Is Food Grade Abs Safe
Here are 12 vital facts about food safe 3d printing.
Is food grade abs safe. As you can see problems of food safety for 3d printed objects extend beyond whether the filament is food safe or not. They are known as food contact substances fcs. Food grade means that the material is either safe for human consumption or permitted to come in contact with food. Liquid epoxy resin is always toxic and skin contact should be avoided.
In the world of plastic this means that food processing equipment like conveyor parts feed pipes and tubes scraper blades cutting dies and more are approved for the handling of food. There is more than one grade of abs and while all of them are most likely food safe there are specific food safe variants. News printables buyer s guides reviews basics. Abs plastic remains hard rigid and tough even at low temperatures.
Food contact surfaces include any surface that may come into direct contact with food. As a whole i can not say that abs is food safe. Last edit at 08 19 2013 04 43pm by simba. Some day 3d material will make it properly into the workflow of acceptable food grade pursuits.
The fda defines food contact substances as any substance that is intended for use as a component of materials used in manufacturing packing packaging transporting or holding food. Art resin is food safe comparing to the fda. Food grade refers to anything safe for consumption or containers tools equipment or other supplies that are cleared to be used for food production. If 3d printing mugs or plates for the kitchen they must be safe for contact with food.
Abs offers a good balance of impact heat chemical and abrasion resistance dimensional stability tensile strength surface hardness rigidity and electrical characteristics. Food safe means that a food grade material meets the requirements determined by the intended use and will not create a food safety hazard. Sealed and smoothed and food grade coatings tested for ages as safe edited 3 time s. As far as i know having asked shapeways the only the 3d prints truly food safe are ceramic glazed after printing i e.
For epoxy resin to be food safe or non toxic it must always be completely cured. Piping in your house is. Food grade epoxy recommendation. Food safe plastic resins are those approved for contact with edibles by the food and drug administration fda.
Abs is considered a food grade thermoplastic and can be safe for use in food processing. Inhaling vapours is also dangerous to health. Food grade plastic is plastic which is not harmful to humans.