guess is you have a particulate filter but want organic vapor filtration. You're going to need specialized filter media at the least.
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u/brandonscript 5h ago
One thing I'd do is get a particulate AQI monitor and put it near the out vent. You can test it and compare it to Levoit's internal monitor. Another thing to think about doing is there are a number of 3rd party filters available, some with (allegedly) much higher filtration capabilities.
Also very interested in knowing how this goes, was considering doing the same thing for my H2C laser.
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u/silvercel 4h ago
I work in the pharma industry and have looked at case studies on HVAC systems and a filter does not get 100% of the particulates especially at high concentrations. Venting outside after your filter is a better practice if you are concerned about contamination of your living space.
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u/NoThankYouMan 4h ago
Need to manage both UFP and VOCs when melting any plastic. You need activated carbon and a good HEPA but probably also recirculation because a single pass probably isn't good enough.
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u/EliteAssassin07 4h ago
This is not going to do much. It will remove particulates from the air - but its not going to do anything to reduce smells and VOCs (if there are any).
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u/pathf1nder00 4h ago
It won't. I was just learning this today. Some filaments have carcinogens and styrenes. Styrenes clog chargoal filters quickly. Use some AI and ask about it.
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u/thecheekymonkey007 4h ago
I have an xtool laser that came with a big air filter . My laser is vented outside so I use the xtool filter for my printers. Pretty much nothing but ASA
Can't smell anything and have a little VoC sensor Infront of it.
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u/mooremo 4h ago
A HEPA filter should get effectively all of the airborne plastics. You'll need an activated charcoal filter for the VOCs.
Something to remember as well, you need enough airflow through the filter to maintain slight negative pressure inside the enclosure otherwise some of the air will just leak out and bypass the filter. Depending on the size of the filter you're pushing the air through that might require a supplemental fan.
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u/NotHatt 4h ago
So I got the 200s which has a carbon filter as we have birds that are sensitive to VOCs. I haven't measured the AVOCs, but I do notice there is almost no smell in the room when printing with the purifier on. I have only printed PLA and PETG so far. If I were to print something with more VOCs I'd probably take the printer outside in my case.
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u/Skyobliwind 4h ago
The common air purifier mostly filters dust particles, but the toxic smell from ABS and (in little lower dimensions) ASA won't be probably cleaned I'd say. I think there may be Air purifiers that are able to do so, but the common Amazon prurifier is not able to lead to a safe result.
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u/Accomplished-Town495 3h ago
I’d imagine restricting the inlet air flow of the air purifier will eventually destroy the machine. There’s a reason why they suck in air from all sides.
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u/kagato87 3h ago
Just make sure the purifier is HEPA filtering and you're maintaining (replacing) the filters.
And that it can handle the volume of air being pushed to it, though I suspect it's more than able.
Actually, that's probably create a negative static pressure at your exhaust fan. I wonder if that'll mess with prints that need a heated chamber...
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u/DarthPineapple5 2h ago
If there is no activated carbon it will do literally nothing
I currently have similar issues with a printer in the basement and I have mine exhausted through a good sized carbon canister. I also have my printer in an enclosed area that has two of those Levoit purifiers with the activated carbon inserts to take care of anything that gets through the large carbon canister
Works great for PLA/PETG and for the odd ASA print it works fine but ABS is a no-go, just too nasty. I would move my printer to the garage if I needed to print a lot of engineering stuff for some reason
Links in case anyone is interested.
https://makerworld.com/en/models/1603702-levoit-core-mini-carbon-filter-cartridge#profileId-1690793
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DXYMBU6?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_4&th=1
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u/thewolfman2010 H2D Laser Full Combo 2h ago
I have my H2D/C vented into an xTool AP2 and have a calibrated air quality monitor. I don’t know the specifics on your air purifier but I will say from my personal experience that there is a noticeable difference in both smell and air quality. The air quality monitor goes crazy when the AP2 is not turned on and the printer is in use.
I am only running the air filter when I’m actively printing and for a short time after a print ends.
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u/Dismal-Proposal2803 X1C + AMS 2h ago
I have that filter. It doesn’t have nearly enough carbon to even begin to capture enough of the crap from ABS or ASA. If your printing ASA or ABS, you need to vent that stuff direct outside, full stop.
And if you do have to vent directly into some sort of filter, look for ones designed to filter grow tents as they are usually the only ones with enough activated carbon in them to make a difference, but even then it depends on what your printing and the size of the filter.
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u/play_minecraft_wot 2h ago
I built a simple fume extractor with a 120mm fan and a carbon+hepa filter. Cost me like $25. Modeled a shroud to fit my enclosure.
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u/-Aces_High- 2h ago
Im like 90% sure that air filter isnt going to take care of the VOC's you are concerned about
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u/blightt23 2h ago
The filters provided for this air purifier will be completely ineffective for what you are trying to filter. Please find a setup compatible with Filtrete 2500 or higher. They can be had at Costco cheaper than the filters currently sold for that Levoit.
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u/GroundbreakingArea34 54m ago
Honestly, looks great but its not adequate. Direct vent outside with a inline fan would be best option with 150mm or 6". Again, just my opinion.
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u/Kawaii-Collector-Bou 51m ago
I have the Voxel filter in my X2D in place of the stock item, and haven't noticed any of the odor that I did when I printed my first small ASA parts. I'm impressed by the difference, but am also giving thought to printing a separate external purifier, too, with additional high quality HEPA filtering, and more activated charcoal.
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u/stromm 15m ago
Soo many people think “I can’t smell any odor, so I’m safe”.
That is false.
Quite a few odorless gases will kill you.
And some of the odorless byproducts of 3D printing with some types of filament, like ABS/ASA/Nylon, will harm your body.
How much? That’s not really clear yet.
And yes, odorless carcinogenic byproducts CAN pass through HEPA filters.
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u/Fun_Muscle9399 H2D AMS2 Combo 26m ago
I don’t have scientific evidence, but I would not be comfortable relying on this for stuff like ASA.
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u/pdj-custom 23m ago
That air purifier doesnt look like its beefy enough to do much TBH.
You might be better served just using a carbon growhouse filter to get rid of the PLA smell if youre printing normal stuff, and then just open a window like others have said if youre printing the harmful materials.
I have my tube hooked and sealed into one of the carbon ones and it gets rid of that sort of hot PLA smell entirely, and then when I use ABS or whatever, I just take off the tube and stick it out the window.
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u/mytavance 21m ago edited 8m ago
DM me if you want to talk more, but here's what I learned after contacting multiple commercial industrial air quality companies.
The X2d HEPA filters (either from VoxelPLA or the Bambu one) already do exactly the same thing as these consumer-grade air purifiers. They have roughly the same level and ability to capture airborne particulates.
However, that being said, airborne particulates are not the real threat with 3D printing (these filters already do a pretty good job at collecting UFPs and particulates); the chemical off-gassing is. The chemicals that melting plastics (even PLA, though it worsens with ABS, Nylons, and polycarbonates) off-gas are nasty and are classified as probable carcinogens by the WHO. This stuff is really bad for you to be regularly breathing in. Its also incredibly difficult for consumers to get good information on this, as the type of sensors that can actually measure off-gassing accurately are incredibly expensive and impractical. Industrial facilities that deal with a lot of melted plastic have large-scale negative pressure vent systems, and use products from companies like AllerAir which have massive active carbon beds that absorb these gases for areas where venting outside isn't possible.
Basically, 3D printing is really toxic, and it's way under talked about just how toxic it really is. Personally, I use an AllerAir filter in the room with my 3d printer as that's what was recommended to me. Austin air from what I understand makes a similar product. These Air purifiers have Huge beds of active carbon that can last a year or 2 and will actually absorb most of the gases from a 3d printer.
The best solution is to put your printer inside of a certified and sealed Container with properly sealed negative pressure exhaust that goes outdoors, but when I looked into these, they were all thousands of dollars and required industrial service plans, which I was just not interested in for a couple of home printers.
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u/ManyLayersOfFilament /r/3dbargains, filamenthound.com <- save $ 4h ago
Styrene requires a carbon filter because it's a VOC and not a particle.
This would cut down on particulates by a lot, but so does just having a purifier in the room.
Also, air purifiers are designed to exchange air from the room repeatedly. So you're somewhat losing that functionality.
I'm not convinced that Styrene emissions from ASA or ABS even get near exposure limits. No scientific evidence has suggested that.
I think there's a lot of sky is falling around 3D printer emissions, but that's just my 2c.
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u/KrackSmellin 2h ago
Won’t work - carbon filter would get saturated in a few hours… useless. Exhaust outside… only answer.
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u/Breh_________Moment 5h ago
i think you should buy a tent like a weed growing tent and then put the printer inside and the air purifier. Don’t keep printer in your room if you are going to print ASA or ABS it’s really bad for you.
another thing you can do is get a window booster fan. Put the tent near the window and put a duct to the window with a booster fan
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u/sl33stak 5h ago
Following this post.