Custom Ordering

If you have any custom ideas or applications that need custom work, please review the materials we work with to choose a material that may work for your needs. We've worked on a variety of projects from in home hardware to garage applications, to multiple car parts.

Materials we work with:

This will consist of all the materials that we offer for different environments and purposes. We are always testing new materials to add more to our list of abilities to better serve our customers with their projects. Please reach out and we can discuss what may match you're particular needs!

Education

PLA

PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources, commonly used in 3D printing. While it is not widely utilized in traditional consumer goods, it is one of the most popular materials in the 3D printing community due to its ease of use and broad compatibility with most desktop printers.
PLA offers a wide range of color options, making it ideal for aesthetic and decorative prints. However, it has limited resistance to heat and prolonged sun exposure, which makes it less suitable for functional or outdoor applications.
Although PLA performs moderately across most material properties, it is particularly favored for its user-friendliness, low warping, and minimal print requirements. It remains the go-to filament for producing flexi prints, figurines, and other common models typically associated with hobbyist 3D printing.

PETG

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is a durable thermoplastic commonly used in the production of water bottles and other beverage containers. In the realm of 3D printing, it is valued for its enhanced strength, flexibility, and resistance to heat and UV exposure—offering key advantages over PLA.
One frequently discussed topic is food safety. While PETG is considered food-safe in its raw form and is used in many commercial food containers, 3D printed objects introduce additional concerns. The layer lines inherent to the printing process can trap food particles and bacteria, potentially leading to contamination or mold growth. However, with proper post-processing such as sanding, sealing, and thorough cleaning, PETG can be suitable for certain food-contact applications.
PETG strikes a balance between the ease of printing seen with PLA and the toughness associated with more advanced materials, making it a versatile choice for both functional and aesthetic prints.

ABS

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a strong, impact-resistant thermoplastic commonly used in a wide range of consumer products, including tumbler lids, appliance housings, and various household items. It is one of the most prevalent plastics found in everyday environments.
Known for its excellent temperature and shock resistance, ABS is well-suited for functional parts that require durability under mechanical stress or exposure to heat. It also offers moderate UV resistance, slightly outperforming PETG in this regard, though the difference is relatively minor.
In 3D printing, ABS is appreciated for its strength and longevity, though it requires a heated bed and controlled environment to reduce warping during printing. It’s an ideal material for prototypes, enclosures, and components expected to withstand regular use.

TPU

TPU (Thermoplastic Urethane) is a flexible, rubber-like material widely used in 3D printing for applications that require elasticity and impact resistance. It is commonly found in products like phone cases, shoe insoles, and protective gear.
One of TPU’s key advantages is its range of flexibility, which is determined by its shore hardness (density). This allows it to vary from soft and pliable—ideal for cushioning applications—to firm and resilient, similar in density to rubber tires.
Due to its versatility, durability, and resistance to abrasion and chemicals, TPU is a preferred choice for producing flexible components that need to bend, compress, or absorb shock without breaking.

PA (Nylon)

PA (Polyamide), commonly known as Nylon, is a highly durable thermoplastic known for its exceptional strength, flexibility, and resistance to wear. It performs well under demanding conditions, making it ideal for high-heat, high-friction, and high-UV environments.
Nylon is frequently used in industrial and mechanical applications due to its toughness and resilience. It is commonly found in internal components such as gears, bushings, retainers, and fasteners, as well as in power tools, household appliances, and various automotive parts.
With its excellent tolerance to stress, temperature, and environmental exposure, Nylon is a preferred choice for functional, load-bearing parts that require long-term reliability and mechanical performance.

HIPS

HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) is a lightweight, durable thermoplastic with a variety of industrial uses. In 3D printing, it is primarily valued as a support material, particularly for high-strength filaments like Nylon.
Because Nylon tends to bond tightly to itself, printing supports with the same material can make them extremely difficult to remove. HIPS provides a clean, dissolvable interface, allowing support structures to detach easily without damaging the printed part.
HIPS is typically dissolved using limonene, making it an ideal choice for dual-extrusion prints requiring both structural integrity and clean surface finishes.