Safe Sanding Techniques for 3D Printing Enthusiasts
Master Safe Sanding Techniques for 3D Printing
Managing Plastic Dust
I’ve been using 3D printing in my puppets for about 5 years. I love how it allows me to design features and hardware that I can’t buy commercially. I use Tinkercad to design what I need. Then I 3D print it. But….there is a drawback. While sanding 3D prints I’ve had issues with my lungs. Sanding with power tools sends the tiny plastic dust airborne where it can get into my lungs. I’ve needed steroids on three different occasions to combat lung inflammation developed after power sanding ABS and ASA 3D-printed parts. Over the years, I’ve slowly added more levels of protection to prevent lung issues. The photo above illustrates my current setup. It includes a downdraft booth with a glass shield. I also wear a respirator mask that fits well over my nose and mouth. If I omit these protections, I can feel the negative effects on my lungs within minutes. I may be more sensitive than most when it comes to small particulates, but I suspect there are others. I’m sharing my setup in case someone looks for ideas online.
Sanding Outside with Some Protection
In the photo above, I have two simple cloth masks on. Despite two layers I still get some dust in my lungs. The mini belt sander tends to throw dust, so the cloth masks don’t work quite as well as a respirator. The other issue with this setup is that this form of dust control only works on pleasant summer days. I live in Michigan, so I need a cold-weather solution for dust management and protection.
Eye Protection Options with Magnification
Eye protection is also important. If you want magnification as a part of your safety glasses, there are some fun options. One option is flip-up magnifiers on standard safety glasses (Amazon). Another is prescription safety glasses with magnifiers on the bottom edge (Zenni Optical). More commonly, I now add my magnification with a magnifying light source. It hovers just above my downdraft sanding booth. I found heavy-duty versions at thrift stores/charity shops.
Getting Used to a Respirator
Now, if the COVID mask era drove you nuts because you felt like you were suffocating, you are not alone. I designed my own COVID masks because I hated masks. I also USED TO HATE the full respirator mask. It does get warm. It takes time to get used to it, but there is a happy hack you can do. Put on your headphones and listen to music or an audio book. It blocks the sound of your sander and gives you a happy distraction.
A Sanding Booth to Remove Dust Indoors
The sanding booth was my solution to containing plastic dust in my shop. It also prevents it from getting into my lungs. It’s also kinder than scattering microplastics in the wild. The down draft suction box pulls the plastic dust into a vacuum cleaner bag. For directions on how to create your sanding station, see my blog post here: https://www.lapuppets.com/homemade-downdraft-sanding-station-for-sanding-3d-prints/. Mine is a homemade booth made from a second-hand office cubicle, topped with a second-hand picture frame. The downdraft box is a vacuum hooked up to a hollow box with holes. The holes pull the dust away as I sand, sending it into the vacuum cleaner bag. While this setup is noisy, my headphones pump out happy music or some wonderful sci-fi adventure story. I’m not ruffled by excess noise.
I’d love to hear what solutions you have for safe sanding. I turned off comments because I got so much Russian spam, but you can email me at pam@lapuppets.com.
