How to use 3D printing to create objects for the home and kitchen

In recent years, the 3D printing industry has evolved and reached a very sophisticated level of detail. This has made it possible to produce long-lasting, repeatable and highly complex objects and elements compared to the past, which have reached levels of quality equal to those made with traditional production technologies.

Many companies rely on 3D printing to create their products. In recent years, the food industry has expanded the use of this innovative technology in various applications.

The last obstacle to overcome in this area is the concern about regulations on producing kitchen accessories, utensils, and packaging.

Therefore, let us look at all the features of 3D printing applied to this sector.

The main features of the 3D printer

When we talk about 3D printing, we refer to an additive manufacturing technology that enables the production of products in three dimensions designed using a digital model.

On a practical level, printing is done by applying several layers of a unique material laid on each other to shape the object to be made.

Various 3D printing techniques can currently be used. SLS, or selective laser sintering, creates an object using a laser capable of melting nylon.

The first step in creating a 3D product is to create a digital design that perfectly simulates every detail of the object.

Compared to classical production technologies, 3D printing offers numerous benefits. First, it allows for creating particularly complex objects with an extremely high level of customisation. In addition, more materials can be used without changing the printing technique.

A further advantage is the possibility of designing and creating prototypes and consumer objects at a lower price than traditional techniques.

3D printing: the process

3D printing requires several steps. The first is creating a digital design with every object detail to be printed.

This file is processed using special 3D printing software to generate and send instructions directly to the printer. The latter uses this data to start depositing the various layers of material until the final object is created.

The elements to take into account for 3D printing in the food industry

Safety is among the critical factors in 3D printing household and kitchen products. Three decisive elements are to be assessed: the materials, the design and the treatments carried out after the object has been created.

Cracks must be eliminated on surfaces. When they must necessarily be present for functionality factors, access to these sections must be provided so they can be adequately cleaned.

The edges must then be joined, and a rounded shape must be given to avoid sharp parts.

Finally, each component of the 3D-printed objects must ensure robustness, considering the sphere in which they will be used, whether professional or domestic.

The best materials for 3D printing in this specific field

The materials used to create 3D products for the kitchen and home must have specific certifications issued after scrupulous laboratory tests.

PETG and PP are among the best materials for these areas. The field of application is essential for the choice, so the most suitable product is used. For a practical example, PLA can make household and kitchen items, but it melts quickly in contact with heat. Therefore, it could not be used inside dishwashers.

The main properties that materials for 3D printing these objects must possess are as follows:

• Non-absorbency. To achieve this characteristic, post-processing must be applied so that the surface becomes non-porous. In this case, a coating or polishing is applied;
• High resistance to abrasions and scratches. 3D printing materials must optimally resist the wear and tear of time and scratches;
• Non-toxic and free of flavours and colours. These materials must necessarily be inert to food. It is better to rely on filaments of natural origin, which have no artificial colouring agents. When printing such items, the safety data sheet must be consulted.

How to avoid contamination of 3D printed objects for the home and kitchen

When printing objects for the home and kitchen, it is essential to use certified materials, even to construct the printer itself. Indeed, the latter could contaminate the final products.

Some models may contain harmful elements such as lead inside the nozzles. Therefore, it is better to opt for steel media to make the printing of kitchen and household items safer.

Therefore, carefully considering the choice of construction materials is paramount for the final printing result.

What treatments should be carried out after 3D printing kitchen and household objects?

We have already mentioned the need to carry out one or more treatments after processing some 3D-printed objects for the home and kitchen so that their use is safe and guaranteed, even for food contact.

These treatments result in a smooth surface without cracks or hollow parts. The first treatment is finishing, which makes each section of the object uniform. It can be mechanical or chemical.

Specifically, the different types of finishing are:

• Tumbler polishing. This treatment is very effective for polishing the surfaces of 3D-printed objects. A satisfactory result can be obtained with an intervention of about one hour, while for more significant improvements, this action can be prolonged;
• Steam polishing. This is a swift and effective intervention. The steam used varies depending on the material applied for 3D printing. In addition to the manual, this application can also be performed automatically, but it should be noted that it may weaken the printed parts;
• Sandblasting. This is the most accessible type of treatment and requires sandpaper. It removes imperfections and lines from the different layers. Attention must be paid to friction, which, by generating heat, can ruin the parts of the object. This is why it is best to rely on wet sandblasting;
• Machining. It is a very effective method, but expensive and less practical than the others, especially for thinner surfaces.

In addition, it is possible to work with coatings, another method that allows for smooth surfaces. The most common ones are epoxies, which must be considered already during the design phase because the coating increases the thickness of the various parts of the 3D-printed object.

Why rely on the quality and professionalism of Fama 3D

One of the benchmarks for 3D printing kitchen and home accessories is Fama 3D, which has many years of experience in this field.
The company guarantees its customers high-level results and professionalism with a 3D printing service that satisfies every need and request.

Fama 3D also holds every certification required in this field, such as ISO 9001, which makes it highly competitive in the market. The company has a specialised team is continuously updated on innovative techniques and new materials. In addition, the staff can carry out any printing project, even the most complex.

Moreover, all this quality is offered at an affordable price that is among the most competitive in the 3D object printing sector.