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.