MATERIALS
Expert reviews and industrial insights.
Creality PETG Filament: What to Expect from a Budget Spool
Creality PETG is a budget-friendly filament that performs well if you understand its quirks. This article covers measured specs, common issues like stringing and spool warping, and when it's a good choice for jigs, enclosures, and prototyping. Based on testing from an experienced maker.
Printing Production-Ready Flexible Parts with Vexi-Flexx70
A practical guide to printing production-ready parts with Vexi-Flexx70 flexible filament. Covers required hardware, slicer settings, and common troubleshooting to go from hobby prints to small-batch manufacturing.
Build Series PETG for Jigs and Fixtures
This guide covers the essentials of using Build Series PETG for industrial tooling: drying protocol, print settings, annealing for heat resistance, and real cost savings over CNC. Focused on reliability and workshop-tested techniques.
Phanpy Thermal Paper: 10 Years of Use and What Works
I've run Phanpy thermal rolls through grocery POS and logistics for years. Consistent dark print, low curl, and good shelf life but humidity affects edge curl. Not the cheapest or the best, but reliable for high-volume use.
Printing Dual-Color Parts with Quantum PLA
MatterHackers Quantum PLA is a co-extruded dual-color filament that eliminates painting for multi-color prototypes. This guide covers optimal temperatures, retraction settings, print speeds, and business impact. Based on real shop tests.
Arlon Vinyl Buying Guide: DPF 8000, SLX, and 4500
After ten years wrapping trucks and trailers, here's my honest take on Arlon's DPF 8000, SLX, and 4500 series films. I cover edge lift, adhesive tack, liner release, and where each film works best.