Anyone who has experience with 3D printing knows of the annoying fumes that results from it. During the printing process, filament is heated up and melted so that it can be extruded through the nozzle. As a result of bringing plastic to its melting point, toxic fumes are released into the air. These fumes are composed of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and millions of nanoparticles. No matter the type of filament (PLA, ABS, Nylon…etc) they all release harmful fumes, some releasing more than others. Up until recently, there have been no easy and efficient ways of tackling these 3d printing emissions. A French based company named Zimple sought to change that and created Zimpure.
Zimpure is an air filtration system designed specifically for 3D printers. To achieve the most efficient filtration, the Zimpure sucks up the fumes at the source. A suction head is placed right next to the nozzle to make sure that all fumes released by the printer are filtered out. The fumes travel up the suction head through a tube, and into the filtration unit. The fumes pass through a particulate filter and an activated carbon filter, resulting in clean air leaving the unit.
After weeks of using the Zimpure, let’s discuss my first impression thoughts on the product.
The Pros
Compatibility:
The Zimpure is advertised as being a filtering solution for all 3D printers. To achieve this, Zimple provides printable adapters for all users’ printers. If the company doesn’t have an adapter already designed for your machine, they will make sure to design one specifically for you. The image below shows the suction head adapter of the Zimple installed on my Raise3D N2.
Efficiency:
The Zimpure works, and it works very well! Finally, I can print with ABS and not have to put up with the foul toxic fumes. While using Zimpure on my printer, I couldn’t smell any byproducts while printing, it was such a refreshing experience.
Customer Service:
I can’t say enough good things about the customer service provided by Zimple. Their site has a nice chat feature that allows you to speak directly to one of the two creators of the Zimpure. They are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the product or its compatibility with your printer. If you prefer to email, you can expect a rapid response no later than 24 hours. For my printer, the Raise3D N2, the workers at Zimple made a custom adapter for my Zimpure so that the unit would fit inside my printer’s enclosure cover. If the company can do anything to help make your experience better, they will work hard to achieve that.
The Cons
For some, the price of the Zimpure might seem a bit high, but I believe it’s a fair price for a cleaner and healthier solution to 3D printing. Since I keep my printers in my house, I don’t want any foul smells or harmful gases lingering in the air that I breathe. After printing with the Zimpure for a while, the product’s performance has justified the price for me. Also to keep in mind, because the Zimpure uses nonproprietary 3M filters, the filters can be replaced for very cheap and sourced locally.
Verdict
I couldn’t be happier with my Zimpure. It’s the 3D printing solution that I had been waiting years for. Never again do I have to worry about toxic fumes and smells from printing, no matter what filament I use. I see this product as an absolute must for anyone with a 3D printer. Zimple, I tip my hat to you.
