TLG Learning center

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 So this is always the first question - what is 3D printing and how does it work? Well, of course there are a ton of videos and information out on the Interwebs, but in a nutshell, it is a printer that prints out a tiny (.4mm) stream of molten plastic onto a build-plate layer-by-layer to build up to a full print of whatever it was told to print. The first several layers are the most important to ensure the model has a good foundation and sticks to the build-plate for the duration of the print. I print mostly with PLA plastic at 220 deg Celsius and the build-plate is held around 65-70 deg Celsius during the entire print to ensure the model stays semi pliable at the base and properly sticks to the plate.

Not really in terms of materials cost. A 1kg roll of PLA is around $20-25. Its hard to translate that into how much a model will cost until I actually put the model into the system because there are so many variables. The biggest variable is "infill" - the more infill, the more filament is used. For example, 100% infill means the model is solid plastic - no open space in the middle; 20% infill means the print has a solid outer shape, but the inside is "filled" in by a pattern that is not solid (cubic, gyroid, zig-zag, etc). Most decorative models are printed around 20% infill. As more strength is needed, the infill is raised to give extra support. PETG is a little more expensive at $25-35 for a 1kg roll but the rest of the above principals apply. 

The biggest "expense" in getting a 3D model to production is the design and the print time. Depending on needs, the design stage can take several hours. Because these printers have to create the model tiny layer by tiny layer, the print times are very long. For example, the Mandalorian helmet shown in my gallery took 4.5 days to print. Most models print in the 4-15 hour range. Again, the print settings mentioned above and many more can vary the total time of the print.

Another good question. I have two different types of 3D printers - filament and resin. I mostly print with plastic filament. The plastic comes in many different varieties. The main product I print with for decorative/non-functional parts is PLA or Polylactic Acid, which is a thermoplastic monomer derived from renewable, organic sources such as corn starch or sugar cane. Its 100% biodegradeable. The downside is that it is not really strong and cannot handle higher temperatures very well.

The other plastic I currently use for stronger, more functional parts, is PETG - Polyethylene terephthalate glycol which is a thermoplastic polyester commonly used in manufacturing. 

Both products are non-toxic and food-safe.

I hope to explore some new plastics soon to further expand my product offering abilities.