3D printing for the food industry and packaging technology
Faster product development, flexible tooling and realistic packaging prototypes – all with less risk and lower cost, without compromise
Innovative and cost-effective solutions
The food industry is changing faster than ever. Diverging consumer demands, increasing hygiene and sustainability expectations, regulatory compliance burdens, and global supply chain uncertainties all point in the same direction: the need for more agile, more responsive manufacturing.
Stratasys additive technologies are delivering breakthroughs in this area – from realistic packaging prototypes to tool-less, short-run manufacturing, food-safe parts, and customized manufacturing aids.
Stratasys polymer 3D printing solutions—FDM®, PolyJet™, P3™ (DLP), and SAF®—help you from development to production by providing a time- and cost-effective alternative to traditional processes.
PepsiCo
redesigned 2-liter soda bottles.
Proven business benefits
With Stratasys' multiple polymer technologies (PolyJet™, FDM®, SAF®, P3™ DLP), food manufacturers become more efficient throughout the entire development cycle.
- Packaging design – hyper-realistic, full-color (Pantone®-validated), transparent or textured prototypes in hours
- Complexity and customization – organic geometries, lightweight lattice structures, ergonomic optimization – optimized for function rather than manufacturability constraints.
- Food-safe end-use parts – with ULTEM™ 1010 CG, PC-ISO or ABS-M30i base materials
- Short-run tooling and component manufacturing – blow mold inserts, packaging machine parts, custom adapters
- Research & development – e.g. digestive system simulators, product testing devices
- Digital warehouse: spare parts and tool kit digitally, production on demand.
Applications
3D printing applications in the agricultural machinery industry range from rapid prototyping to lighter, more ergonomic manufacturing aids and end-use components.
Packaging Solutions
Realistic, “shelf-ready” mockups: full color with PolyJet™ technology, PANTONE validation, glass-effect transparency, high-resolution graphics and label integration.
Prototyping
Rapid iteration: bottle/body, cap/closure, jar/box design can be validated within one day in a focus group or with commercial partners.
Spare and end-use parts:
Replacement parts for packaging and processing machines: guides, covers, sensor holders, separators, sliders—SAF® series, FDM® custom.
Recommended 3D printers for the food industry
PolyJet™ – J55™/J850™ Prime:
full color, transparency, fine detail—the benchmark for packaging mockups and design iterations.
FDM® – F370™/F370CR™, Fortus® 450mc, F900®:
industrial-strength templates and fixtures, with heat/chemical resistant, food contact materials (e.g. ULTEM™ 1010 CG, PC-ISO, ABS-M30i).
SAF® – H350™:
medium-to-large series of plastic end parts in consistent quality—e.g. packaging machine components, grippers, channels.
P3™ (DLP) – Origin® Two: high precision, excellent surface, chemically resistant for small components (seals, clips, housings).
SLA – Neo®:
ultra-smooth surface, master samples, casting samples, aesthetic prototypes.
Raw materials
Stratasys additive technologies offer a diverse range of materials for different applications in the agricultural machinery industry. These are available in several forms: FDM thermoplastic filaments, P3 photopolymers, and powder-based polymers used for SAF technology.
Food contact materials:
ULTEM™ 1010 CG (PEI), PC-ISO, ABS-M30i – with biocompatibility and food industry compliance (e.g. ISO 10993, USP Class VI, NSF 51).
Engineering thermoplastics: ASA/ABS/PC/PA, carbon fiber reinforced nylon – for durable manufacturing aids.
PolyJet™ photopolymers:
PANTONE color accuracy, glass-like transparency, multi-substrate printing in one pass.
SAF® polyamides (e.g. PA11/PA12): series production accuracy and reproducibility.
Do you have any questions?
Our experts will help you find the ideal 3D printing solution.
Use the benefits of additive manufacturing without investment with Varinex Direct services!
In our 3D Digital Factory, we are at your disposal with various additive technologies for 3D printing and 3D scanning.
Frequently Asked Questions about 3D Printing
It combines speed and low cost with food-safe, heat-resistant, high-strength materials.
With the right material selection, yes: ULTEM™ 1010 CG, PC-ISO, ABS-M30i are available with compliances according to ISO 10993/USP Class VI/NSF 51, among others. Validation and hygiene protocols for the specific application are always required.
Stratasys offers innovative 3D printing solutions: using additive manufacturing, you can create packaging that offers clear transparency, vibrant colors, and crisp text and precise graphics, guaranteeing a premium look and feel.
Contact the VARINEX Zrt. team and we will help you choose the right 3D printer, material and workflow.