Summary:
Our cheek risers are made from special 3D printing plastics that have been carefully tested to be skin-friendly. The main material we use, ASA, is not toxic and is generally safe for most people, though those with very sensitive skin might experience mild irritation.
ASA is smooth, durable, and stands up well to outdoor use, making it a good choice for rifle parts that touch the face. We avoid using materials like ABS-glass fiber in areas that touch the skin for safety reasons.
Overall, our products are designed to be safe and comfortable for users during shooting activities.
Main properties of materials we focus on:
Easy to clean, effectively removing sweat, oils, dirt, and bacteria from dead animals off your rifle stock
Eliminates contribution to unnecessary strain while carrying gear and trophies
Non-toxicity under normal use, gentleness on the skin.
Material Safety
Our cheek risers are manufactured using premium 3D printing filaments that have been tested for safe skin contact applications.
Primary Materials and Safety Profile
According to current research, ASA filament is not considered toxic for direct skin contact applications. Material safety data sheets confirm that ASA is "essentially nonirritating to skin" under normal use conditions. The material is classified as a "relatively harmless thermoplastic" and is even described as biocompatible, making it suitable for applications involving human contact. This safety profile makes ASA an appropriate choice for rifle accessories that will contact facial skin during extended shooting sessions.
However, users should be aware that while ASA is generally safe, direct contact can potentially lead to mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals. The material contains styrene as a component, but scientific analysis shows that ASA emits significantly lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to ABS materials. Specifically, research indicates that styrene emission rates from ASA are less than a quarter of those observed with ABS filaments.
Superior Hygiene and Material Advantages of 3D-Printed Over Fabric Solutions
3D printed cheek risers are inherently more hygienic than fabric ones due to their material properties and ease of cleaning.
Unlike fabric, which absorbs sweat, oils, and dirt and can harbor bacteria and odors over time, 3D printed risers are typically made from non-porous polymers that do not absorb moisture.
This makes them much easier to sanitize thoroughly with standard disinfectants or wipes, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and lingering odors.
Surface Characteristics and Durability
Furthermore, ASA filaments typically produce parts with smooth surface finishes that are compatible with various finishing techniques. This smoothness reduces the likelihood of skin abrasion during contact. The material's excellent weather resistance and UV stability mean that surface degradation is minimal even with outdoor use, maintaining safe contact characteristics over time.
ABS-glass fiber filaments present a more complex safety profile due to their composite nature. Because of that, we do not use this type of filament.
Long-term Contact Considerations
For rifle applications where the cheek riser will experience repeated contact during shooting sessions, ASA's biocompatible nature and low irritation potential make it well-suited for extended use. The material's chemical resistance ensures that cleaning solvents commonly used for firearm maintenance will not degrade the surface or create additional safety concerns.
Application-Specific Safety Considerations
For cheek riser applications involving occasional skin contact during shooting activities, our selected filaments offer optimal safety characteristics. The surface finish and layer adhesion properties of our 3D printed components are optimized to minimize potential irritation while maintaining the structural integrity required for precision shooting applications. The materials' proven track record in similar applications, combined with the occasional-use nature of cheek risers, provides substantial safety margins for recreational and professional shooters.
Conclusion
Based on current research and material testing, ASA filament presents one of the safest option for rifle cheek risers and rifle stock extensions. The combination of low toxicity, minimal skin irritation potential, reduced VOC emissions, and absence of fiber release hazards makes ASA the preferred choice for applications involving direct facial contact.
Our commitment to material safety ensures that users can focus on their shooting performance with confidence in the biocompatibility and safety of their equipment.
The information provided in this Material Safety Summary is intended for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of the information presented, no warranty or guarantee, express or implied, is given regarding its accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any particular purpose. Users of this website are solely responsible for assessing and managing the risks associated with the use, handling, storage, and disposal of any materials referenced. This summary does not replace or supersede the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or any legal or regulatory requirements. If you have specific questions or require advice tailored to your circumstances, please seek guidance from a certified safety professional or relevant authority.
For more detailed information and references please contact us at lana@canterburyhunting.com.
