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Which Filaments are generally safe for contact with Food? What do you recommend?
(lemmy.blahaj.zone)
As one of my first ever self designed Prints and 3D Models, I wanna do a big organiser for my Kitchen! This is my current progress on that:
One of my friends gave me a word of caution to use the right filament when it comes to storing things like Sugar, Pepper, Salts and Tea Bags with Printed Plastics. So I wanted to ask if any of you have Good Safe Filament Recommendation for this type of thing? I heard PETG is supposedly safe, is that true? Thanks!
Mind that in addition to the filament itself: your printer (extruder, nozzle, heat bed etc) should be food-safe, too. The filament is in touch with all the gears, PTFE tubes, brass nozzles, ... before it becomes your finished item.
And you'll always have issues with the layer lines. Equipment that touches food, is supposed to be easy to clean. I.e. have a smooth surface. Otherwise residue, bacteria and mold could stick to the surface. Which is the case with 3d prints unless you make them very smooth or coat them with something else.
And you generally can't put 3d printed items into the dishwasher or clean them with hot water. Meaning you'd have to do other things to kill bacteria.
I'd say it's quite some effort to get an 3d print food safe. I use them for dry and packaged things. Not for direct contact with loose food/ingredients.