When it comes to 3D printing toys for children, safety is the top priority. Parents and toy makers must ensure that 3D Printing Material are non-toxic, durable, and compliant with safety standards. Whether you’re creating a 3D drawing toy, a 3D elephant print, or a set of 3D mini figures, choosing the right material can make all the difference in ensuring child safety.
In this guide, we will explore the safest 3D printing materials, compare their properties, and discuss US and EU safety standards to help you make informed decisions.
Understanding Toy Safety Standards in the US & EU
Before selecting a material for 3D-printed toys, it’s crucial to understand regulatory requirements:
US Toy Safety Standards
- CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) – Regulates toy safety under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).
- ASTM F963 – This standard outlines toy testing procedures for chemicals, small parts, and mechanical hazards.
- FDA Regulations – Some materials, like food-safe plastics, must comply with FDA guidelines if toys come into contact with food.
EU Toy Safety Standards
- EN 71 – Covers mechanical and physical properties, flammability, and chemical safety of toys.
- REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) – Ensures materials do not contain harmful chemicals.
- CE Marking – Certifies that a product complies with EU safety, health, and environmental standards.
The Safest 3D Printing Materials for Children’s Toys
1. PLA (Polylactic Acid) – The Most Child-Safe Material
PLA is the best choice for children’s toys due to its non-toxic and biodegradable properties.
Pros of PLA for 3D Printed Toys
✅ Biodegradable & eco-friendly
✅ Non-toxic & odor-free
✅ Safe for direct skin contact
✅ Easy to print with smooth finishes
PLA is a great option for creating 3D drawing toys, 3D elephant prints, and 3D mini figures because it produces detailed and colorful prints without toxic emissions.
Cons of PLA
❌ Brittle nature – Can break under stress.
❌ Low heat resistance – PLA toys can warp in high temperatures.
Safety Compliance: PLA meets ASTM F963 and EN 71 standards, making it a safe choice for children’s toys.
2. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) – The Durable & Food-Safe Option
PETG is a tough, impact-resistant plastic often used in food containers. It is considered child-safe due to its low toxicity.
Pros of PETG for 3D Printed Toys
✅ High durability & flexibility – Less prone to breaking.
✅ Non-toxic & BPA-free – Safe for children.
✅ Resistant to moisture & chemicals – Ideal for outdoor toys.
PETG is a stronger alternative to PLA, making it perfect for interactive toys like 3D drawing toys and moveable 3D mini figures.
Cons of PETG
❌ Slightly harder to print – Requires controlled temperatures.
❌ Lower surface detail than PLA – Not ideal for highly intricate designs.
Safety Compliance: PETG complies with FDA regulations, ASTM F963, and EN 71.
3. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) – The Flexible & Soft Choice
If you’re designing bendable or soft toys, TPU is a great material because it is rubber-like and flexible.
Pros of TPU for 3D Printed Toys
✅ High flexibility & impact resistance
✅ Non-toxic & soft to the touch
✅ Durable & resistant to tears
TPU is perfect for soft 3D mini figures and playable 3D drawing toys that require some flexibility.
Cons of TPU
❌ Harder to print – Requires special printer settings.
❌ Slower printing speed – Due to its flexible nature.
Safety Compliance: TPU follows ASTM F963 and EN 71 standards, making it safe for children’s toys.
4. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) – Strong But Not the Best for Kids
ABS is a common plastic found in LEGO bricks, known for its strength and durability. However, it is less child-friendly due to potential toxicity during printing.
Pros of ABS for 3D Printed Toys
✅ Extremely durable & impact-resistant
✅ Heat-resistant – Won’t warp easily.
✅ Great for long-lasting toys
ABS is strong enough for 3D drawing toys and custom 3D elephant prints, but it may not be the safest option for young children.
Cons of ABS
❌ Releases harmful fumes when printing – Requires proper ventilation.
❌ Not biodegradable – Less eco-friendly.
Safety Compliance: While ABS can meet ASTM and EN 71 standards, it requires post-processing (like smoothing with acetone) to remove sharp edges.
Comparison of Safe 3D Printing Materials
| Property | PLA | PETG | TPU | ABS |
| Non-Toxic | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Durability | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Flexibility | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Heat Resistance | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ease of Printing | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Safety Compliance | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
Choosing the Right Material for Specific Toy Types
✅ For Static & Display Toys (3D Mini Figures) → PLA or Resin
✅ For Durable & Playable Toys (3D Drawing Toy, Moving Parts) → PETG or TPU
✅ For Soft & Bendable Toys → TPU
✅ For Long-Lasting, Tough Toys (3D Elephant Print, Action Figures) → PETG or ABS (with proper processing)
Final Tips for Ensuring Toy Safety
- Use Child-Safe Filaments – Always check if the filament is certified non-toxic and BPA-free.
- Avoid Toxic Resins – Standard 3D printing resins can be toxic. Use certified bio-based resins for safety.
- Smooth Edges – Sand down rough parts to prevent injuries.
- Avoid Small Parts for Young Children – Follow ASTM and EN 71 choking hazard guidelines.
- Properly Post-Process & Clean Toys – Remove any sharp edges or residue before giving toys to children.
Conclusion
Selecting the safest 3D printing material for children’s toys requires understanding both material properties and safety regulations. PLA, PETG, and TPU are the best options for non-toxic, durable, and child-friendly toys.
If you’re printing a 3D drawing toy, a 3D elephant print, or 3D mini figures, choosing PLA or PETG will ensure safety, durability, and compliance with US & EU safety standards.
By following these guidelines, you can create fun, interactive, and most importantly—safe—3D-printed toys that meet both legal standards and parental expectations. Happy printing!
