Loft based 3D Printing Partitio  

RE: Loft based 3D Printing Partitio

Personally i dont see any roblem with this.

Add sufficient lights and make sure there is an available escape-route in case of any emergency.

That along with a fire/smoke-alarm and extinguisher and perhaps a camera for remote monitoring just to check in.

Automation/smart sockets to remotly shut off printers/heaters so it wont feed continuusly.

Add a small spaceheater or similar if needed to keep the temps from dipping below atleast 15c.

Perhaps an enclosure to avaid drafts or moving air to not disturb  the prints.

RE: Loft based 3D Printing Partitio

@mrstoned

There is a ramsay ladder directly next to where it would be, so an escape route is no problem, had already thought to install smoke and heat alarm controlled sockets so if thermal runaway does occur, mains will shut off automatically.  But just to err on the side of caution wanted to use 50mm kingspan to make the entire area enclosed and fire resistant, will basically be a very small enclosed room within the loft.

Fire extinguisher is a good idea, as well as the remote sockets so can shut off remotely, have got hive in the house already, so smart sockets are no problem.

Certainly food for thought, the only concern is the fire risk, its just a massive area filled with timber.  The kingspan would mitigate that slightly, but not complely.

RE: Loft based 3D Printing Partitio

I think with a bit of careful planning then it could work out fine.  In addition to the fire considerations heres a few thoughts just incase you haven't considered them (I'm in the UK too).

You'll likely need to run new sockets back to your consumer unit, don't be tempted to use a lighting ring that might be up there.  As it would be a new circuit installation then an electrician should do it who would raise a building control notification.

Assuming your current insulation is at joist and there is none at rafter level then in the winter the roof space will be outside temperatures so as already mentioned you'll need some sort of heater.  More difficult is that in summer it acts like a greenhouse and will be far hotter.  I live in a chalet bungalow with some but fairly poor rafter insulation and in the summer my upstairs rooms are regularly mid 30's and in the high 30's on hotter days.  The peak loft area is even hotter but I haven't measured that, I do property maintenance and always try and avoid working in lofts in the summer if possible, after around 1/2 hour up there I almost look like I've had a shower fully clothed!

If you don't get the insulation quite right then whilst it might not affect the printer it could you if you want to be up there for more than a few minutes, I'm thinking printer maintenance/repairs or dialling in a new filament.  Also, if you leave the hatch open the temperature will migrate to your living area.

I'd look at insulation a lot thicker than 50mm, more like 150mm might work and you can get foil backed plasterboard.  As well as lining the new walls you'll definitely need to do the ceiling area.  If you line between the rafters then you must leave a 50mm air gap between the underside of the tiles or you could create moisture problems and rot.  You can easily add facing wood onto the rafters to extend them down to allow thicker insulation and to carry your plasterboard.  Just search "cold pitched roof insulation" for info.

You should also give some consideration to weight especially if you are planning on storing lots of filament, it will depend on your roof structure and whilst it shouldn't be a problem at least ensure you've got strong boarding spanning over a several joists.

My only other thought would be dust levels, even with a door I'm not sure if you could keep it at bay.

RE: Loft based 3D Printing Partitio

@lize

Thank you for the information, some other valid points I had not considered.

TBH I am really not sure that the winter would be that much of an issue, a self contained space insulated could maybe get enough heat from the printers once running, however the summer months as you say will be a huge issue, not only heat wise (I have been in the loft in summer, and could have grown Tomatoes in it) but the humidity levels will also raise substantially. 

I am also not sure where you would stand from a planning and insurance perspective, having something like that running in a loft could void your house insurance.  And would you need planning permission?  I Have already floored a substantial area in the loft using loft legs and T&G 18mm boards, but also could be starting to push weight limits.

Not sure about it now, there seem to be so many hurdles.