Materials & Tips

Sustainable 3D Printing Technology and High-Quality Materials

At Arjen's We consciously choose materials and techniques that offer a balance between quality, detail, and durability. Below, you can read more about the techniques we use and the raw materials for our creations.

Printing technique

All our models are currently printed using the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)-technique. The product is built up layer by layer.

We print with a layer thickness of 0.1 mm or 0.2 mm. A smaller layer thickness of 0.1 mm results in a smoother, more detailed surface, but requires a longer production time. At 0.2 mm, the printing process is faster, but the layered structure is slightly more visible. Regardless of the chosen setting, the printed creation will always retain a subtle layered texture, which is characteristic of FDM prints.

Materials

The material we use is PLA (Polylactic acid), a popular choice in the 3D printing world. Our PLA is derived from natural sources like cornstarch and sugarcane, making it an environmentally friendly decorative item.

  • Sustainability: PLA is a plastic produced from renewable, plant-based resources such as sugarcane or corn. It is therefore biodegradable and has a lower environmental impact than traditional fossil-based plastics.
  • Points of interest: PLA is sensitive to prolonged exposure to moisture and is not suitable for extreme heat. At temperatures above 55°C, the material can soften, so keep this in mind when positioning your model.

Use of natural materials

Some of our models achieve fantastic results when combined with 3D printing and natural materials. A great example of this is our fishing boat. On our page about the use of natural materials Find more tips about this here.

Post-processing tips

Our PLA models are ideal for further editing and personalization. Please note that traces of the production process may still be visible and will need to be removed.

Post-processingRecommended Method
To sandWe recommend that wet sanding for the best result. For rougher work you can also carefully files.
PaintingPLA can be painted very well with acrylic paint. For optimal adhesion and coverage, it is recommended to first use a suitable primer for plastic to apply.
GluingAttaching parts together is easy with superglue (both the liquid and gel variants) or a universal glue
CuttingPLA can be cut easily with a hobby knife.

Do it yourself or get tailor-made expertise?

At Arjen's Creative Atelier It's all about the passion for making. Whether you're an experienced model builder or just starting out, I'm happy to help you bring your vision to life.

  • Want to get started right away? In my Etsy shop Here you will find a selection of my most popular designs and kits ready to ship.
  • Unique wishes? Do you have a specific idea you'd like to see in 3D, or are you looking to modify an existing model? With my expertise in 3D modeling, I'd be happy to help you from concept to print.

Do you have questions about the materials or would you like to discuss the possibilities for a custom project? Please feel free to contact us via info@arjens.eu or request a “Custom Order” directly via the “Request custom order” button in my Etsy shop.