Food Safe PLA - Safe to Print, Safe to Serve: Food-Grade Filaments You Can Trust

DigitMakers.ca is launching a new line of food-safe 3D printing filaments. 3D printing has become increasingly popular for creating custom cookie cutters, cake toppers, and kitchen tools, offering both creativity and practicality for home bakers, restaurants, and bakeries.  However, special precautions are required for items that will come into contact with food, as both the materials and the printing process must meet safety standards. DigitMakers.ca has developed a food-safe filament line designed to prevent contamination of the material and final products to address this, helping food & beverage manufacturers use compliant material in their maintenance and spare parts programs.

This new Canadian-made filament line aims to broaden the use of 3D printing in food-related applications. Food Safe PLA, the first product in the line, is specifically engineered with food safety in mind. While the company has always followed Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), focusing on food safety has led them to enhance their processes to ensure the material is free from pathogens and contaminants. Additionally, DigitMakers.ca is working closely with its suppliers to ensure compliance with GMPs. The filament is made from 3D printing-grade and food contact approved Nature Works LLC Ingeo Biopolymer as well as food safe compliant colorants.

Some of the key hazards identified and managed in the focus on food safety include factors such as:

• Raw material suppliers adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)

• Use of raw materials, colorants, and additives approved for food contact

• Compliance with GMP during production, including traceability of batch numbers

• Microbiological testing and cleanliness verification after production

• Designated storage in warehouses to minimize cross-contamination risk

• Providing customers with a compliance declaration for every shipment

Starting with PLA offers maximum convenience, as it is one of the most widely used filament types for desktop 3D printers. Both beginners and professionals appreciate PLA for its non-toxic, low-odor properties. Food Safe PLA doesn't need any specialized print settings, high temperatures, enclosures, or complex configurations. It can be printed using standard PLA settings (e.g., Nozzle: 190-230°C, Bed: 0-60°C) whilst still being a strong and rigid material for most applications.

Certainly, some precautions are necessary during the printing process to ensure food safety. While the material shipped from DigitMakers is food-safe, the individual printing conditions must still meet the required standards. Factors such as keeping the 3D printer clean, using suitable components like a stainless steel nozzle (as recommended by DigitMakers), and being mindful of inter-layer gaps that could trap contaminants if not properly cleaned and sanitized should all be carefully considered.

Personalized Certificate of Conformance and Food Contact Compliance Documentation are included with every order.