There are plenty of reasons to enjoy printing with ABS filament, from its splendid mechanical properties to its compatibility with various post-processing techniques. Unfortunately, this material also has a few drawbacks that make it less alluring for home 3D printing.

As many makers already know, ABS is known to release toxic fumes known as VOCs (Volatile Organic Carbon) and a foul odor when being extruded from a 3D printer. Setting up a proper ventilation system inside of the home or workshop can be a trying task, but one Instructables user aptly named The Happy Mad Scientist has made it a little bit easier for you.

The maker recently shared an Instructables project that presents an affordable way to create your own 3D printer air purifier for ABS 3D printing. Not only is this project extremely easy to put together, but all of the required components can also be sourced for around $50 or less. You’ll also need an enclosure (if you don’t already have one), the price of which will vary depending on the size of your 3D printer and whether you want to build one yourself.

While there is some clarification in the Instructables comment section about how this DIY purifier doesn’t get rid of UFP’s (ultrafine particles), at the very least it will filter VOC’s and get rid of that dreaded ABS stench. Generally speaking, there’s a lot of debate surrounding the toxicity of 3D printed materials and whether they have a hazardous impact on our health.

Nevertheless, we thought this was an interesting project, especially for ABS lovers. So, let’s take a quick look at how you can make your own 3D printed air purifier.