The answer is yes, there are some 3D printer filaments that are food safe, but not all of them. The food safety of a 3D printed object depends on several factors, such as the material, the printer, the post-processing, and the intended use. In this article, we will explore what makes a 3D printer filament food safe, what are some of the best food safe 3D printer filaments available, and what are some of the best practices to ensure food safety when 3D printing.
Food safe means that a material meets the requirements determined by the intended use and will not create a food-safety hazard. Food safety is regulated by different agencies in different countries, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in the EU. These agencies have different standards and criteria for approving materials as food safe, and they may also require testing and certification from third-party laboratories.
One of the main criteria for food safety is the migration of substances from the material to the food. Migration is the transfer of particles or chemicals from the material to the food, which may occur due to contact, heat, moisture, or acidity. Migration can affect the quality, taste, and safety of the food, and may pose health risks if the substances are toxic or harmful. Therefore, food safe materials must have low migration levels or no migration at all.
Another criterion for food safety is the surface quality of the material. The surface of the material must be smooth, clean, and free of cracks, crevices, or pores, where bacteria or dirt can accumulate and grow. The surface must also be resistant to abrasion, corrosion, and degradation, and be able to withstand cleaning and sanitizing agents and procedures. Therefore, food safe materials must have high surface quality and durability.
What Are Some of the Best Food Safe 3D Printer Filaments?
There are many types of 3D printer filaments available, but not all of them are food safe. Some of the most common 3D printer filaments, such as ABS, PLA, and PETG, are not food safe by default, as they may contain additives, colorants, or contaminants that can migrate to the food or affect the surface quality. However, some manufacturers offer food grade versions of these filaments, which are made of pure or certified materials and have undergone testing and certification for food safety.
Some of the best food safe 3D printer filaments are:
Food Grade PLA: PLA is a biodegradable and compostable polymer made from renewable resources, such as corn starch or sugar cane. PLA is generally considered to be food safe, as it is derived from natural sources and has low migration levels. However, PLA is not very heat resistant or durable, and may degrade or deform when exposed to high temperatures or moisture. Therefore, food grade PLA is recommended for single-use or cold food applications, such as cookie cutters, cake toppers, or candy molds. Food grade PLA is available from brands such as Carbon, ECO, and Filamento.
Food Grade PETG: PETG is a modified version of PET, which is a common plastic used for water bottles and food containers. PETG is more flexible, transparent, and impact resistant than PET, and has better adhesion and printability than ABS. PETG is widely considered to be food safe, as it has low migration levels and high surface quality. However, PETG is not very UV resistant or biodegradable, and may degrade or yellow when exposed to sunlight or oxygen. Therefore, food grade PETG is recommended for reusable or hot food applications, such as cups, bowls, or utensils. Food grade PETG is available from brands such as OVERTURE, ANYCUBIC, and Polymaker.
Food Grade ASA: ASA is a modified version of ABS, which is a common plastic used for injection molding and Lego bricks. ASA is more UV resistant, weather resistant, and impact resistant than ABS, and has similar mechanical and thermal properties. ASA is not very common as a 3D printer filament, but it is one of the few filaments that are food safe by default, as it does not contain any additives, colorants, or contaminants that can migrate to the food or affect the surface quality. However, ASA is not very biodegradable or eco-friendly, and may emit unpleasant odors or fumes when printed. Therefore, food grade ASA is recommended for outdoor or functional food applications, such as planters, bird feeders, or water filters. Food grade ASA is available from brands such as OVERTURE and Makerbot.
What Are Some of the Best Practices to Ensure Food Safety When 3D Printing?
Even if you use a food safe 3D printer filament, there are still some factors that can affect the food safety of your 3D printed object, such as the printer, the post-processing, and the intended use. Here are some of the best practices to ensure food safety when 3D printing:
Use a dedicated printer and nozzle: The printer and the nozzle can introduce contaminants or residues from previous prints, which can migrate to the food or affect the surface quality. Therefore, it is advisable to use a dedicated printer and nozzle for food safe 3D printing, and to clean them regularly and thoroughly. You can also use a stainless steel or brass nozzle, which are less prone to corrosion or abrasion than other metals.
Use a high resolution and infill: The resolution and the infill can affect the surface quality and the durability of the 3D printed object. A low resolution or infill can create gaps, holes, or roughness on the surface, where bacteria or dirt can accumulate and grow. Therefore, it is advisable to use a high resolution and infill for food safe 3D printing, and to avoid complex or intricate designs that are hard to clean or sanitize. You can also use a slicer software that allows you to adjust the layer height, the extrusion width, and the infill percentage and pattern.
Use a food safe coating or sealant: The coating or the sealant can improve the surface quality and the durability of the 3D printed object. A food safe coating or sealant can fill the gaps, holes, or roughness on the surface, and create a smooth, glossy, and waterproof layer. This can prevent the migration of substances, the accumulation of bacteria, and the degradation of the material. Therefore, it is advisable to use a food safe coating or sealant for food safe 3D printing, and to apply it evenly and thoroughly. You can use a food safe epoxy resin, a food safe spray, or a food safe wax as a coating or sealant.
Use the 3D printed object appropriately and safely: The intended use and the frequency of use can affect the food safety of the 3D printed object. The 3D printed object may not be suitable for all types of food, temperatures, or environments, and may wear out or break over time. Therefore, it is advisable to use the 3D printed object appropriately and safely for food safe 3D printing, and to follow the instructions and recommendations of the manufacturer and the regulator. You should also wash, rinse, and sanitize the 3D printed object before and after each use, and store it in a clean and dry place.
Food safe 3D printing is possible and the variety of materials approved as food safe is increasing, but there is a high degree of ambiguity around the workflows and finding the appropriate applicable regulations can be a challenge. In this article, we have explored what makes a 3D printer filament food safe, what are some of the best food safe 3D printer filaments available, and what are some of the best practices to ensure food safety when 3D printing. We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you, and that you have learned something new and useful.
