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!
Practically speaking, 3D printed stuff is inherently unsafe even with “food safe” filament due to the spaces it allows for bacteria to grow, potential contaminants from the printer itself (like the nozzle), and the risk of microplastic contamination even if you can mitigate risks from the other two.
If you are worried about microplastics, I would also avoid using teabags entirely: Get loose leaf tea and brew it with a stainless steel capsule instead because unfortunately the teabags leach PTFE into your teas.
PETG is food safe. However! Because FDM is full of gaps, cracks, and voids, NEVER use it to store food that can spoil. Food bits can get trapped in these voids and present a persistent risk for foodbourne illness.
Granulated sugar would be fine if it’s kept very dry, however do note that said voids will not make an airtight container. So I wouldn’t even use it for stuff affected by humidity or oxygen.
If anything I’d almost suggest clearing the inside with a food safe platinum silicone, which should solve most of these issues.
