Food Safe 3D Printing

Customers often assume that 3D printed models can be made that are suitable to use during the cooking process. They might be Moulds for Jelly, Cookies; Utensils and the like. The assumption is not completely correct. There are complicating factors.

Its unfortunately the case that 3D Printed articles often contain many tiny pores, layer lines and seams; all of which provide a place where germs can hide and propagate. Above a certain level, they can pose a threat to human or animal health. In addition, the plastic material itself may pose a threat of its own with toxic chemicals part of the makeup of some plastics.

There are several pathways to attain “Food Safety” with 3D printed articles:
1. Seal the model. A transparent acrylic seal is evenly applied to all parts of the model. The acrylic product itself must be graded as “Food Safe” by the FDA.
2. Turn the model into a mould to make Silicone moulding. This is a simple change to the model design. When 100% Food Grade Silicone is used then the resulting product will be food safe.
3. If the Polymer used to make the model is graded “Food Safe” then it can be cleaned using regular hygeine techniques such as Soap and Hot Water, Dishwasher, Isopropyl Alcohol or Catering type Sanitiser (chlorine based).