PLA- foodsafe for storage of dry ingridients?
 
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Felix Hundertmark
(@felix-hundertmark)
New Member
PLA- foodsafe for storage of dry ingridients?

Hi

I read a few articles about general foodsafety with 3D printed PLA, but they always seem to assume that i want to put hot coffee in it or something. I had the idea to make a container for our sugar.
It would sit in the cupboard for 99% of the time, so it should'nt really break down much from UV, it's not going to be hot, there aren't any liquids to dissolve stuff from the plastic into it. Bacteria is the only thing left really. And if i wash it with detergent everytime its empty- maybe even disinfect it- i don't see too big of a problem with it for this specific use.
Whats your opinion on this?

Posted : 30/10/2018 11:01 pm
Kunster
(@kunster)
New Member
Re: PLA- foodsafe for storage of dry ingridients?

Prints in PLA are porous. cleaning it would not completely remove dirt and sediments from those pores. I don't see a problem with sugar. But when I use PLA with PVA. After soaking the model in water for a day to dissolve the PVA, the model drips water for hours... Worth a try

Posted : 01/11/2018 4:43 am
toaf
 toaf
(@toaf)
Noble Member
Re: PLA- foodsafe for storage of dry ingridients?

I don't think sugar will be an issue, I would think if its dry. you should be good. I would think petG would be better

I have a Prusa,therefore I research.

Posted : 01/11/2018 5:50 am
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
Re: PLA- foodsafe for storage of dry ingridients?

Well, bacteria can thrive in all the hard-to-wash nooks & crannies created by the FDM printing process. As always, up to you, but I'd think twice before exposing my family to potential risks. I'm sure I've eaten at diners with far more filthy sugar and salt shakers. Why not 3D print an enclosure around a glass lining?

My notes and disclaimers on 3D printing

and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

Posted : 01/11/2018 6:38 am
Lichtjaeger
(@lichtjaeger)
Noble Member
Re: PLA- foodsafe for storage of dry ingridients?

You can coat the print with polyurethane to make it food safe.

Posted : 01/11/2018 8:16 am
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