Safety First - 3D Printing

Warning Signs

Before we get started learning how to use the 3D printer and identify the various parts, you should consider these two warning signs:

Hot Surface Warning — When you see this picture, it means that part of the printer can get very hot. You should never touch this part of the printer.

Do Not Touch Warning — When you see this picture, it means that though it might not be hot, you should still not touch this part of the printer, especially when it is printing an object.

The Hot End

HOT WARNING: some parts of the 3D printer get hot and could cause serious burns. The hottest part of the printer is called the Hot End. At the bottom of the hot end is the Nozzle, the place where the melted plastic is pushed out.

Hot End and Nozzle — Can you locate it on the 3D printer?

Never let your fingers get close to the hot end or nozzle where the melted plastic is pushed out. That nozzle where the molten plastic is being pushed out is over 400 degrees, and can cause serious burns if you were to touch it. You can see the plastic being pushed out, a process called Extrusion, in the video below.

Moving Parts Warning

When the 3D printer is in operation, it is very important to not touch or hinder any of the parts that are moving. Also, the table on which the 3D printer is located should not be jiggled or bumped since the vibrations could mess up the printing process.