3D Printing FAQ

What is 3D printing?
3D printing is an automatized process, which enables manufacturing of real physical objects based on digital data (3D model).

How much does it cost to run a 3D printer?
Highest costs come from the machine (3D printer) & material (filaments). The price for printing a single object depends mainly on its weight.
use normal FDM 3D printing for an example: our price is from RM0.75/gram - RM1.5/gram. SLA is start from RM3.5/L. SLS and SLM you could send us the model for quote.

Is FFF/FDM 3D printing considered eco-friendly?
As with many of manufacturing methods, even in 3D printing part of the processed material ends up as waste (supports, failed prints). However, a large majority of 3D printing materials can be recycled. The most used filament, PLA, is actually biodegradable because it’s made of starch. Also, another thing to consider is the fact that thanks to 3D printing, we are now able to repair things that may have very well ended up in waste, which would be a bigger ecological burden. A handle for a fridge can be one of the examples. 

Is it possible to print a house?
Yes, there’s already a number of successful attempts using concrete or similar materials. It works the same way as 3D printing with plastics. 

Can 3D printers print human organs?
Not yet. However, scientists from all over the world are working hard to make this possible. There are news published about this topic almost every day. The problem (and the challenge) is the fact that human organs are incredibly complex and dependant on other organs. Scientists are focusing on printing tissues for less-complex organs, for now. 

Can I print objects larger than the print surface?
Yes, it’s possible to cut the model into pieces and glue them together after printing.

What is the difference between SLA and FFF technologies?
​FFF (or FDM) 3D printing uses filament as the source material – a strand of plastic. The material is melted and extruded through the nozzle, which is a part of an extruder. SLA, on the other hand, is based on solidifying of liquid resins using UV light. Objects printed on FFF 3D printers have more visible layers compared to SLA. On the other hand, SLA printing has different disadvantages - such as the use of liquid resins, which are potentially harmful chemicals.

How long does a print job take?
A simple question that is difficult to answer. It depends on many different factors: primarily, it’s the size of the printed object, but also the density of the infill, number of perimeters, lower and upper shells, nozzle diameter, layer height, model complexity, number of supports and other factors. Printing a figure 5 cm tall will take a couple of hours. However, with large and complex objects, you can easily get into dozens of hours of printing. You could send your model to use for check.

Can I print a cup or a plate and use it for drinking and eating?
Yes, but there’s a couple of things to keep in mind! PETG and PLA are harmless plastics that can get in touch with food. However, it’s not advised to use the printed objects for eating or drinking without post-processing them first. Tiny gaps in layers are perfect for accumulation of bacteria and it’s nearly impossible to clean these parts well. Before you start using a printed cup, use food-safe epoxy to coat 

​Is it possible to 3D print a gun?
Theoretically, yes. If you take your time with post-processing, it can even look quite real. Would you put a real bullet in a plastic gun and pull the trigger, though? No? Neither would we! The plastic gun would most likely shatter in your hand and hurt you. Also, it would be impossible to take this gun through a metal detector, because the shell casing of the bullet would trip an alarm anyway. So maybe you’re thinking: “How about using metal powder (SLS printing)?” Yes, that would be theoretically possible. However, this scenario is completely pointless due to the high price of manufacturing. If you, for whatever reason, want to produce a gun at home, a simple lathe is more than enough.