I’ve been looking into this material due to the really nice surface finish and clean look (actually purchased some already 😅)

However I recently came across a video by CNC kitchen where he raised some potential health concerns relating to the fibers specifically inside the filament. One of the commenters mentioned they couldn’t wash the fibers off their skin, and another likened it to the “3d printing equivalent of asbestos”

I don’t plan to print with it just yet due to needing a hardened nozzle, and spare extruder parts. However when I do, i’m feeling a little worried about how safe it is - mainly whether the final printed part is fine for occasional skin contact, or whether this material should ideally be left to just cosmetic parts.

P.S. image not mine, taken from here

  • dohpaz42@lemmy.worldEnglish
    16·
    6 months ago

    Wear gloves, eye protection, and an appropriate mask if you’re going to do any sanding. Carbon fiber is a great material, but if you breathe in the particulates from sanding, it could cause lung damage. I would imagine there is similar risk if it gets in your eyes (hence eye protection). The gloves suggestion was there because you feel concerned about skin contact.

    The standard, “print only in well ventilated areas” always applied, because heat + polymers = noxious gases.

    Here’s some good info that may give you what you’re looking good for:

    https://www.osha.gov/otm/section-3-health-hazards/chapter-1#6