Chemical Safety

Building, using, and finishing 3D prints often involves chemicals that carry their own significant risks. This guide covers the safe handling of the most common chemicals you might use: Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) and Acetone.

Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)

IPA is an excellent solvent for cleaning your PEI build plate, but it must be respected.

Flammable Liquid and Vapor

The primary danger of Isopropyl Alcohol is its flammability. Its vapor can accumulate and be easily ignited by a spark or a hot surface.

• Never use IPA near a hot or operating printer. The hotend, heated bed, or a spark from the electronics can ignite the fumes. Always let the printer cool down completely before cleaning.
• Ensure good ventilation. Use IPA in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the fumes, which can cause dizziness and irritation.
• Store safely. Keep the IPA container tightly sealed and away from heat sources, sparks, or direct sunlight.
• Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Wear safety glasses to protect against splashes and consider wearing nitrile gloves, as IPA can dry out your skin.

An illustration showing a bottle of IPA next to safety icons representing 'flammable', 'well-ventilated area', and 'wear gloves/goggles'. A large 'not allowed' symbol is shown over a picture of a hot printer.

Acetone (for Vapor Smoothing)

Acetone can be used to smooth the surface of ABS or ASA prints, but it is an extremely hazardous chemical to work with, especially when heated.

Extreme Fire and Explosion Hazard

Acetone has a very low flash point of -20°C (-4°F). This means its vapor can ignite at room temperature. The process of "vapor smoothing," which involves heating acetone, creates a highly concentrated and explosive vapor cloud. * NEVER perform acetone vapor smoothing indoors unless you have a professional, certified chemical fume hood that vents to the outside. * This process should only be attempted outdoors, far away from any potential ignition sources (no open flames, no sparks, not near a running appliance, etc.). * Never heat acetone directly on an electric or gas stove.

• Inhalation Hazard: Acetone fumes are a powerful irritant to the respiratory system and eyes. Excellent ventilation is mandatory.
• Material Damage: Acetone will dissolve many common plastics, including parts of your printer. Handle it carefully and keep it away from any surface you do not want to damage.

A graphic illustrating the extreme danger of heating acetone, surrounded by large warning symbols for 'highly flammable', 'explosive risk', and 'respiratory hazard'.

Aerosol Sprays (Hairspray, Adhesive Sprays)

Using aerosol sprays like hairspray as a bed adhesive is a common practice, but it is extremely dangerous if not done correctly.

Extreme Fire and Contamination Hazard

Aerosol cans contain highly flammable propellants (like butane and propane) which are expelled along with the adhesive. Spraying these flammable gases near an operating 3D printer presents a significant risk of a flash fire or explosion when the vapor comes into contact with the hotend, heated bed, or any electrical spark.

Beyond the fire risk, the sticky overspray can contaminate your printer's most sensitive components: * It can coat your linear rails and bearings, causing rough movement and damage. * It can gum up your cooling fans, leading to them failing. * It can create a flammable residue on your electronics.

Safe Application Procedure

If you must use an aerosol adhesive, you must follow these safety steps without exception:

1. Remove the Build Plate: Always remove the flexible build plate from the printer's magnetic base. NEVER spray anything towards the printer itself.
2. Ensure the Plate is Cool: The build plate must be at room temperature. Spraying onto a hot plate increases the fire risk.
3. Spray Outdoors or in a Well-Ventilated Area: Take the build plate outside or to a dedicated, well-ventilated space, far away from the printer or any other ignition sources.
4. Contain the Overspray: Place the build plate inside a simple cardboard box to act as a "spray booth." This will contain the sticky overspray and prevent it from coating your workspace.
5. Apply a Light Coat: A very light, even mist is all that is needed.
6. Let it Dry Completely: Allow the hairspray to dry fully before returning the build plate to the printer.

A "Do and Don't" diagram. The "Don't" side shows a person spraying an aerosol can directly at a hot, assembled printer, with a large red 'X' over it. The "Do" side shows a person spraying a cool, removed build plate inside a cardboard box, outdoors.