3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process where a digital model is turned into a physical object by adding material layer by layer (also how we got our name :). This technology allows for the creation of complex shapes and designs that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods.

A wide range of materials can be used in 3D printing, including various types of plastics (such as PLA, ABS, and PETG), metals (such as titanium, aluminum, and stainless steel), ceramics, and even food and biological materials. The choice of material depends on the specific application and the properties required in the final product.At Layers, we print in the following types of filament:

• PLA
• PETG
• Nylon
• Carbon Fiber Infused
• ASA
• ABS
• TPU

The time it takes to print an object depends on several factors, including the size and complexity of the design, the type of material being used, and the settings of the 3D printer. Small and simple objects can take just a few hours, while larger and more intricate designs might require several days to complete.

3D printing offers several key advantages:

• Customization: Allows for the creation of custom, one-of-a-kind items tailored to specific needs.
• Rapid Prototyping: Speeds up the development process by quickly producing prototypes for testing and iteration.
• Complex Geometries: Enables the production of complex and intricate designs that are difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods.
• Reduced Waste: Adds material only where needed, minimizing waste compared to subtractive manufacturing processes.

Absolutely! To provide a file for us to print your 3D design, you can upload your 3D model file in a common format such as STL, OBJ, or 3MF to our email. Make sure your file is properly scaled and includes all necessary details. If you need assistance with file preparation or have any questions, feel free to contact us for guidance.

There are a lot of already designed files available to look at for inspiration, or for you to send us to print for you. Here are a couple to check out:

Thingiverse

Cults