What is 3-D Printed All About?

Because we don't make anything in high volume yet, Hidgit utilizes 3-D printing to produce some products and/or components. There are many 3-D printing processes out there and they all produce different results. And none of them are comparable to injection molding, so don't expect that! Unless specifically noted, Hidgit uses a process known as "Fused Filament Fabrication" (FFF) or "Fused Deposition Modeling" (FDM). In this process, plastic is melted and extruded through a small nozzle to slowly build a 3-D shape layer-by-layer. With that, there are some aesthetic considerations that you should be aware of. Each layer (~0.2-0.4mm thick) is visible on the final part.

To get a "feel" for a 0.2mm layer line, take a quarter and run your fingernail over the small ridges on the edge. If your coin is worn a little, that is what the surface of the final part with a 0.2mm layer will feel like. The top and bottom surfaces of the part are closed in by first outlining the exterior of the part, then filling in the center space, similar to filling in a coloring book with a ballpoint pen. With that, the top/bottom surfaces are not perfectly smooth as they would be with an injection molded plastic part. Take a look at the images below, taken using our RFID Card Holder as an example, and set your expectations accordingly:

Note: We use 3D printed parts selectively and only where it is suitable. If it will negatively affect the performance of a product, we won't use it! If we use 3D printing on something that we clearly indicate is a "prototype", be sure to read the performance expectations in the product description and be cool with accepting something that isn't ready for prime time.

Materials: Unless specifically noted, we use Polylactic Acid plastic (PLA) from Atomic Filament. Why Atomic Filament? Because their material, and even the gosh darn spool it comes on, are all made in America! And we dig that...

What is 3-D Printed All About?

1/24/2023