Safety instructions for 3D printed parts

Safety and warning information for 3D printed parts (PLA / PETG / PETG-CF)

1) General warnings (apply to all materials)

Warning – Not a toy.
These 3D-printed parts are not intended for children . Keep away from children.

• Not suitable for play.

• Not intended for use by children or under the supervision of children.

• Small parts can come loose or break off and be swallowed .

Risk of swallowing and choking.

• Do not swallow.

• Parts, fragments, screws/inserts, support remnants or abrasion can cause suffocation .

• Keep packaging materials (films, bags) away from children as well.

Risk of cuts, punctures and crushing.

• 3D printed parts may have sharp edges , burrs or pointed areas (even after deburring).

• During assembly and use, there is a risk of pinching or crushing (e.g. in moving mechanisms).

• Check edges if necessary, deburr them and wear suitable protective gloves.

Risk of breakage and splintering / material fatigue.

• 3D-printed parts are built up layer by layer and can suddenly break depending on the stress (especially from impact, bending, cold, UV aging).

• If the fracture occurs, splinters may form.

• Inspect the component before each use; do not continue using it if it shows cracks, delamination, deformation or unusual noises.

For intended use only.

• Use this part only for its intended purpose.

• No safety-relevant applications: Do not use as a load-bearing , life-saving or safety-critical component (e.g. climbing/lifting equipment, vehicle/brake/steering components, gas/pressure systems, electrical protective functions, medical devices).

• Do not use in any situation where failure could result in personal injury , fire, or water/property damage.

No guaranteed dimensional accuracy or load-bearing capacity.

• Dimensional deviations, pores, infill structure and pressure parameters can affect the strength.

• Load specifications are not guaranteed unless expressly assured in writing.

• The user is responsible for verifying suitability in the specific application.

2) Temperature, heat sources and risk of deformation

Deformation/softening due to heat is possible.
3D-printed thermoplastics can soften or deform at elevated temperatures.

• Do not store/use near open flames, radiators, ovens, hobs, hot air, engine heat, halogen spotlights or direct sunlight in the car.

• Not in dishwashers, microwaves or ovens.

• Parts can lose their shape when heated and subsequently become unusable or dangerous (e.g., falling off, jamming, breaking).

Guideline values ​​(common in practice, depending on pressure parameters and load):

• PLA: particularly sensitive to heat; can soften even at moderate temperatures.

• PETG: higher temperature resistance than PLA, but can also creep under heat and continuous load.

• PETG-CF: can be stiffer, but also temperature- and load-dependent; do not consider it a high-temperature plastic.

Recommendation: For applications in warm environments, plan conservatively and test in advance.

3) Mechanical stress, assembly and operation

No overloading / no impacts.

• Do not throw, do not drop, do not bend or lever sharply.

• Avoid sharp load peaks (impact, shock).

• Do not overtighten screws; increase torque carefully.

Assembly instructions:

• Visual inspection before assembly: cracks, delamination, defects, strong layer lines, bubbles.

• Work carefully with press fits (risk of cold breakage due to excessive tension).

• For moving components: allow sufficient clearance; friction can generate heat and abrasion.

Regular checks:

• Regularly check frequently used parts (cracks, loosening, warping).

• If any signs of damage appear: immediately take the vehicle out of service and replace it.

4) Chemicals, solvents and cleaning

Chemical resistance is limited.

• Contact with solvents, fuels, oils, acids/bases, chlorine cleaners, alcohol (depending on the material) can lead to cracking, embrittlement, discoloration or loss of strength .

• If unsure: Test material compatibility beforehand in a non-critical area.

Cleaning:

• Use only mild soapy water and a soft cloth.

• No harsh cleaners, no abrasives, no high temperatures.

5) UV light, weathering and aging

Aging possible.

• UV radiation and weathering can lead to embrittlement , discoloration and loss of strength.

• Only suitable for permanent outdoor use if the user checks the suitability and expects aging.

• When in doubt: protect from direct sunlight or replace if properties diminish.

6) Food contact / mouth contact

No food contact. No mouth contact.

• These parts are not guaranteed to be food-safe/food-safe.

• 3D printed surfaces can be porous and harbor germs; cleaning/disinfection is not reliably guaranteed.

• Do not use for food, beverages, drinking water, kitchen utensils, mouthpieces or applications in the oral area.

• Do not lick, do not put in the mouth.

7) Skin contact, allergies and individual sensitivity

• Sensitive skin may experience irritation (especially with rough surfaces or abrasion).

• If skin irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a doctor if necessary.

Additional information specifically for PETG-CF (carbon fiber filled)

8) Caution: Risk of fiber/dust and abrasion

PETG-CF contains carbon fiber filler.
During machining (grinding, drilling, sawing, milling) or heavy abrasion , fine particles/dust can be produced which can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract.

Protective equipment is strongly recommended during processing:

• Wear protective gloves (e.g. nitrile or work gloves) to avoid skin contact with abrasion/dust.

• Wear safety goggles (splinters/dust).

• Respiratory protection (at least particle-filtering, e.g. FFP2/FFP3) is required during dust-generating processing.

• Work should preferably be carried out outdoors or with extraction .

• Do not blow away dust when dry; instead, pick it up with a damp cloth or vacuum it up (using a suitable vacuum cleaner/filter).

Not for use as a toy or children's product – especially important for PETG-CF.

• Abrasion/particles must be kept out of the reach of children.

• Keep away from children.

Waste disposal and environment

• Dispose of in accordance with local regulations.

• Do not burn (risk of fire/smoke).

• Collect fragments and debris safely and dispose of them in such a way that there is no risk of swallowing by animals/children.

Disclaimer to the extent permitted by law:

• The 3D-printed parts provided are not safety-critical components .

• The user is responsible for selection, assembly, testing, maintenance and suitability for the specific intended use.

• No liability is assumed for damage caused by improper use , overloading, modification (e.g. processing/heat), incorrect assembly or use outside the intended purpose – to the extent permitted by law .

• Mandatory legal claims (e.g. in cases of intent, gross negligence, injury to life/body/health or under mandatory product liability rules) remain unaffected.

No guarantee of specific properties:

• Unless expressly guaranteed in writing, no warranties are given regarding dimensional accuracy, fatigue strength, temperature resistance, chemical resistance or service life.