Earlier this week, we featured an article about the dangers of recycled 3D filament and the fumes that can be released from 3D printing when some materials are used.  There have been several interesting attempts to rig exhaust systems for 3D printers, many of which have made it onto YouTube to show how they managed it.  Thanks to Hackaday, these projects have seen the light of day.

One attempt came from James Hobson of Hackaday, who put together an exhaust system when it was suggested that a fan-operated ventilation system might affect the temperature of the 3D printing mechanism, throwing off print quality.

Another attempt at a 3D print exhaust system came from Malcolm Langille.  His exhaust system was hooked up to the 3D printer at his home, a Type A Series 1, after trying for a long time to come up with a solution to the fumes it produced.  He placed the printer inside of a filing cabinet to contain the fumes and then attached adapter rings, which he printed on his 3D printer, to attach a fan from an old space heater to exhaust the fumes from the cabinet.

These are just two of the do-it-yourself exhaust systems to be put into action by enthusiasts.  Some more serious users have installed HEPA filters and other commercially available solutions, although none designed specifically for 3D printing.  It is not hard to imagine, with the growing popularity of 3D printing, that a more targeted commercially available solution for 3D printers will someday make it to market.  The only question is when.