Hi all. I would like to print some plastic containers. The thing is: I would like to store food in them. I am not sure which material (if any at all) would be suitable for that. Would anyone be able to let me know whether storing food in 3D printed custom containers is a good idea or not? I am unsure of toxicity of these materials… Thanks.
There are antimicrobial filament on the market to be sure, But if you look at all plastic consumer products most of them are not anti microbial
As toxicity concerns, what does all the plastic ABS etc in the world sold, do? If it was toxic in won’t sell!
There are some FDA approved filaments on the market it just takes some research.
Some manufacturers are;
Maker Geeks
Tualman
ColorFabb
There are more those are just the ones I have used and know off the top of my head.
There was also another thread about a week ago asking the same question, maybe they have more answers.
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There are FDA approved food safe materials, the real issue is bacteria getting in all the little microscopic gaps between layers.
I would say ColorFabb XT would be your best bet in my opinion for 3D printing “food containers.” One thing you may want to consider is a plated or stainless nozzle. Also XT can be vapor polished with acetone so you can “melt” the layer lines together and smooth the surface. Do note that the model will get almost “springy” for a day or three but it goes back to normal so don’t panic! I would let it sit anyways for a few days so that the acetone fumes can fully dissipate. There is also PET filament which is same as water bottles but I am not sure if there is a food-safe grade or not. It can’t be acetone polished and has to be used as-is.
As for storing I would have 0 issues storing something like rice or beans or even nuts in a 3D printed container… something like say fish or meat would be a different story! As with anything else use common sense and you should be fine. Heck think of all the items that come in plastic container and sure there are those that say it will kill us all but last I checked I am not dead… yet ;-)…
