3D Printing with Plastic
3D printers were originally designed as devices for producing various items from specialized polymer blends. With the development of 3D printing techniques, the range of available materials has expanded, yet the majority of 3D printers are still primarily intended for producing plastic items of various shapes. Even the simplest desktop device for FDM 3D printing can reproduce complex models with a high level of detail.
Given the accessibility of desktop 3D printers, 3D printing technology is gradually challenging the monopoly of industrial production methods. This is not surprising, as additively manufactured plastic items are virtually comparable to cast parts in terms of properties. The only minor drawback is the visible layering of models, which can easily be addressed through post-processing.
Plastic Items on a 3D Printer
In this section, we will not focus on professional 3D printers and industrial printing methods, which can fully compete with or even surpass industrial production of parts and components. Instead, we will explain why creating plastic items on desktop 3D printers is advantageous. Here are the key benefits:
- Freedom of creation. A desktop 3D printer is a treasure for any maker or handyman. Enthusiasts can freely produce any plastic item—whether it’s an electronic device casing, a part of a complex mechanism, or a replica of a broken gear;
- Versatility. 3D printing is suitable not only for technical applications but also for creative projects. Many artists, sculptors, and designers use 3D printers to bring their ideas to life. 3D-printed clothing has already become part of global fashion shows;
- Affordability. Think 3D printers are expensive? Not at all! High-quality 3D printing devices can be purchased at a reasonable price, and if your budget is limited, you can consider the cheapest 3D printer. Even budget-friendly devices today offer excellent quality;
- Wide range of plastics. Modern 3D printing materials provide incredible possibilities. Flexible parts? No problem. High-strength material? Easy. Color-changing plastic? Absolutely! A vast selection of colors and material types allows full creative freedom and meets all requirements;
- Post-processing options. Single-color plastic items can be quite plain, and multi-color desktop printing is still limited. However, there’s always a solution—post-processing. Sand, prime, and paint parts as you like to create vibrant, unique items.
And That’s Not All
Of course, a desktop 3D printer is not a perfect production tool. Nevertheless, it is a reliable workhorse that can help execute many projects of varying complexity. If you frequently need to produce exclusive plastic items, purchasing a 3D printer is certainly worth considering. If your needs are occasional, it may be more convenient to use a specialized 3D printing service.
For example, our company produces custom plastic items of any complexity at affordable prices. To perform 3D printing, you just need to provide a ready 3D model in STL format. If you don’t have one, our specialists can perform 3D modeling based on your drawings, sketches, or original items. For any questions, contact us via email or phone numbers listed in the “Contact Us” section.
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