Why are there visible layers/lines on the product? Why isn't it smooth, like other plastic things I buy from the store?
3D printing has transformed how we design and manufacture objects, making it possible to create custom parts quickly and affordably. Most consumer 3D printers use a process called fused deposition modeling (FDM), where melted plastic is deposited layer by layer to build an object from the ground up. These layers are the reason you can often see faint horizontal lines on finished prints—each pass of the nozzle leaves a small ridge, and even fine settings can’t fully eliminate this effect.
3D printed objects often don’t match the visual quality of injection molded plastic. Injection molding:
- Uses 3rd party companies with expensive giant machines that push high-pressure liquid plastic into polished molds, producing perfectly smooth, uniform surfaces.
- It costs tens of thousands of $s up front for "tooling," and therefore require significant sales volume to recover the expense. Manufacturers also require high minimum order quantities ("MOQs") which would be decades of stock. Since I'm just one guy selling small volumes to maintain a hobby, I can't afford to do this.
- It also makes product improvements over time difficult, time consuming, and expensive. Changing a design using injection molding requires costly months-long "retooling" and large volume purchases. For 3D printing, I can alter the design, export the file, send it to the printer, and can watch a new product come alive in hours. And, I only have to make what I can sell. No MOQs.
In conclusion, the layer-by-layer nature of 3D printing introduces visible lines and minor imperfections, making prints look less refined without additional finishing; but it's a small price to pay to keep costs down, prices low, and products evolving.
Are 3D printed products safe to use in an aquarium?
We use professional quality PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) filament, which is one popular material for 3D printing. It’s widely used because it is durable, slightly flexible, and resistant to moisture and chemicals. PETG is aquarium safe because it does not easily leach harmful substances into water once properly printed, making it an excellent choice for aquatic applications.
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