AirGradient Forum

Airgradiant vs Printables project for 3D Printing VOCs

#1

Hi! I’m trying to compare an Airgradient to a project I found on printable, and had a few questions! I have a 3D resin printer which is ventilated, and I have an iqair, but I still want to make sure I’m not breathing in dangerous fumes.

First, I’d rather get an airgraidient for the support.

I’m not sure if the printables project has more sensors for what I need? Or can I add some of these sensors to the airgradient? Is it expandable?

Here’s the printable project: 3D Printer Emissions Sensor Array by Tom | Download free STL model | Printables.com

I noticed they used the PMS5003S instead of the PMS5003 which also detects formaldehyde.

Here’s the sensors they use and I’m curious how they compare to the airthihgs sensors, and if the air things can be upgraded with any of these sensors if they are better!

Thank you so much for any help.

Sensor list with descriptions from printables page:

PMS5003S particle + formaldehyde sensor - make sure you actually get the “S” variant if you want the formaldehyde sensor, the basic PMS5003 only provides PM1, PM2.5 and PM10

SDS011 particle sensor An alternative sensor that’s generally accepted as being very close to professional equipment, but does not report PM1 (only PM2.5 and PM10)

Bosch BME680 VOC, temperature and humidity sensor

SCD40 CO2 Sensor (optional)

ScioSense ENS160 VOC sensor (alternative: AGS10)

MQ-7 CO sensor - very basic sensor, needs to be modified for ppm readings

#2

With my AirGradients, I have almost never seen an increase in PM or VOCs when running my 3d printers within 4 ft of the sensor. Not when printing PLA or when using ABS/ASA. I’ve seen videos from Tom and The Next Layer that show them seeing increases, so not sure what that says…

AirGradient has a good CO2 sensor, but optional/unnecessary for 3d print monitoring.
I’m not sure why there are 2 VOC sensors unless the Bosch sensor is really only being used for temp/hum which can be done with other sensors as well and is done well with AirGradient SHT30

I haven’t used either of the VOC sensors listed in the Printables page, and sense I’m not seeing increases with my SGP41 sensor, not sure if that indicates the sensor isn’t well suited for 3d printing emissions or just not emitting enough to be concerned about

With the stock firmware for AirGradient, I’m not aware of any plans to support other sensors or models of sensors until they maybe release a new model down the road, but with it being open source you are able to modify it to support whatever you would like. With ESPHome based firmware, it would be very easy to switch out the PMS5003 for the PMS5003S sensor and add one line to the configuration to start reporting formaldehyde
PMSX003 Particulate Matter Sensor — ESPHome

AirGradient has done a lot of research and comparisons into the hardware they choose to run, but that also means they aren’t going to jump on every new or alternative sensor out there. I would trust AG to have more reliable information than someone who build a project once and doesn’t have a financial incentive to verify and continue to improve the design.

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