Smoke Detector for 3D Printers

youmagine

Thanks to mass production and increasing popularity, 3D printers are now much more accessible and a thrilling addition to many hobbyist workbenches. Unfortunately, we're hearing reports of 3D printers catching fire, destroying the printer completely, causing damage to homes, and sometimes hospitalizing people suffering from ABS smoke inhalation. While it's certainly a rare occurrence, there is an inherent fire risk with any device that heats up to temperatures involved in 3D printing - over 200 degrees Celsius. Improper wiring, poor connections, a low-quality power supply, loose heater cartridges, or dislodged thermistors can cause a fire. Some early 3D printer models may not include fire prevention measures in their firmware, such as thermal runaway protection if the thermistor moves out of position. Make sure you have the latest firmware for your printer. Considering the number of moving parts and the heat some reach, regularly inspect and maintain your printer. Check for any loose components, inspect all wiring, tighten terminals, and look for heat-affected components. For added peace of mind, build this smoke detector designed to cut power to the printer if smoke is detected. For more information and how to build, visit DIYode at https://diyodemag.com/projects/fire_prevention.