Blog

Articles from our workshop

We write about what we have printed: what worked, what did not, and why.

• 9 October 2026

  Prototype or final part: when 3D printing replaces factory production

  3D printing is the fastest way from idea to object in hand. But is the print a prototype for verification, or a finished product for customers? The honest answer: it depends on the quantity and load.

• 6 October 2026

  Sanding, filling, painting — what can be done after printing

  The traces of the layers can be reduced, the joints filled and the surface painted. The result depends on the material and patient preparation.

• 2 October 2026

  Threads and joints in 3D printed parts

  Can a screw thread be printed? Yes, but it is not always the best choice. When printed threads work, when a standard bolt and nut are better, and other ways to join two parts.

• 29 September 2026

  Supports: what they are, when they are needed and how to reduce them

  The supports hold the geometry that would otherwise be printed in mid-air. They help but add time, material and surface marks.

• 25 September 2026

  Tolerances and fit: why the 10 mm shaft won't fit in the 10 mm hole

  You designed a hole exactly the size of the shaft, but after printing the two do not fit. This is a property of the technology, not a defect. Here is how to design an assembly that fits.

• 22 September 2026

  TPU: when flexibility is the right choice

  TPU is not simply soft PLA. It handles bending, compression and impact cushioning, but requires geometry designed for a flexible material.

• 18 September 2026

  How much does 3D printing cost and what makes up the price

  Material per gram, machine time per hour, preparation and VAT: our quote is calculated from the model’s geometry, not our mood. Here is the calculation, line by line.

• 15 September 2026

  Nylons and carbon composites: when ordinary plastic is not enough

  The label “with carbon” does not tell the whole story. The base material determines whether a part will be stiff, tough, weather-resistant or suitable for heat, and why prices differ.

• 11 September 2026

  Two-colour printing in one layer: how it works and how much it costs

  A printer with two nozzles can put two colours in the same layer — embedded inscription, logo, pattern. Here's how it's done, what's hard about it, and why it costs more.

• 8 September 2026

  ABS and ASA: when to use them and why they need an enclosed chamber

  ABS and ASA are sensible choices for functional parts, heat and outdoor use, provided the printing conditions are right. Here is how an enclosed chamber helps and when another material is sufficient.

• 1 September 2026

  When 3D printing is NOT the right solution

  Sometimes we will decline a job or suggest another approach. It is better to know before you pay.

• 25 August 2026

  Why part orientation determines strength and price

  The same model, rotated differently, can cost twice as much and break in a completely different place. Here is what rotation changes.

• 16 August 2026

  How to prepare an STL file for 3D printing

  Units, dimensions, wall thickness and what an “open edge” means: five things that determine whether a file goes straight through or needs review.

• 16 August 2026

  PLA, PETG or TPU: which material suits your part?

  Three materials with three different characters: where each holds up and where it gives in. They cover everyday parts; ABS and ASA are also available for heat and outdoor use.

• 16 August 2026

  How infill and layer height change price, strength and time

  Two sliders determine almost everything in a quote. Here is what they do, when they are worthwhile and when you pay for a difference you will not see.