Solvent printers in small spaces

[John Childs]

Fumes are not a problem as long as they are vented. An extractor fan is best, but a simple vent is adequate in most cases.

The important thing, whichever you decide to do, is that either solution is installed close to the ground. This is because ink fumes are heavier than air, and sink towards the floor.

Also, when choosing ink types don’t forget that, just because an ink has no odour, that it isn’t harmful. Because of that I would always recommend venting of some form.

[Phill Fenton]

Fumes never did me any harm :pink: *hair*

[John Childs]

quote Phill:

Fumes never did me any harm :pink: *hair*

Obviously. :rofl:

[Glenn Sharp]

quote Phill:

Fumes never did me any harm :pink: *hair*

nor me….I’ve found the couple of extra fingers I’ve grown come in very usefull at times

[Ezekiel Ikhinmiwn]

Ok guys thanks loads for the input,

Good to have some of the local veterans give some of their valued opinions..I was warned against living with one of these machines by a fella. He was telling me the eco aint really that eco friendly at all.

Your opinions and advice is much appreciated

Thanks so much for the input and encouragement – so living with one of these machines in my living room with some kind of ventilation would be ok…. I guess a lot of you guy are practilly doing the same but in the office environment.

—
Eze

[David Rogers]

I really wouldn’t recommend one of these on a domestic environment…not if you have a family sharing the space with it.

You wouldn’t spray petrol or thinners all over your livingroom and just vent it a bit and spray some febreeze!. It’s an industrial machine using industrial solvents – treat it as such.

‘We’ maybe don’t mind a bit of fume build-up in an office space – and can live with a window cracked open or a vent drawing out the worst of it but really, no amount of cobbled together vents will get rid of the fumes during printing entirely & then the next 24hours as the prints / banners dry off and away from the machine. These do require a fairly substantial airflow to get rid of the fumes.

The fumes may be heavier than air, but in a heated space with air movement they will still circulate and be breathed in.

The HUGE amount of fumes that come off a large dark coloured print at full width is horrendous. Working in with it lessens the perceived smell but still has an effect.

You are right – the eco isn’t as nasty as the ‘full’ solvent ones, but is still pretty solvent laden – it’s that’s like saying cyanide isn’t as bad as arsenic.

If you must do it in a domestic space – get some HIGH flow extraction – like a commercial cooker hood – they are as close to what is needed on a normal budget.

Dave