Are 3D Printed Toys Safe for Children? – UKCA & CE Explained | 3P3D Printing Co.

Are 3D Printed Toys Safe for Children? – UKCA & CE Explained | 3P3D Printing Co.

🧸 Are 3D Printed Toys Safe for Children?

3D printing has opened up a world of creativity — from personalised gifts to fully articulated toys that move, twist and come to life! But one of the most common questions parents ask is:

“Are 3D printed toys actually safe for children?”

At 3P3D Printing Co., we take toy safety extremely seriously. Here’s what you should know about 3D printed toys and what makes ours safe, durable, and compliant with UK regulations.

⚖️ 1. Toy Safety Laws in the UK

Any product sold as a children’s toy in the UK must meet strict safety standards under the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, which align with EU rules.

That means:

  • The toy must be UKCA and CE marked

  • A Risk Assessment and Declaration of Conformity must be completed

  • The toy must undergo mechanical, physical and chemical safety checks

  • All materials must be non-toxic and child-safe

At 3P3D Printing Co., every toy we sell — from our Knitted Dinosaur to our Articulated Dinosaur— is fully UKCA and CE certified, complete with technical documentation to back it up.

🧩 2. What Materials Are Used?

Most 3D printed toys are made using PLA (Polylactic Acid) — a biodegradable plastic derived from cornstarch or sugarcane. It’s free from harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, or heavy metals, making it one of the safest materials for printed toys.

We primarily use Sunlu PLA, known for their:
✅ Non-toxic composition
✅ Low odour during printing
✅ Smooth, colourful finish
✅ Excellent strength and flexibility

We also apply post-processing checks to ensure there are no sharp edges or weak joints that could pose a hazard.

🧠 3. Design Safety Matters

Beyond the material, design plays a huge role in toy safety.

We carefully assess each model for:

  • Size of moving parts (to prevent choking hazards)

  • Strength of joints and hinges

  • Surface smoothness

  • Ease of cleaning

Every design goes through an internal review before it’s approved for sale, ensuring it’s suitable for the age group it’s marketed for.

🧾 4. UKCA & CE Certification

When you see the UKCA and CE marks on our toys, that means:

  • We’ve completed a full risk assessment

  • We’ve created a Technical File (as required by law)

  • We issue a Declaration of Conformity for each toy

This process isn’t optional — it’s a legal requirement for any business selling toys in the UK and Europe.

So when you buy a 3P3D toy, you can be confident it meets the same safety standards as any major toy brand.

🧼 5. How to Care for 3D Printed Toys

While PLA is durable, it’s not indestructible.
To keep your toy in great condition:

  • Wipe clean with a damp cloth only (no soaking or dishwashers)

  • Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or extreme heat

  • Keep away from pets (they love chewing the flexible ones!)

Follow these simple steps and your 3D printed toy will stay safe, strong, and colourful for years to come.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Yes — 3D printed toys can be completely safe for children, as long as they’re made responsibly, from high-quality materials, and in compliance with safety regulations.

At 3P3D Printing Co., we’re proud to say that every toy we make is UKCA/CE approved, locally produced in Lincolnshire, and tested with care — because your child’s safety always comes first.

🛒 Explore Our Certified 3D Printed Toys

Browse our range of safe, UK-made 3D printed toys here:
👉 www.3p3dprintingco.co.uk

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes looks at how our toys are made — from print to play!

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