My first attempt at a commercial 3D print: an asthma inhaler body that can flip into a slimmer form so it doesnt jut out and dug into legs or tear pants. What do you guys think?
Edit: Hi all, it seems like the general consensus is that this is a dangerous product. I really believed that I was making something helpful but that may not be the case. I have decided to take down the listing from Cults3D. Thank you for your feedback.
I think that 3d printing is not food safe because of the layers.
One can decide for themselves if they want to take that risk, but commercially selling medical stuff with those issues would not be my cup of tea.
Yeah, the microcrevices and stuff already makes this a bit dicey, but the fact that this is technically a medical device?
You should, frankly, probably talk to a lawyer. There's very likely some laws, regulations, and approvals you need to follow before you can sell something like this.
Yup, totally with you on that, but since it isn't supposed to come in contact with food particles or such and can be washed, it's not really something I'd worry about. Mouth contact is only with the outside of the mouthpiece which should be frequently wiped and washed, so I haven't really noticed any build up or smell.
The problem is exactly that you can't wash it. Prints have dips, bumps, and gaps, especially at the microscopic level. The perfect place for bacteria to find a home. Resin would be one thing, but filament can't be made safe, not for food, and definitely not for medicine that goes into your lungs.
I get the concern with that, but Ventolin does not contain steroids and therefore does not attract bacteria. This inhaler body only works with Ventolin which only contains Salbuterol. It is not something attractive to bacteria.