3D printing has revolutionized the way we create prototypes, objects, and even art. However, along with the creative potential, it’s important to prioritize safety. Whether you’re a seasoned 3D printing enthusiast or just starting out, wearing the right protection gear is crucial to prevent accidents and health hazards. But who said protection gear can’t be stylish? In this blog, we’ll explore the seven must-have protection gear for 3D printing and how to look cool while wearing them.
1. Respirator Mask: Breathing Easy in Style
One of the most crucial protection gear that you need to wear when 3D printing is undoubtedly a respirator mask or an N95 mask if you choose to use a disposable one.
Fumes and particles released by resin can be harmful to your lungs when inhaled for a long period of time. In addition, sanding and polishing your 3D-printed models will also create dust particles that shouldn’t be inhaled.
Thought that wearing such masks would make you look bad? Worry no more. In the past few years, triggered by the global pandemic, mask companies are now coming up with tons of fun mask colors and patterns to match your style and personality, so you can now get effective filtration while also showing off a bit of your personality with customizable designs and colors.
2. Gloves: Safety Could Never be Cooler
Protecting your hands and skin is also one of the most important things to keep in mind when you are working with resin 3D printing. At its core, liquid, uncured resin contains chemicals that could be harmful and cause allergies when exposed to the skin. So, make sure to protect your money-maker hands with high-quality gloves for maximum protection.
In addition, if you often print small and delicate miniatures, go for gloves that offer a good grip and tactile sensitivity, like the Phrozen Professional 3D Printing Gloves. Comes in a cool black color, it’s made of powder-free nitrile to protect even those with sensitive skin. We’ve also made sure that it’ll withstand long exposure to resins and alcohol, so you don’t need to worry even when crafting for long hours.
3. Safety Goggles: More Than Just Cool
If you think wearing safety goggles is only to make you look cool, you are definitely wrong. Despite that cool scientist feel you get when wearing one, safety goggles are definitely an important gear to have when you are working with resin 3D printing.
Resin 3D printing uses UV light to cure, and although it might be okay to glance at them once in a while, it’s totally not recommended and may cause discomfort to your eyes. But what if you want to see the progress of your prints or you are doing an LCD test? That’s exactly when safety goggles came in handy!
But it’s not limited to protecting your eyes from UV light! Safety goggles will also protect you when cleaning your model with alcohol and an air gun or when you are cutting supports with some random art knife. Nobody wants a piece of flying support stuck in their eyeballs, right?
4. Lab Coat: Mad Scientist Vibes
Keep your clothes clean and skin protected from accidental spills. It’s always recommended to have an extra barrier between your skin and uncured resins as a protective measure. On top of that, removing those resin spills from your clothing is nowhere near easy, so it’s always better to have a dedicated layer that you wouldn’t mind getting dirty on.
If you choose to wear old clothes instead of getting a new lab coat, just make sure to choose one with long sleeves for maximum protection.
5. Closed-Toe Shoes: Step Up Your Safety Game
Wearing closed-toe shoes while 3D printing prevents potential foot injuries from dripping resins and falling objects. To keep it cool, choose a pair that balances safety with style – perhaps a sleek pair of sneakers or industrial-inspired boots.
If you are afraid of ruining your pair, you might also simply opt for a shoe cover to offer protection regardless of the kind of shoes you wear. Although we must say, it might not look as stylish.
6. Hearing Protection: Keep Your Ears Safe and Sound
If you use a lot of air gunning during your 3D printing work, you might want to consider getting hearing protection. The sound created by the air gun is high and loud and will easily make your ears feel uncomfortable, especially if you are going to work with it for a long period of time. Therefore, it’s important to wear adequate protection to keep them safe and sound.
7. Hair Band or a Cap: Not a Want, but a Need
You might not think that wearing a cap or tying your hair while 3D printing is not the most important thing ever, but if you have long hair, you should have already kept your hair out of the way while working with liquid resins.
Not only does it feel uncomfortable to have your long hair bouncing around while you work, but you might also risk getting resin on it. After all, nobody wants resin in their hair. So grab a hair tie or a cap if you are extra clumsy, and keep your hair safe and out of the way of any possible mishaps.
3D printing is such a fun hobby to have, but just like everything else in life, it comes with precautions and a full guide of what to do and to avoid. Just make sure that you have all the gadgets you need ready before diving deep into the world of 3D printing, and you are good to go!
Did we miss any of your most important gadgets? Let us know in the comment below!
