PLA
Easy to Use
- Easy to print
- Does not warp much
- Good detail
- Great for tests and simple parts
MATERIALS & TOOLS
The material matters, a lot.
I use different filament depending on what the part needs to do, then a few basic tools help me measure it and clean it up.
How I Make Things
MATERIALS I USE
Different plastic, different job.
I pick the filament based on the part, how strong it needs to be, if it should bend, and where it will get used.
PETG
Strong and Useful
- Layers stick together well
- Tougher than PLA
- Handles water and chemicals better
- Good for parts that get used
TPU
Bendy and Tough
- Flexible and hard to tear
- Good for grips and soft parts
- Can take some wear
- Needs slower, careful printing
The same filament can act different when the settings change, so I test it and adjust as I go.
THE BASIC TOOLS
The little stuff helps a lot.
These are normal tools, nothing fancy, but I use them all the time to measure, remove, and trim prints.
Digital Calipers
For checking sizes and making sure a part will fit.
Print Scraper
For removing a print from the plate without fighting it.
Flush Cutters
For snipping supports and cleaning up small edges.