PLA is generally considered food safe by the FDA, but there are some factors to consider before using it for food-related applications. PLA, or polylactic acid, is a biodegradable and compostable plastic derived from renewable sources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or cassava. PLA is one of the most popular materials for 3D printing, as it is easy to print, has a low melting point, and comes in a variety of colors and finishes. PLA is also widely used for packaging, disposable utensils, medical devices, and other applications that require biocompatibility and environmental friendliness.
However, PLA is not without its drawbacks. PLA is not very resistant to high temperatures, moisture, or chemicals, and can degrade over time. PLA can also harbor bacteria and fungi, especially if it has cracks, crevices, or pores on its surface. PLA can also leach harmful substances, such as colorants, additives, or residues from the printing process, into the food or drink it comes in contact with. Therefore, PLA is not suitable for long-term or repeated use with food, especially hot, acidic, or alcoholic beverages.
There are some steps you can take to make PLA more food safe, or at least reduce the risks of contamination and degradation. Here are some tips to follow:
Use only PLA filaments that are certified by the FDA or other reputable agencies as food safe. These filaments have undergone rigorous testing and meet the standards for food contact materials. They also do not contain any harmful additives or colorants that could leach into the food. Some examples of food-safe PLA filaments are Proto-pasta, ColorFabb, and MakerBot.
Use a stainless steel nozzle for printing PLA. A brass nozzle, which is commonly used for 3D printing, can contain lead or other metals that could contaminate the PLA. A stainless steel nozzle is more resistant to corrosion and does not leach any substances into the PLA.
Clean the nozzle thoroughly before printing PLA. Any residues or particles from previous prints could affect the quality and safety of the PLA. You can use a cleaning filament, such as eSUN, to purge the nozzle and remove any impurities.
Print the PLA object as smooth as possible. A smooth surface reduces the chances of bacteria and fungi growth, as well as leaching of substances. You can use a higher resolution, a lower layer height, and a smaller nozzle diameter to achieve a smoother print. You can also sand, polish, or coat the PLA object after printing to improve its smoothness and appearance.
Coat the PLA object with a food-safe epoxy resin. This is the most effective way to make PLA food safe, as it creates a protective layer that seals the PLA and prevents any contact with food or drink. A food-safe epoxy resin is a clear, hard, and durable substance that is resistant to heat, moisture, and chemicals. It also enhances the strength and durability of the PLA object. Some examples of food-safe epoxy resins are ArtResin, MAX CLR, and Alumilite Amazing Clear Cast. Follow the instructions of the epoxy resin manufacturer carefully and apply it evenly and thoroughly on the PLA object. Let it cure completely before using it with food or drink.
PLA is a biodegradable and compostable plastic that is widely used for 3D printing and other applications. PLA is generally considered food safe by the FDA, but there are some factors to consider before using it for food-related applications. PLA can degrade over time, harbor bacteria and fungi, and leach harmful substances into the food or drink it touches. Therefore, PLA is not suitable for long-term or repeated use with food, especially hot, acidic, or alcoholic beverages. To make PLA more food safe, you can use food-safe PLA filaments, stainless steel nozzles, cleaning filaments, smooth printing settings, and food-safe epoxy resins. These steps can reduce the risks of contamination and degradation, and improve the quality and safety of the PLA object. However, PLA is still not as safe as other materials, such as glass, ceramic, or metal, that are designed for food contact. Therefore, use PLA with caution and discretion, and always wash it before and after use.
