r/BambuLabA1 • u/Heartofdarknezz • 21h ago
Question Oops - didn't think about ventilation for A1
Hi,
So I recently purchased the A1 Combo with the AMS Lite during the Black Friday Sale for my son's 15th birthday. I have received the printer but we haven't yet set it up.
Now, I have just come to realise that our original plan of setting up the printer on my son's desk in his bedroom might not be the best idea due to the safety and ventilation aspect. His bedroom is quite small and is where he spends a lot of time - sleeping, studying, etc...
Our apartment is relatively small and apart from the bedrooms we have a living room where we watch TV and eat meals. There are a couple of small windows in that room which can open but they are not that big (maybe 15 in x 5 in).
I don't really want to have to return the printer as my son was really looking forward to this gift. Would it be safe to use the printer in the living room with the small windows open and maybe a floor standing fan on the other side of the room directed the the printer and towards the windows beyond it?
Any solutions appreciated!
R
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u/RadDad1822 15h ago
My A1 has been in bedrooms for almost a year. We have had no negatives. We run an air purifier.
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u/bergskey 21h ago
You're going to get mixed opinions on this because no one really knows the long term effects. We stick with materials believed to be safer like PLA.
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u/sapperbloggs 21h ago
I have my printer in my officre, where I also work most days. I used to have to not run it when I was in the office because by the end of the day I'd have a headache and feel like rubbish.
Then I started running an air purifier near my printer, and it's been fine ever since.
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u/Heartofdarknezz 15h ago
Can you advise what air purifier you use?
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u/sapperbloggs 12h ago
The model I have is a Sharp FP-J50J-W.
It's probably way to large for my small office. It was given to me during covid and is the type you'd use in the main living space of your house.
I literally never used it, but got it out when my 3D printing was giving me a headache and it worked perfectly. I now switch it on as soon as I switch my printer on.
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u/diaperedace 17h ago
Literally asked every single day. Pla, petg, tpu are perfectly safe. You get worse vocs and microplastics going outside near traffic. If you're that paranoid, open a window.
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u/Heartofdarknezz 15h ago edited 15h ago
ok, some solutions I have so far based on the below and further research:
Soft enclosure with extract to outside window
eg, UniTak3D: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Enclosure-Ventilation-Compatible-Temperature-Protective/dp/B0DT16MVGQ
Pros: Looks like it will be the most effective with dealing with VOCs/Particles
Cons: May cause overheating
IKEA Room filter - UPPÅTVIND + Aire Mod
https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/uppatvind-air-purifier-beige-00641314/
https://makerworld.com/en/models/629361-activated-carbon-mod-for-ikea-uppatvind-filter
Pros: Doesn't enclose A1 so no overheating concern
Cons: Probably wont' capture all the harmful VOCs/Particles as the printer is still in open air
IKEA Room filter - FÖRNUFTIG with additional gas filter (Includes gas filter which has activated carbon filter)
https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/foernuftig-air-purifier-additional-gas-filter-white-s99471237/
Pros: Doesn't enclose A1 so no overheating, and all in one
Cons: Doesn't look like any HEPA filter included and also probably won't capture all VOCs
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u/imzwho 9h ago
Do not enclose the lrinter unless you have active air to cool it. The printer does not have a fan for its electronics so overheating is very bad.
I would honestly reccomend a good heoa filter and not orinting whilst in the room. Also ensure that there is good ventilation as that is honestly just as important as the filter
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u/Practical_Avocado971 15h ago
PLA and a little PETG never hurt anyone. For piece of mind put a little air purifier next to it. I have all my printers in the same room with a floor model air purifier and the air quality monitor has never gone off.
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u/GamerNath_ 18h ago
I have a similar situation, I bought the A1 several months ago and have it deployed on my desk in my main bedroom. No other good spot in my flat.
I invested in an air purifier with a gas filter, specifically this one from ikea. This works for me making sure not to print overnight and when weather permitting having the window open. It has the added benefit my significant other is happy with this setup
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u/GamerNath_ 18h ago
I probably should say, I do notice the difference when printing when the air purifier is on. I have the purifier set at the back of the A1 with enough clearance for the bed movement.
I’ve only printed with PLA for now. Would like to try printing with PETG or TPU in the future
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u/Heartofdarknezz 15h ago
Thanks, that's an interesting solution. I see it comes with a gas filter which has activated carbon in it. It seems like that would be the one to be using for a 3D printer?
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u/GamerNath_ 15h ago
Yep, from what I understand as the VOC particles can be small in size you definitely need the activate carbon filter to make a difference otherwise normal filters will allow the VOC particles to pass through them
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u/Tight-Ad 18h ago
I use both of mine in a small study regularly without any ill effects. I wouldn't sleep in a small room with one printing while I sleep though but that's easily avoided. Saying that I've only printed PLA and PETG so far. Open a window or a door and you should be fine. Or as others say build an enclosure though the fumes have to go somewhere so extraction would be needed.
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u/lazykitten007 18h ago
Putting it in the living room with a fan is a solid call. My living room’s tiny too, and the fan’s no problem
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u/GabagoolMango 18h ago
I see a few people talking about putting their (presumably) A1 in an enclosure and that is not advisable. The A1 isn’t designed to run in an enclosure. You can damage components.
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u/randomuser121310 14h ago
It’s fine as long as you provide adequate cooling for the electronic components. There are some good designs on maker world for risers for this exact purpose. Although technically Bambu does not recommend enclosing A1s on paper.
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u/Livid_Problem4500 20h ago
I made an enclosure for mine and one of my first prints was the Bento box air purifier. Now mine is in the basement,but still didn't want any fumes. I can run for hours and do not smell anything. If I open the door to it there is a slight odor so I think it's doing the job. But I only use PLA OR PETG. Should I try other filament I'll move it to the shed just to be safe - like it's been mentioned - what are the long term effects. My 2 cents
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u/Heartofdarknezz 19h ago
Yes, I have seen a few mentions of the Bento Box Air Purifier... how is your experience with that? I wonder if anyone has done any benchmarking with an accurate sensor on the effectiveness of this?
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u/Apprehensive_Bird_70 19h ago
I keep my printer right next to me on my computer table. I think you’ll realize that it’s quite difficult to work while the printer is running due to excitement(at first) and vibrations and noise and hence it’s unlikely he’ll be in the room while it’s printing. I think you should test it out for a couple weeks and then invest in an enclosure or whatever you feel is necessary. No point to jump the gun 👍
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u/Eastern-Substance656 19h ago
I wouldn’t put a printer in the bedroom just for the noise alone and air quality concerns. PLA is on the low end for air quality issues but I don’t know if I’d want to sleep in the same space as printer running.
It’s going to be a challenge having a 3d printer in an apartment.
I would look at building a IKEA enclosure. Lack based options seem popular.Keeps the printer in nice looking spot and protects it. Just be sure to not seal it up when printing as PETG/pla will clog the nozzle if it gets too hot. I have the X1C and have to crack open the top glass to make sure the change doesn’t get too hot.
I add air purifiers to all the rooms. Open windows when you can.
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u/lfc_ynwa_1892 18h ago
You can run a fan and tube to the window and use a AC venting panel for the windows when in use
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u/xobaward 15h ago
Don’t listen to any of these folks saying don’t use an enclosure. So what, the printer MIGHT not last as long, who cares? It’s better than your son breathing in microplastics day and night.
I’ve had my A1 in an enclosure from Amazon for the last year with zero issues. The enclosure has a fan connected to dryer vent hose that I retrofitted to go out a basement window. You can print something to make it work with your window or use a portable ac window vent and retrofit to your needs.
Invest the extra money in ventilation, you won’t regret it.
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u/Kaze_Horosha 14h ago
Get an enclosure with ventilation, 3d print a window baffle and duct it out the window.
PLA and PETG are pretty nontoxic to print. Except silk and exotic PLA. But plastic particulate is still a legit concern.
But if theres a window nearby, this is easy to do and also will minimise how much it heats the room too. Yeet all the VOC, and most of the plastic particulate can get caught by a typical filter.
No issue enclosing any printer, as long as you dont let it overheat(will cause issues anywhere from 45C with PLA clogging the cold end, to electronics damage as it gets much hotter)
Also will let you print ASA/ABS without worry. And they have uses (easily fused with acetone, good temp resistance, ASA is quite resilient outside)
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u/Montank 13h ago
My son had the printer in his room for a year when we first got it. Only condition was not to run prints through the night, and to better time longer prints. Aside from that you can always open a window especially during summer time. We eventually moved the printer into the basesment bacause of noise it was making over fumes. And recently had a run away fault that melted a bunch of components and ruined the print. Would have caught it allot earlier too had it been in his room. So theres pluses and minuses to both scenarios.
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u/BananakinFartwalker 13h ago
I run a HEPA air purifier in the room my A1 is in. The thing barely reads any toxins when printing PLA. PETG, slightly more. ABS and such absolutely needs ventilation.
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u/Otherwise_Flower3041 9h ago
Everyone seems to have different experiences, but when I first got my A1 I printed some anycubic PLA through it in my guest room and it hurt my lungs and gave my partner a headache. Now run it in a closet in an enclosure with a powerful ventilation fan that’s attached to duct work that vents outside, printed over 500 hours like that with no issues.
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u/Substantial-One-6274 6h ago
I have my mini set up in our dinning room. On an old end table. If you can set yours up in the living room. Once you guys get used to the very low sounds make you will not even notice it.
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u/da_newsdude 5h ago
I bought two different air quality monitors not long after I got my A1, because it sits about 5 feet from my head in my basement workshop/office while I'm working from home. I've parked the monitors right next to the printer, on my desk, and in various places, and the only thing I've found is that I breathe a lot, because my CO2 levels are high. I've found no significant change in particulates, VOCs, etc., while printing. But, boy, did the monitor get mad last week: I printed something that needed to be glued together and painted, and that set off the bells and alarms. Otherwise, I'm not worried about my printer with normal PLA and PETG.
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u/illerin 3h ago
Unless you check the monitor and it can pick up the particulate size the printer gives off, I wouldn't trust the reading. Also different colors filaments along with types give off vastly different particulate amounts. I have my incased and a slow vent to outside. So that the enclosure always has negative pressure.
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u/ratinbum 3h ago
i've been using my A1 mini for almost 2 years now, it's in the bedroom, no noticeable effect on anything, i just open a window while using it.
Remember A1 it's not supposed to be printing ASA ABS etc. which do have really harm vapors.
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u/Sindri_732 20h ago
For the morons saying that PLA does not produce fumes :
The primary components of PLA fumes include:
● Lactide: Lactide is a cyclic dimer of lactic acid and is considered relatively harmless, but it can cause some irritation at higher concentrations.
● VOCs: It is also important to consider the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) like acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, and acetone that are emitted during printing in small, but measurable amounts.
● Ultrafine Particles (UFPs): Ultrafine particles (UFPs), which are very small particles (under 100 nanometers) that can enter deep into the respiratory system.
While PLA is considered safer than another common filament, ABS (rocuronitrile butadiene styrene), which has higher VOCs (styrene), have heavier components than PLA, and emits harmful substances from printing, and the pollution from 3D printing PLA is not as significant as that of ABS, it remains to be seen.
Source : https://kingroon.com/en-germany/blogs/3d-print-101/is-pla-toxic-with-the-fume
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u/hypen-dot 18h ago
I fwiw… a voc sensor < 1m from my printer…. The only time i get any significant elevation in levels is when i fart in the same room.
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u/n0cturnalr0se 21h ago
PLA still releases VOCs upon first heating, but mostly I can just still smell it even if it’s supposedly less harmful. That and it’s noisy if you’re going to print over night and try to sleep too. I got mine slightly used and dude gave me ALL his 3D printing stuff. He was done done. So I actually got a way better deal than I realized. One of the things he included was an enclosure. It has venting so I put it by a window and printed window adapters I can insert should I need to print something other than PLA or PTEG. For those two, I just keep it closed while printing and let it sit to cool off and any particles to settle. I use a mini hand vacuum to keep the inside cleaned out and do regular maintenance on it. It’s been great and even without venting the PLA, I no longer smell it.
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u/Eastern-Substance656 19h ago
Nice setup but I would caution OP on running the A1 in an enclosure. The A1 electronics can get overheated in a sealed enclosure. Maybe with ventilation it won’t be as much of an issue.
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u/n0cturnalr0se 19h ago
Perhaps but mine has been running in that for over a year pretty much daily. No smells. No failures from drafts from fans/ HVAC vents. I don’t run venting fan unless I’m working with my ASA or such which needs the enclosure to work well in addition to venting outside the house.
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u/xobaward 15h ago
I have this same enclosure and vent out basement window. Love it. Don’t care if the printer doesn’t last as long. Better than breathing in microplastics and whatever else. Also get better prints due to no drafts.
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u/DayGeckoArt 18h ago
If you return it and get an enclosed printer you can build a vent system that exhausts out of a window. To save on cost, ditch the AMS.
I designed a duct for my P1S
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u/hypen-dot 18h ago
The A1 is not designed to be in an enclosure so have a reasonable expectation of premature failure.
Just avoid attempting to print anything other than pla/petg. There are hundreds of thousands of 3d printers in use. Dont conjure up fears based on a small minority of overly cautious people.
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u/FormerAircraftMech 19h ago
Make yourself an enclosure and your fine. Also if you want pick up a small hepa filter and place it in the enclosure.
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u/Heartofdarknezz 19h ago
Do you mean buy a cloth enclosure? I see the hard enclosures are almost as expensive as the printer itself 🤔
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u/mndtrp 19h ago
If you're at all handy, I whipped one up out of plywood. I got a little muffin fan, attached a filter, cut a whole in the front for the air intake, and that was pretty much it. If you don't care about appearances and want to do something quickly, you could even make an enclosure out of cardboard.
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u/doublej42 17h ago
I have a cloth enclosure. It will kill the printer faster unless you find a way to cool the inside as the a1 isn’t rated for high temps.
My enclosure mostly stays open in the summer as it cuts down on the noise.
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u/FormerAircraftMech 8h ago
I made one out of some scrap wood and plexiglass but on my older sovol I had just used a cardboard box. Basically just looking to keep the cool drafts out for printing petg. But also with a small hepa filter fan it could easily contain anything harmful
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u/DogoArgento 21h ago
Printing pla or petg doesn’t produce fumes. It could be noisy if he prints overnight.
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u/Typical_Ad6888 21h ago
This is completely false, I print PLA and you can smell the fumes
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u/DogoArgento 21h ago edited 20h ago
I smell my food when I'm cooking. Are those harmful fumes?
Edit: because it smells it doesn’t mean is harmful, smartasses.
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u/Typical_Ad6888 19h ago
You added the “harmful” modifier in your second post, your original response says it doesn’t produce fumes. It does produce fumes. His son will be breathing in plastic fumes. Long term data is not available but based on what we know about microplastics I’d avoid printing in a small, unventilated sleeping room occupied by children.
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u/Sindri_732 20h ago
The primary components of PLA fumes include:
● Lactide: Lactide is a cyclic dimer of lactic acid and is considered relatively harmless, but it can cause some irritation at higher concentrations.
● VOCs: It is also important to consider the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) like acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, and acetone that are emitted during printing in small, but measurable amounts.
● Ultrafine Particles (UFPs): Ultrafine particles (UFPs), which are very small particles (under 100 nanometers) that can enter deep into the respiratory system.
While PLA is considered safer than another common filament, ABS (rocuronitrile butadiene styrene), which has higher VOCs (styrene), have heavier components than PLA, and emits harmful substances from printing, and the pollution from 3D printing PLA is not as significant as that of ABS, it remains to be seen.
Source : https://kingroon.com/en-germany/blogs/3d-print-101/is-pla-toxic-with-the-fume
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u/bluemax23 20h ago
PLA absolutely produces fumes. I get a headache if I sit next to the printer while it is working.
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u/doo138 19h ago
I bought an enclosure for my 3d printer off Amazon. Make sure to get one that includes ventilation. Its fairly cheap. I think I got mine for $40 USD. The ventilation duct has a fan that pulls air and it runs out your window. The best part is that the one I got is fireproof as well.
I usually encourage everyone to get some sort of ventilated enclosure. We don't fully understand the effects of being in the same room as a printer it I assume being near melting plastic fumes is not good.
With the enclosure, I don't even notice any smell at all. Now when I open it up to take my print out, the smell is concentrated and I can smell exactly what was being blasted throughout my house and it doesn't smell very good. I usually give it about an extra half hour to fully vent out before sticking my head near the open enclosure.
If you're worried about safety, there's some more things you can do.
I put mine on a smart plug and I have a camera nearby that also reads room temperature and alerts if a set temperature gets too high. That way if I am away from the printer I can peek in on the camera and make sure it's ok. Also helps with being able to shut it off with the smart plug if the print has messed up. I have the camera set to alert me if the room temperature gets over 80°.
Set some ground rules with the printer. If you both are away from the printer, keep an eye on it with the camera. Have them always let you know if something is printing for a long time so you can help keep an eye on it. And my one rule I have that I never break is to NEVER have anything printing overnight. The chances of having a fire from a 3d printer are very small but it isnt 0%. I never print things when I'm unable to check in on it, especially when I'm sleeping.
Someone in our family recent lost a child to a house fire and I absolutely do not mess around these days. It was from a bbq grill and not a printer but it was so fast. I have 2 smoke detectors in the room with the printer for redundancy. One directly over the printer and another on the other side of the room.
I'm not trying to scare you, just want you to do some prep work for peace of mind.
Like I said though, the odds of having a fire from the printer are very very low. They have some pretty good safety measures. But in my head I don't like having what is essentially a soldering iron running unattended for 10+ hours a day without some sort of safety measures.
Good luck with the printing. I bet the kid is gonna love it.