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How bad are the fumes from ABS  

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jason.c2
(@jason-c2)
Eminent Member
How bad are the fumes from ABS

Hi I have had my printer for awhile now but have only printed PLA. I am going to attempt to make an enclosure (Ikea LACK hack) and I want to print the parts out of ABS. Problem is the location of the printer is not near any ventilation (it's sitting on my dinning table and I live in a condo) - I want the enclosure so I can put it near the window. But I have a chicken and egg situation, I need the ABS parts to build the enclosure and until I have the enclosure I can't vent to the outside. So for those with experience, how bad are the fumes? Will I kill myself or my neighbours?

Posted : 17/01/2017 9:52 pm
erick.v
(@erick-v)
Estimable Member
Re: How bad are the fumes from ABS

The "fumes" are not nearly as bad as what people claim. I guess if you stand over the print job while printing abs at 300 degrees is going to be bad but normal temperatures and a few feet way from where you are sitting you won't notice it at all. If you have a regular enclosure or even a plastic bag over the printer you will be hard pressed to notice. Try it

Posted : 17/01/2017 11:14 pm
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
Re: How bad are the fumes from ABS

In my case, I have Asthma, and the fumes were enough to make me feel awful. so I got rid of all my ABS except the clear, in case I ever need ABS Milk...

then I accidentally ordered two rolls of Black ABS in error...

🙁

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK

Posted : 18/01/2017 1:06 am
richard.l
(@richard-l)
Member Moderator
Re: How bad are the fumes from ABS

then I accidentally ordered two rolls of Black ABS in error... 🙁

If you still have them I might be willing to take them off your hands.

Posted : 18/01/2017 4:44 am
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
Re: How bad are the fumes from ABS

Hi Richard,
Thanks, but i expect It would cost more to post them to the USA than to buy new filament in the USA.

Regards Joan.

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK

Posted : 18/01/2017 9:54 am
Nick
 Nick
(@nick-19)
Trusted Member
Re: How bad are the fumes from ABS

ABS is fumes are not really the issue, the badness part of ABS is Butadiene, but in terms of deadly, it doesn't go bad until around 400c. However... the smell produced is not always pleasant, it can make you drowsy and cause headaches and of course make existing conditions worse such as Asthma. The other issue is particles, not sure of the cause and affect of these, but I would guess just placing a Cardboard box over the top will suppress these, and in turn keep the printer warmer for when you are printer the ABS parts for your enclosure so you can print ABS parts 🙂 . I was there myself not so long back, and the lack enclosure is the way to go.

Posted : 18/01/2017 3:34 pm
jason.c2
(@jason-c2)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: How bad are the fumes from ABS

In my case, I have Asthma, and the fumes were enough to make me feel awful. so I got rid of all my ABS except the clear, in case I ever need ABS Milk...

then I accidentally ordered two rolls of Black ABS in error...

🙁

Ok. I don't have any health issues an I am not particular sensitive to things. I think I will give it a shot. Thanks for your reply.

Posted : 18/01/2017 5:38 pm
jason.c2
(@jason-c2)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: How bad are the fumes from ABS

The "fumes" are not nearly as bad as what people claim. I guess if you stand over the print job while printing abs at 300 degrees is going to be bad but normal temperatures and a few feet way from where you are sitting you won't notice it at all. If you have a regular enclosure or even a plastic bag over the printer you will be hard pressed to notice. Try it

Thanks Erick, I will definitely give it a shot. I think I will print something small first (under an hour or so) just to be sure.

Posted : 18/01/2017 5:40 pm
Nigel
(@nigel)
Honorable Member
Re: How bad are the fumes from ABS

Deadly, if not vented. I have abandoned ABS. Newer and better materials are out there. Just my choice.

Nigel
Life is keeping interested and excited by knowledge and new things.

Posted : 19/01/2017 3:45 am
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