Sustainable 3D Printing Technology and Premium Materials
At Arjen’s Creative Atelier, we consciously choose techniques that offer a balance between quality, detail, and sustainability. Below you can read all about our 3D print materials and tips for the best result.
Printing Technology
All our models are currently printed using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology. With this technique, the product is built up layer by layer.
We print with a layer height of 0.1 mm or 0.2 mm. A smaller layer height 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 maintain a subtle layered texture, which is characteristic of FDM prints.
Materials
The base material we use is PLA (Polylactic Acid), a popular choice within the 3D printing world. Our PLA is derived from natural resources such as corn starch and sugarcane, ensuring you choose an eco-friendly decorative piece.
- Sustainability: PLA is a plastic produced from renewable, plant-based resources like sugarcane or corn. It is therefore biodegradable and has a lower environmental impact than traditional plastics based on fossil raw materials.
- Important considerations: PLA is sensitive to prolonged exposure to moisture and is not suitable for extreme heat. At temperatures above 55°C, the material can soften; please keep this in mind when placing your model.
Use of Natural Materials
For some of our models, combining the 3D print with natural materials yields fantastic results. A beautiful example of this is our fishing boat. You can find more tips about this on our page dedicated to the use of natural materials.
Tips for Post-Processing
Our PLA models are ideal for further processing and personalization. Looking for specific manuals for the finishing touches? These handy 3D print materials and tips help you neatly remove any traces of the production process:
| Post-Processing | Recommended Method |
| Sanding | We recommend wet sanding for the best result. For rougher work, you can also file carefully. |
| Painting | PLA can be painted excellently with acrylic paint. For optimal adhesion and coverage, it is recommended to first apply a suitable primer for plastics. |
| Gluing | Attaching parts together is easy with superglue (both liquid and gel variants) or a universal all-purpose glue. |
| Cutting | PLA is perfectly fine to cut with a hobby knife. |
Get Started Yourself or Tailored Expertise?
At Arjen’s Creative Atelier, everything revolves around the passion for making. Whether you are an experienced model builder or just starting out, we are happy to help bring your vision to life.
- Get started right away? In our Etsy shop, you will find a selection of our most popular designs and building kits that are ready for shipping.
- Unique wishes? Do you have a specific idea you want to see in 3D form, or are you looking for an adjustment to an existing model? With our expertise in 3D modeling, we love to brainstorm with you from concept to print.
Do you have any questions about these 3D print materials and tips, 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 our Etsy shop.