Taulman3D Alloy 910 — tried for food safe and which head?

[donogh 1]

I’m looking into food safe printing with the Ultimaker S3. 

 

Came across Taulman3D Alloy 910, which has all the appropriate certifications. Has anyone tried it?

 

The challenge as I see it is it’s inadvisable to print food safe materials with a brass print head, because it may contain lead.

 

Would this work with the CC Ruby core? Most guides for food safe suggest a stainless steel print head. Don’t think there is one for the S3?

 

Thanks!

[gr5 1,371]

Yes, don't use brass nozzles.

 

3dsolex sells a stainless steel 0.5mm nozzle.  You have to get the "hardcore" to go with it.  Your cheapest option is to get the hardcore 2 kit (2 nozzle kit) and a steel nozzle separately.  Tell them you do not want the ICE coating.  Actually you can ask them if the ICE coating is food safe (it probably is - I think it's either nickel or teflon or something like that?).

 

[donogh 1]

Awesome, thank you! Will check it out, sounds perfect 

[donogh 1]

Follow up question, please, if you don’t mind: are there any warranty issues with using a third-party core?

[gr5 1,371]

I don't know for sure.  I sell 3dsolex cores in USA.  3dsolex has sold thousands of cores in Europe alone.

 

Every reseller is different.  Some resellers are very generous regarding warranty.  Basically if the problem that needs warranty work wasn't caused by the 3dsolex hardcore then you should be fine.  You could ask your reseller.

 

I wouldn't worry too much.  The printer is easy to repair.  Resellers can sell you *any* part in the printer at somewhat reasonable prices.

[donogh 1]

Okay, thanks gr5. That makes sense.

 

I actually only have my S3 arriving this week: brave new world! Great to know that there are good third-party options out there.

 

I'm in Europe myself so unfortunately I guess I won't be sending any business you way. Do appreciate the recommendation all the same!

[geert_2 407]

Based on common sense and guestimating, I think the layer lines and voids in the print are going to be a 100x higher risk than the nozzle-composition. Nozzles don't melt into the print, unless you use very agressive materials.

 

But the layer lines and voids will create areas where the bacteria will accumulate and breed, and you can't wash them out.

 

[donogh 1]

Thanks for your feedback Geert.

 

It's not a mission-critical use case for me, I'd just like to try it out. More likely to use the prints for dry food bowls, or even bowls of wrapped foods, almost like a fruit bowl. Will stay away from hot food and drinks, and direct contact between liquids and prints.

 

From what I've read, you're absolutely right: bacteria seems to love those gaps in the plastic. I think the reason the Taulman3D filament works well is the high temperature. And I presume it's not easy to get FDA approval unless it's legit?

[gr5 1,371]

I believe the Taulman material is guaranteed not to have toxic additives.  It still should typically only be used for one time food use (first time is very safe).  You can probably disinfect it with alcohol as most filaments don't dissolve in alcohol.

[donogh 1]

Good to know, thanks gr5! Didn't realise that at all