Food 3D printing has emerged as a game-changer as it allows creative and design freedom for utensil manufacturers. However, there has always been skepticism about the safety of 3D printing for articles that come in close contact with food. This stems from concerns related to the toxicity of filaments used or the possibility of bacterial growth. Here's everything you need to know to ensure that your 3D printed products are made of food safe filaments and are compliant with government regulations.
What Are the Risks Associated with Food 3D Printing?
Several factors need to be kept in mind in case of food 3D printing. From the possibility of bacterial growth to the use of food-safe coatings and sealants and from the use of food-safe 3D printing materials to the use of 3D Printing to creating food contact items, multiple factors need to be kept in mind to ensure that there is no risk to your consumers from your 3D printed products.
Choosing the Right Materials
Despite all the concerns, it is not impossible to pick the right material for food 3D printing. All you need to do is to ensure that you pick the right material and the right printing technique to do away with the risks that 3D printing on food materials. Here's a lowdown on the possible materials you could use for 3D printing your products.
Polyactic Acid (PLA) Without Additives
PLA has a plastic injection moulding and is generally used to make packaging. It is safe for food contact and hence a great material for 3D printing. This biodegradable plastic material is great for creating smaller objects such as cookie cutters.
Polyethylene Terephthalate or PET Filament
This material is used for making plastic bottles and is completely food safe. It can be used for food safe 3D printing and can be used to create a wide range of products from small parts to the whole 3D printed products. This filament is recyclable and is usually recycled on an industrial scale. A word of caution! While you use PET, you need to be careful about using a food-safe filament!
Stereolithography (SLA)
SLA uses the process of photopolymerization, which is infusing food safe 3D printing resin into a plastic surface using a laser. This results in parts that have high accuracy, finest details and smoothest surface finish. SLA resin food safe products offer a smooth surface which allows easy coating which prevents bacteria buildup.
What Material Will Meet Your Expectations?
Picking the right 3D filament for your product can be quite a challenge. There are several factors that you must consider before picking out your material. Consider the deliverables of your product while choosing your material. The first and foremost thing to consider is durability. Will your customer be able to use your product daily? Is your product lightweight? Will it be heat-resistant and dishwasher safe?
If you are struggling to find answers to these questions on your own, it's time to reach out to the experts.
Let Us Pick Out the Right Material For You!
At Filaments, leading 3D printers in Canada, we offer a wide variety of food safe filaments, ABS filament, 3D printing materials, 3D printers for sale and products for 3D printing in Canada. Our skilled and experienced team can help you pick out the right filament for 3D printing as per your requirements. You can call us at 905-677-1337 or reach us through our website, for any queries.