Looking for a clear, reliable way to understand 3D printing resin toxicity levels? We’ve got you covered with our comprehensive chart. Compiled from safety data sheets provided by trusted manufacturers, this chart lays out the hazard classifications, precautionary measures, and official hazard statements (H-codes) for various resin types.
We based our information on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) and EC (CLP/GHS), where classifications range from 1 (most severe) to 4 (least severe). This makes sure to keep a factual, standardized comparison to help you make informed decisions about the resins you use.
To keep things easy to digest, we’ve organized the data into clear categories and even included links to our sources at the bottom of this article. While minor variations may exist between brands, the overall differences are negligible thanks to the rigorous standards we followed.
Your safety matters, and this chart is here to help you handle 3D printing resin toxicity with confidence and care. See below for the comparison of some of the most popular resins you might encounter:
| Resin Type | Skin Irritation | Eye Irritation | Skin Sensitization | Hazard Statements | Precautions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tough | Category 2 | Category 2A | Cateogry 1 | H315: Causes skin irritation. H319: Causes serious eye irritation. H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction. H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. | P264 Wash skin thoroughly after handling P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace |
| Standard Yellow | Criteria not met | Category 1 | Category 2 | H318 Causes serious eye damage. H315 Causes skin irritation. H302 Harmful if swallowed. H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction. H373 May cause damage to organs (state all organs affected, if known) through prolonged or repeated exposure (state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard) H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. | P260 Do not breath vapor. (uncured material only) P264 Wash thoroughly after handing. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace. P273 Avoid release to the environment P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, face protection. |
| Standard | Category 2 | Category 2 | Category 1 | H315 Causes skin irritation. H319 Causes serious eye irritation. H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction. H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects | P280 Wear protective gloves / eye protection. P264 Wash thoroughly after handling |
| High Temp | Category 2 | Category 1 | Category 1 | H315 Causes skin irritation H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction H318 Causes serious eye damage H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects | P261 Avoid breathing gas/mist/vapors/spray P264 Wash skin thoroughly after handling P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace P273 Avoid release to the environment P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, face protection |
| Flexible | Category 2 | Category 2A | Category 1 | Causes serious eye irritation. Causes skin irritation. May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled. May cause an allergic skin reaction. Suspected of causing cancer. May cause respiratory irritation. May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure (kidneys, respiratory system). | Obtain special instructions before use. Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood. Wear appropriate protective equipment. Avoid breathing fume, mist, vapors. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. |
| Clear | Criteria not met | Category 2 | Category 1 | H319: Causes serious eye irritation. H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction. H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects | P264 Wash skin thoroughly after handling. P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing and eye protection. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace P273 Avoid release to the environment |
| Bio | Category 2 | Category 2A | Category 1 | H315 Causes skin irritation H319 Causes serious eye irritation H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction H335 May cause respiratory irritation | P264 Wash skin thoroughly after handling P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, face protection P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors P272 Contaminated work clothing must not be allowed out of the workplace |
| ABS-Like | Criteria not met | Category 1 | Category 1 | H302-Swallowing posion H317-May be harmful in contact with skin H318 –Causes serious eye irritation H401-Toxic to aquatic life | P280-Wear protective gloves, eye and face protectors, P273- Avoid emissions into the environment P261- Avoid breathing vapour |
Summarizing the Chart
Here’s a practical breakdown of what the chart reveals. While there are some differences in classifications, one theme is clear: all uncured 3D printing resins are toxic and need proper handling.
- Skin Irritation: Most resins fall under Category 2, meaning they can cause skin irritation. Wearing gloves when handling any resin is a simple but essential precaution.
- Eye Damage/Irritation: Certain resins, like Standard Yellow and High Temp, are in Category 1, meaning they can cause serious eye damage. Others fall into Category 2A, indicating significant irritation. Protective goggles should always be part of your setup.
- Skin Sensitization: Nearly all resins are Category 1, meaning they can cause allergic skin reactions over time. Prolonged or repeated exposure without gloves can lead to skin sensitization, even if the reaction isn’t immediate.
- Acute Toxicity: Resins such as Standard Yellow and ABS-Like are labeled Category 4, meaning ingestion or inhalation can be harmful. For others, this hasn’t been classified, but it’s best to treat all resins as potentially harmful if ingested or inhaled.
- Chronic Aquatic Hazards: Many resins, like Tough and High Temp, are in Category 2, meaning they can harm aquatic environments if not disposed of properly. Even if some resins don’t have this classification, make sure you avoid draining or discarding waste carelessly.
Key Insights
- ABS-Like and High temperature resins stand out with higher classifications in several categories, requiring extra caution when handling.
- Flexible and ABS-Like Resins also present a respiratory risk (H335), making proper ventilation and respirators crucial.
- Standard Yellow Resin has acute oral toxicity (H302), so be mindful to keep your workspace free of food and drink.
Resin Safety Is No Joke
When it comes to resin 3D printing, safety really matters. If you’re the one creating prototypes in your garage or you’re looking to have parts made by a professional, make sure you follow best practices. Understanding the risks involved and taking the right precautions can make all the difference in keeping yourself, your space, and the environment safe. Let’s break it down with practical tips for both makers and buyers.
Safety Precautions for Makers
As a maker, it is essential you follow safety precautions to save yourself from serious issues down the line:
Protective Gear: This is your first line of defense. Always wear nitrile gloves, safety goggles, and long sleeves to minimize direct contact with resin. You don’t want to take any chances with skin irritation or eye damage, so even if you’re just handling a small amount of resin, don’t skip the gear.
Ventilation: Make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated area, preferably near an open window, or better yet, use a fume extractor. Resin vapors can be harmful, so getting fresh air circulating is essential. If you’re printing indoors, an air purifier or exhaust fan can help keep things safe.
Resin Handling: Always use proper tools (like paper towels, a plastic scraper, or a brush) to clean up any spills, never bare hands. Use these tools specifically for your resin projects only to avoid contamination. It’s also a good idea to have a dedicated cleanup area with resin-safe wipes or cleaning solutions. Accidents happen, but having the right tools on hand can help prevent a lot of hassle.
Storage: Resins need to be stored properly to maintain their safety and effectiveness. Keep them in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. Heat or exposure to UV light can change the chemical properties of the resin, and we definitely want to avoid any reactions that might cause a mishap.
Tips for Buyers
It is important for buyer to also understand resin 3d printing toxic risks. Check these out below:
Ask About Safety Standards: If you’re hiring a company to print your custom resin parts, don’t hesitate to ask about their safety procedures. How do they handle and cure the resin? Do they use protective equipment and work in a well-ventilated environment? A reputable company will be happy to share this information to ensure you’re getting the best and safest service possible.
Fully Cured Parts: Before you accept delivery, make sure the parts are fully cured. Uncured resin is still hazardous, and it’s crucial that your parts are cured properly to avoid any risk of skin irritation or harmful vapors. A quick ask about their curing process can save you a lot of headaches.
Sustainable Options: Although no resin is completely non-toxic, some options are more environmentally friendly than others. If sustainability is important to you, ask your provider about their resin choices. Bio-resins typically have less environmental impact, which can be an appealing choice for eco-conscious buyers.
FAQs About Resin 3D Printing Toxicity
1. Is 3D Printer Resin Toxic After Curing?
Once resin is fully cured, it’s generally safe to handle. Curing is the process that hardens the resin and removes most of the toxicity. However, even though it’s not toxic to touch once cured, you should avoid using resin for products that come into contact with food or drink. The chemicals in the resin, even after curing, can still leach out over time, especially when exposed to heat or moisture. So, stick to using it for things like prototypes, figurines, or non-food items.
2. Can I Print with Resin at Home?
Yes, resin 3D printing can be done at home, but it’s essential to take the right precautions. Resin can be hazardous before it’s cured, so you’ll want to work in a well-ventilated area to minimize exposure to harmful vapors. You’ll also need to use protective gear like gloves and goggles to avoid skin contact and eye irritation. If you’re printing indoors, it’s a good idea to set up in a space with good airflow, and consider using a fume extractor to keep things safe. By following these safety measures, resin printing at home can be a fun and rewarding experience.
3. Are Resin Fumes Flammable?
Yes, resin fumes are flammable. When printing with resin, make sure your setup is well away from heat sources, open flames, or any sparks that could ignite the fumes. To further minimize any fire hazards, make sure that your workspace is well-ventilated and never leave a running printer unattended. This is especially important if you are printing for long periods or with large quantities of resin. It’s always better to be cautious, so keep your work area free of anything that could pose a fire risk.
4. Will Resin Printing Become Less Toxic?
The toxicity of resin in 3D printing is improving, but it may not be eliminated completely anytime soon. While some companies are developing low-toxicity options, most resins on the market still carry certain risks. However, as demand for safer, more environmentally friendly materials increases, we can expect more advancements in resin technology. Innovations show promise for reducing toxicity and environmental impact, but until these alternatives become more widely available and reliable, taking safety precautions remains essential. So, while resin printing will likely become less toxic over time, it’s still crucial to handle it with care for the foreseeable future.
5. Can I 3D Print Resin for Mouthpieces or Wearable Items?
It’s not recommended to use regular 3D printed resin for anything that will come into contact with your mouth or skin for extended periods. While fully cured resin is generally safe to touch, it’s not food-grade. There’s always a risk of residual chemicals leaching out over time, especially if the item is exposed to heat or moisture. If you’re looking to print mouthpieces or wearable items, consider using resins designed for these purposes, such as medical-grade or food-safe resins. These are formulated to be non-toxic and safe for prolonged skin contact or use in the mouth. Always ensure the resin is fully cured before use to minimize any potential risks.
Wrapping It Up
If you’re making your own resin parts or commissioning someone else, safety should always be a priority. By staying informed and following these simple guidelines, both makers and buyers can minimize risks and enjoy all that 3D printing offers. Proper safety measures protects you and make sure your creations are made and used safely, so following the protocols above is essential. This makes it so everyone can enjoy the benefits of this incredible technology without worry.
Sources
Here are the sources as promised.
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