Last updated: September 2026

At Gothic Bubbles, we take product safety seriously. All 3D printed items produced or sold by us undergo a series of checks to ensure they are safe for their intended use, durable under normal handling, and compliant with UK General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR).

This statement explains how we test our items, what safety measures we follow, and how we classify our products.

1. Intended Use Classification

All 3D printed items sold by Gothic Bubbles are classified as:

Non‑toy decorative items / collectibles / fidgets for ages 14+

They are not designed, marketed, or intended for use by children. This classification is based on:

• Small parts
• Breakage risk
• Sharp edges or articulated joints
• Material fragility
• Non‑toy design features

Our “Not a Toy” justification is documented separately in our Policies section.

2. Material Safety

We use high‑quality filaments such as PLA, PLA+, PETG, and TPU. For each material, we maintain:

• Manufacturer MSDS/SDS
• Material composition information
• Safety notes for general consumer use

GPSR does not require EN71‑3 chemical migration testing for non‑toy items, but we maintain voluntary evidence where appropriate.

3. Mechanical & Durability Testing

Every item undergoes basic mechanical checks to ensure it is safe for normal handling:

✔ Compression Test

Light pressure applied to check for weak points or structural failure.

✔ Flex Test

Gentle bending or twisting (where appropriate) to ensure joints or limbs do not snap under normal use.

✔ Articulation Test

For articulated models, each segment is moved to ensure it rotates freely without binding or cracking.

✔ Drop Test (Low Height)

Item is dropped from a low height (approx. desk level) to check for breakage or loose parts.

✔ Surface Check

Edges, corners, and joints are inspected for sharp points or rough areas.

4. Foreseeable Misuse Assessment

We assess how a customer might reasonably misuse an item and ensure risks are documented. Examples include:

• Excessive bending of articulated parts
• Pulling limbs or segments with force
• Dropping from height
• Attempting to use items as toys
• Exposure to heat sources (PLA softens at ~60°C)

Where misuse could cause breakage or sharp edges, warnings are included.

5. Small Parts & Breakage Risk

Many 3D printed items contain:

• Small components
• Thin articulated joints
• Fragile decorative elements

If broken, these parts may become sharp or pose a choking hazard. For this reason, all items are labelled:

“Not suitable for children under 14 years.”

6. Print Quality & Inspection

Before dispatch or collection, each item is checked for:

• Layer adhesion
• Warping
• Stringing or surface defects
• Loose joints
• Under‑extrusion or weak layers
• Excessive sharpness or rough edges

Items that do not meet our quality standards are reprinted.

7. Custom Orders Safety

Custom 3D prints follow the same safety checks as standard items. However:

• Extremely thin or fragile designs may be declined
• Unsafe or inappropriate models will not be printed
• We do not print weapons or weapon replicas
• Resin prints are not offered due to safety and curing risks

8. Customer Guidance

To keep your item safe and in good condition:

• Avoid excessive force
• Do not expose to high heat
• Keep away from young children
• Do not attempt to modify joints or segments
• Store in a cool, dry place

If an item breaks, dispose of small parts safely.

9. Contact Us

If you have questions about product safety or testing, please contact:

Gothic Bubbles – Customer Support

Email: gothica1977@hotmail.com

Phone: 01253 468 373