MATERIALS

MyMiniPrinter.com does not own the right to any of the copyrighted characters, creative assets or 3D models STL/OBJ that are shown in our portfolio or marketing material. The prints are presented to show what we can do and our print quality. These are strictly used as an example only and not intended as listed for sale. These are sample prints we have made to showcase the quality of our prints. Some models are owned by us personally as they were designed in-house or else with permission. We only offer commercially, the 3D printing service for those who doesn't own a printer or wish to expand their printing pool at a certain time.

PLA (Polylactic acid)

PLA is a real crowd-pleaser when it comes to 3D printing materials, and it's something everyone can get excited about. Here's the lowdown: PLA stands for polylactic acid, and it's a type of plastic made from things like corn starch or sugar cane - super eco-friendly!

Why is PLA so great? Well, first of all, it's budget-friendly and a breeze to work with on most 3D printers. You don't even need a heated bed, although it's nice to have one. Plus, PLA doesn't warp as much as some other materials, which makes life easier for us makers.

But here's the real kicker: PLA doesn't stink up the place when you're printing - no funky odors like you might get with ABS. And get this - it's safe for making stuff you'll use with food, like custom utensils or plates.

Now, here's the catch: PLA is a bit of a softie compared to some other 3D printing materials. It doesn't handle heat or tough knocks as well, so maybe think twice before making, say, a phone case or heavy-duty toys with it. But for many projects, PLA is a star choice!

PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol)

ETG might sound like a mouthful, but it's actually pretty fascinating. It's a type of filament used in 3D printing, and it's made from a material you're probably familiar with: the stuff in plastic water bottles, known as PET. But here's the twist - some of the ethylene glycol in PET gets swapped out with something called CHDM (cyclohexanedimethanol), and that's why it's got that "G" tacked on, which stands for "glycol-modified."

So, what's the big deal with PETG? Well, it's like the cooler, tougher sibling of PET. It's clearer, less prone to breaking, and easier to work with. Imagine 3D printing with it, and you get sturdy objects with smooth surfaces, and they don't shrink as much as some other materials.

PETG is like the superhero of outdoor stuff because it can handle all kinds of weather without breaking a sweat. That's why you'll often find it in garden appliances. And guess what? It's considered safe for anything food-related, although it's always a good idea to check the fine print on your spool, just to be sure.

Now, here's the not-so-awesome part: PETG isn't great at making bridges because it's super sticky. But hey, on the bright side, it sticks layers together like glue. Also, it's a bit like a sponge when it comes to moisture in the air, so if you leave it out, it might get a bit weird with strings and absorbing moisture. But overall, if you want a sturdy, all-purpose material that's easier to work with than ABS, PETG is your go-to choice.

And just when you thought it couldn't get more interesting, there are different versions of PET in filament land. You've got recycled PETG and some versions with carbon fiber mixed in for extra strength. So, the 3D printing world is your oyster when it comes to PETG!

Nylon

Polyamide, or simply nylon, is a real tough cookie in the world of materials used for various applications. It's known for its ruggedness, and it can take a beating, handle high temperatures, and resist impacts like a champ. Plus, it packs a punch with its impressive tensile and mechanical strength.

But here's where it gets even more interesting - nylon often teams up with reinforcements like carbon, glass, and even Kevlar fibers to become even stronger. It's like putting on a superhero suit! You'll find this supercharged nylon in top-notch engineering applications, from gears and jigs to fixtures and tooling. Oh, and did I mention there's a powdered version too?

Now, let's talk about the fine print when it comes to 3D printing with nylon. It's not as easygoing as some other materials like PLA or PETG. You might need a high-temperature nozzle, as some types of nylon demand sizzling temperatures, up to 300°C, to work their magic. And here's the kicker - nylon is a bit of a moisture magnet. Leave it out in the open, and it'll soak up water like a sponge. This can mess with the material and lead to less-than-stellar print quality and strength, so proper storage is a must.

In a nutshell, nylon is like the heavyweight champion of 3D printing materials, ready to tackle the toughest challenges. Just remember, it's a bit high-maintenance compared to its easier-to-print cousins, but the results are well worth the effort.

TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)

TPEs, which stands for thermoplastic elastomers, are a fascinating category of materials that blend the best of both worlds - plastic and rubber. Within this family, you'll find stars like TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), TPC (thermoplastic co-polyester), and more.

Now, what sets these materials apart is their incredible softness and flexibility. They're like the gymnasts of the 3D printing world, perfect for creating parts that can bend and stretch without losing their shape. TPUs, in particular, are known for their toughness and ability to withstand abrasion, oils, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. On the other hand, TPC shines in high-temperature situations and even laughs in the face of UV rays. It's a rock star in biomedical applications, as well as for crafting wearable and medical devices. And guess what? TPEs aren't limited to just filament; you can find them in powder and resin forms too.

Now, here's the catch - printing with TPEs isn't a walk in the park. It demands precision and control over the printing process. If you want to unlock the full potential of this versatile material, you'll need dried filament and the right settings for bed heating, nozzle temperatures, and print speeds. But trust us, the effort is totally worth it when you see what these materials can do!

ASA

Say hello to the tongue-twisting material known as acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, or ASA for short. This stuff is like the superhero of 3D printing, boasting high impact strength and a knack for resisting chemicals like a pro. What's more, it's a sun-loving material, staying UV-stable even when basking in sunlight, which makes it the go-to choice for outdoor projects.

Now, here's the plot twist - ASA is like the more approachable cousin of ABS, but it still has some quirks. It craves high extruder and bed temperatures, and it's a bit picky, so you'll want to give it some enclosure love to prevent warping, cracking, and shrinking. In other words, it's not a match for every 3D printer out there, but the capable desktop machines and industrial FDMs can tame this beast and unleash its potential.

So, if you're ready to take on the challenges and harness the superpowers of ASA, you're in for some incredible 3D printing adventures.

Onyx

Meet Onyx, the real powerhouse in the 3D printing world! It's like ABS on steroids, and here's why: it's armed with micro-carbon reinforcement, making it about twice as strong as its ABS counterpart. But that's not all - Onyx doesn't stop at strength; it's also got the engineering toughness and wear resistance on lockdown, thanks to its nylon content. Plus, it's got a heat deflection temperature of 145°C, which means it can handle some serious heat.

But here's where things get really exciting - pair Onyx with composite fibers, and you're in for a wild ride. Your 3D printed parts will reach astonishing levels of strength that will leave you in awe. It's like unlocking a whole new level of awesome in the world of 3D printing!

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate (PC) is a heavyweight in the 3D printing arena, known for three standout qualities: optical clarity, heat resistance that can take the heat, and jaw-dropping toughness. When this material meets a 3D printer, it transforms into a versatile superstar used in various industries.

Imagine this - PC can create automotive headlight prototypes that dazzle with their clarity, lamp shades that beautifully diffuse light, and translucent cases for protecting electrical components. It's like having a material that can do it all, and do it exceptionally well!

Standard Resin

Standard resin, with its slightly yellowish hue, is like the unsung hero of 3D printing. This material is born from the magic of liquid resin solidified by a laser, and it's known for being kind to your wallet while still delivering top-notch results.

When you dive into the world of standard resin, you'll be treated to exceptional surface quality and an impressive level of detail. However, there's a catch - because of the need for support structures during the printing process, your creative freedom might be a bit restricted. But if you're looking for affordability without compromising on quality, standard resin is here to save the day!

High Quality Resin

Calling all modeling artists and tabletop gaming enthusiasts! When it comes to 3D printing resins that bring your creations to life with every intricate detail, this one's your best bet. It's the go-to choice for crafting stunning statues, eye-catching display models, precise prototypes, and those epic tabletop gaming miniatures that steal the show.

It's not just about the details. This resin is also a bit flexible, and that's a game-changer. It means your masterpieces are not only exquisitely detailed but also incredibly durable, ready to withstand the epic battles of your DnD game nights. So, whether you're a modelling maestro or a gaming aficionado, this resin is your ticket to bringing your imagination to life in stunning detail and resilience.

Clear Resin

Clear Resin is like a magician in the 3D printing world. It starts off as a rigid material but has the power to transform into something close to optical perfection - near transparency. This makes it the ultimate choice for a wide range of applications.

Imagine creating components for fluidics, crafting molds, designing optics, lighting fixtures that radiate with elegance, and showcasing intricate internal features with a touch of translucency. Clear Resin steps up to the plate for all these tasks.

Now, here's the trick - it prints with a matte transparency, which means it might not be crystal clear right out of the printer. But fear not! With a little bit of polishing magic, you can turn it into a material that offers near-optical clarity. So, if you're seeking that touch of transparency in your 3D prints, Clear Resin is the enchanting choice you've been looking for.