FDM 3D printers are taking an important place on the desktop across industry and at home. As with all electrical devices, it’s important to remain vigilant where safety is concerned, and Parisian startup company Zimple has come up with a nifty device to make 3D printing cleaner for everybody.
The Zimpure filtration system, now live on Kickstarter, extracts fumes created by plastic melted in the FDM process.
Creating an ideal work atmosphere
Zimple notes that FDM can release two potential toxins: Ultra fine/Nanoparticles (UFPs) and Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) gases. UFPs naturally exist in the air as a result of activities including cooking, peeling oranges or smoking. They are also emitted by laser printers, fax machines and photocopiers. VOC gases on the other hand are produced by plants, animals, and even fungi.
Having a 3D printer in the office or home even with ventilation can create an atmosphere with 10 to 20 times higher UFP and VOC concentration than usual, based on reading taken my Zimple over the course of an hour 3D printing. These conditions, of course, are far from ideal for day to day working and living.
The Zimple solution
An enclosed build chamber can prevent the dispersion of plastic related toxins through the air. But instead of having to retrofit a 3D printer with cumbersome panels, the Zimpure simply pops into the existing extrusion system.
The latest version of Zimple air purification system can be fitted to most desktop FDM 3D printers and looks just like a second strand of filament running into the nozzle. Once installed, toxins are extracted directly at the source, filtering 99% of nanoparticles and more than 90% of gases issued by the 3D printer.
The system has been tested and approved by the French government’s Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA).
Kickstarter perks
Zimple is looking for €10,000 to start Zimpure production at its new facility. The company already has an earlier successful Kickstarter campaign behind them. Early bird and super early bird backers have already claimed over 150 Zimpure systems just 24 hours after launch.
The campaign will close on 15th November 2017, with orders scheduled for February 2018. Get a Zimpure on Kickstarter now for between €99 (super early) and €129 (Exclusive Kickstarter discount).
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Featured image shows Zimple’s Zimpure filtration system connected to Zortrax 3D printer. Image via Zimple
