[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":322},["ShallowReactive",2],{"blog-post-functional-vs-visual-3d-prints":3,"blog-posts":17},{"slug":4,"category":5,"date":6,"description":7,"image":8,"readTime":9,"tags":10,"title":15,"bodyHtml":16},"functional-vs-visual-3d-prints","Guides","2026-10-13","A part that has to work and a part that has to look good need different materials, orientation and settings. Here's what changes and what to tell us.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Ffunctional-vs-visual-3d-prints.png","7 min read",[11,12,13,14],"functional parts","display models","materials","orientation","Functional vs Visual 3D Prints: What Changes and How to Tell Us","\u003Cp>Most 3D printing jobs fall into one of two camps. Either the part has to \u003Cstrong>work\u003C\u002Fstrong>: fit a shaft, hold a load, survive heat. Or it has to \u003Cstrong>look right\u003C\u002Fstrong>: a clean surface, the right colours, crisp detail for a display, a gift or a crit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two jobs pull settings and materials in different directions. A bracket printed for looks can crack under load. A display model printed for strength can come out with rough surfaces and visible seams. This guide explains what changes between the two, and how to tell us which one you need so the print is set up for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"the-short-answer-tell-us-what-the-part-is-for\">The short answer: tell us what the part is for\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The single most useful thing you can tell us is what the part has to do. \"It's a mount for a bike light\" and \"it's a model for a client presentation\" lead to different choices, even if the file looks similar. Every model is reviewed by hand before it prints, and knowing the job is what lets that review catch the right problems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ctable>\n  \u003Cthead>\n    \u003Ctr>\u003Cth>\u003C\u002Fth>\u003Cth>Functional or prototype\u003C\u002Fth>\u003Cth>Visual or presentation\u003C\u002Fth>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003C\u002Fthead>\n  \u003Ctbody>\n    \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>What matters most\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Fit, strength, heat resistance\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Surface finish, detail, colour\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n    \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Typical materials\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>PETG, ASA, Nylon, PC, carbon-fibre nylons\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>PLA, multi-colour PLA or PETG\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n    \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Orientation chosen for\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Load direction and accurate holes\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>The best-looking faces\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n    \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Biggest risks\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Tight fits, warping on long parts, layers splitting\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Layer lines, support marks, seams on show faces\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n    \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Typical examples\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Brackets, enclosures, jigs, clips, replacement parts\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Architecture models, cosplay props, gifts, signage\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003C\u002Ftbody>\n\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"functional-and-prototype-prints\">Functional and prototype prints\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A functional print is judged by whether it does its job. Looks come second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 id=\"tolerances-and-fit\">Tolerances and fit\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>FDM parts typically land within ±0.2–0.5 mm of the model, and holes tend to come out about 0.1–0.2 mm smaller than designed. If a part has to slide over a shaft, press into a housing or line up with screw holes, build clearance into the design or tell us which dimensions are critical so we can dial them in. Our \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fblog\u002Ffdm-design-reference-tolerances-clearances-walls\">FDM design reference\u003C\u002Fa> has the numbers in one place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 id=\"strength-and-orientation\">Strength and orientation\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>FDM parts are strongest along the layers and weakest between them. For a functional part, we orient load-bearing features so the layers aren't pulled apart, even if that leaves a rougher face somewhere. Walls matter more than infill for most parts: 1.2 mm is a sensible minimum, and 1.6–2.0 mm suits parts that take real loads. There's more in \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-strong-are-3d-printed-parts\">how strong are 3D-printed parts\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 id=\"warping-on-long-parts\">Warping on long parts\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Long, flat parts in materials such as Nylon, PC and ASA can lift at the corners as they cool. Our printers have a heated chamber, which helps a lot, but geometry still counts. Rounded corners and avoiding large thin flat plates make a long part print straighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 id=\"iterations\">Iterations\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Prototypes rarely work first time. Plan for a version 2. A cheap PLA fit check before the final material is often the fastest route. See \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fblog\u002Fiterating-a-part-v1-v2-v3-with-fdm\">iterating a part from v1 to v3\u003C\u002Fa> for how to run that loop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 id=\"materials-for-functional-jobs\">Materials for functional jobs\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>PETG: the everyday default. Tougher than PLA, copes with moisture and heat up to about 80 °C.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>ASA: anything outdoors or in the sun. UV-stable, heat resistant to about 100 °C.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Nylon: gears, hinges and snap-fits that flex again and again.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>PC: high impact strength and heat up to about 120 °C.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>PA-CF and the other carbon-fibre materials: stiff, hot or chemically harsh jobs. These come in matte black only.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"visual-and-presentation-prints\">Visual and presentation prints\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A visual print is judged by eye. Nobody will load-test an architecture model, but everyone will see its facade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 id=\"surface-finish-and-layer-lines\">Surface finish and layer lines\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Every FDM print has layer lines. They're subtle on fine-detail prints and more visible on large, fast ones. For display work, a fine layer height (0.12 mm) brings out facade lines and small details, at the cost of longer print time. Curved tops and gentle slopes show the most stepping, so we orient visual parts to keep the faces people look at as clean as possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 id=\"supports-and-seams\">Supports and seams\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Supports leave marks where they touch the part, and every layer has a start point that can leave a faint seam. On a functional part that rarely matters. On a visual part it does, so tell us which faces are on show. We'll orient the model to keep supports and seams on the back or the underside where we can.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 id=\"colour-and-multi-colour\">Colour and multi-colour\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>We print up to 7 colours in a single print. If your 3MF already has colour assignments, the \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fcreate\">quote tool\u003C\u002Fa> detects the colour slots and lets you map each one to a stocked colour, with a preview of where each colour goes. Multi-colour jobs carry a small surcharge, shown in the quote. PLA is stocked in a wide range of colours, including whites and neutral greys for clean presentation models.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 id=\"finishing-assembly-and-delivery\">Finishing, assembly and delivery\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>We don't sand or paint parts, so the surface you receive is the printed surface. If you want a smoother or painted finish, it's straightforward to do yourself: sand from 120 grit up to 400–600 grit, apply a filler primer, then paint in thin coats and finish with a clear coat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What we can do on request is the handling around the print. For presentation and event work, that often saves you an evening:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Assembly\u003C\u002Fstrong> of multi-part prints, such as a model split into sections to fit the build plate.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Labelling\u003C\u002Fstrong> of parts or sets.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Packing and delivery straight to your own client\u003C\u002Fstrong>, so the model goes from our workshop to their office.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Ask for these when you order so we can plan them into the date.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 id=\"common-visual-jobs\">Common visual jobs\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Ca href=\"\u002Fuse-cases\u002Farchitecture-models\">Architecture models\u003C\u002Fa>: massing, facades and site models, usually in white or grey PLA.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Cosplay props: helmets and armour panels in PLA for low weight, or PETG when they need to survive travel.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Custom gifts: nameplates, keychains and lithophanes.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Signage and display pieces: PLA indoors, ASA if it lives outside.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"when-a-part-is-both\">When a part is both\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Plenty of parts need to work and look good: a product housing for a stakeholder review, a board game insert that has to fit the box, a bracket that sits on display. In those cases, decide which matters more if the two conflict. Orientation is usually where they clash: the strongest way up isn't always the cleanest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A real example: board game inserts printed in multiple colours of PLA, designed for a snug fit in the original box. The reviewer, kclawed, wrote: \"Turned out in good quality, and colours as promised.\" That job needed both the fit and the colours to be right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"how-to-tell-us-which-you-need\">How to tell us which you need\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Use this checklist when you order or message us on Telegram:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Col>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Say what the part is for.\u003C\u002Fstrong> One sentence is enough: \"outdoor camera mount\", \"presentation model for Friday\", \"replacement clip for a fridge drawer\".\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>For functional parts, list the critical dimensions\u003C\u002Fstrong>, such as a hole that must fit an M5 bolt or a slot that must fit a 3 mm panel.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Mention heat, sun, water or load\u003C\u002Fstrong> the part will see.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>For visual parts, name the faces on show\u003C\u002Fstrong> and any colour shades that matter.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Mention your deadline\u003C\u002Fstrong>, especially if a fine layer height or multi-colour print will make it a long job.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\u003Cp>Before you pay, we check your file for free and suggest fixes such as thicker walls, extra clearance or a better orientation. The \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fblog\u002Ffree-file-check-before-you-print\">free file check\u003C\u002Fa> explains what we look at.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"quick-faq\">Quick FAQ\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Ch3 id=\"can-a-visual-print-be-strong-too\">Can a visual print be strong too?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Yes, within limits. PLA is rigid and fine for display pieces, but it softens around 55–60 °C and can snap under sharp impact. If a display piece will be handled a lot, PETG is tougher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 id=\"will-my-functional-part-have-visible-layer-lines\">Will my functional part have visible layer lines?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Yes. Layer lines are part of FDM printing. Most functional parts don't need any finishing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 id=\"which-material-is-best-for-a-first-prototype\">Which material is best for a first prototype?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>PLA is the cheapest for a quick fit check. Move to PETG or an engineering material once the shape is right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 id=\"do-you-paint-or-sand-parts\">Do you paint or sand parts?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>No. Painting and sanding are up to you. On request we can assemble multi-part prints, label them, and pack and deliver them straight to your client.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cblockquote>\u003Cp>Know what your part needs to do? Upload the file and see the price in seconds. \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fcreate\">Get an instant quote\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fblockquote>",[18,30,40,52,65,75,84,94,107,117,126,136,138,149,158,167,180,191,202,208,217,227,234,244,256,263,272,280,290,300,307,315],{"slug":19,"category":20,"date":6,"description":21,"image":22,"readTime":23,"tags":24,"title":29},"3d-printing-for-classrooms-and-med-tech-prototyping","Business","What FDM printing does well for schools and med-tech R&D: teaching models, class sets, device enclosures, rigs and fixtures, and ordering via Vendors@Gov.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002F3d-printing-for-classrooms-and-med-tech-prototyping.png","6 min read",[25,26,27,28],"education","med-tech","prototyping","Vendors@Gov","3D Printing for Classrooms and Med-Tech Prototyping",{"slug":31,"category":20,"date":6,"description":32,"image":33,"readTime":23,"tags":34,"title":39},"3d-printing-for-government-schools-and-companies","Buying 3D printing for an agency, school or company: Vendors@Gov, SAP Ariba IDs, POs, itemised quotes and invoices, deposits, tracking and reorders.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002F3d-printing-for-government-schools-and-companies.png",[35,28,36,37,38],"procurement","SAP Ariba","business","schools","3D Printing for Government, Schools and Companies in Singapore",{"slug":41,"category":5,"date":6,"description":42,"image":43,"readTime":44,"tags":45,"title":51},"3d-printing-in-singapore-courses-services-how-to-get-started","Where to learn 3D printing in Singapore, what local print services can do, and when to buy your own printer, from free NLB workshops to industrial parts.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002F3d-printing-in-singapore-courses-services-how-to-get-started.png","8 min read",[46,47,48,49,50],"beginners","courses","3D printing service","Singapore","industrial","3D Printing in Singapore: Courses, Services and How to Get Started",{"slug":53,"category":5,"date":54,"description":55,"image":56,"readTime":57,"tags":58,"title":63,"updated_at":64},"3d-printing-infill-explained","2026-05-09","Infill controls a print's strength, weight, print time and cost. A material-by-material guide to infill percentage and patterns, with a quick-reference table.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002F3d-printing-infill-explained.png","9 min read",[59,60,61,62],"infill","strength","cost saving","design tips","3D Printing Infill Explained: How Much Do You Really Need?","2026-08-22T00:00:00Z",{"slug":66,"category":5,"date":6,"description":67,"image":68,"readTime":23,"tags":69,"title":74},"cheap-vs-reliable-3d-printing-the-real-cost","The cheapest quote isn't always the cheapest print. How reprints, failed fits, delays and your own time add up, and how to keep the total down.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fcheap-vs-reliable-3d-printing-the-real-cost.png",[70,71,72,73],"pricing","reliability","reprints","value","Cheap vs Reliable 3D Printing: The Real Cost of a Print",{"slug":76,"category":5,"date":6,"description":77,"image":78,"readTime":44,"tags":79,"title":83},"designing-jigs-and-fixtures-for-fdm","How to design 3D-printed jigs, fixtures and soft jaws: material choice, clearances, 3-2-1 location, dowels, inserts and getting them printed fast.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fdesigning-jigs-and-fixtures-for-fdm.png",[80,81,82,11,13],"jigs","fixtures","design","Designing Jigs and Fixtures for FDM 3D Printing",{"slug":85,"category":5,"date":6,"description":86,"image":87,"readTime":23,"tags":88,"title":93},"fdm-design-reference-tolerances-clearances-walls","Reference tables for FDM design: tolerances, hole undersize, press, slip and snap fits, wall thickness, threads, build size and material heat limits.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Ffdm-design-reference-tolerances-clearances-walls.png",[82,89,90,91,92],"tolerances","clearances","wall thickness","threads","FDM Design Reference: Tolerances, Clearances and Wall Thickness",{"slug":95,"category":96,"date":97,"description":98,"image":99,"readTime":9,"tags":100,"title":106,"updated_at":64},"fdm-vs-resin-3d-printing-which-to-choose","Materials","2026-05-27","FDM and resin (SLA) printing produce very different results. Compare strength, detail, cost and use cases to pick the right process for your project.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Ffdm-vs-resin-3d-printing-which-to-choose.png",[101,102,103,104,105],"FDM","resin","SLA","comparison","detail","FDM vs Resin 3D Printing: Which Should You Choose?",{"slug":108,"category":5,"date":6,"description":109,"image":110,"readTime":9,"tags":111,"title":116},"fdm-vs-sla-vs-sls-vs-mjf-vs-metal-singapore","A decision table for choosing between FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF and metal 3D printing in Singapore, plus what to ask a provider for each process.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Ffdm-vs-sla-vs-sls-vs-mjf-vs-metal-singapore.png",[112,101,113,114,115],"processes","SLS","MJF","metal printing","FDM vs SLA vs SLS vs MJF vs Metal: Which 3D Printing Process?",{"slug":118,"category":5,"date":6,"description":119,"image":120,"readTime":23,"tags":121,"title":125},"free-file-check-before-you-print","Every file gets a free human check before printing. What we look at, how to flag critical dimensions, the tweaks we suggest and how to send revisions.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Ffree-file-check-before-you-print.png",[122,123,89,124],"file check","design for FDM","file prep","Our Free File Check: What We Look At Before You Print",{"slug":127,"category":20,"date":6,"description":128,"image":129,"readTime":9,"tags":130,"title":135},"from-prototype-to-small-batch-production","When an FDM batch beats injection moulding, how to keep reorders consistent, checking a first article, bulk pricing and planning a production run.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Ffrom-prototype-to-small-batch-production.png",[131,132,133,134,27],"small batch","production","bulk","reorders","From Prototype to Small-Batch Production with FDM",{"slug":4,"category":5,"date":6,"description":7,"image":8,"readTime":9,"tags":137,"title":15},[11,12,13,14],{"slug":139,"category":5,"date":140,"description":141,"image":142,"readTime":143,"tags":144,"title":147,"updated_at":148},"how-much-does-3d-printing-cost-in-singapore","2026-05-20","What 3D printing actually costs in Singapore — real material rates, the minimum order and delivery fee, plus two worked examples, so you know what to expect.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-much-does-3d-printing-cost-in-singapore.png","12 min read",[70,145,49,146,46],"cost","quote","How Much Does 3D Printing Cost in Singapore?","2026-07-31T00:00:00Z",{"slug":150,"category":5,"date":6,"description":151,"image":152,"readTime":23,"tags":153,"title":157},"how-ordering-works-upload-quote-pay-track","Our order flow step by step: an instant slicer-based quote, what drives the price, what a person checks, PayNow payment and tracking on your order page.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-ordering-works-upload-quote-pay-track.png",[154,70,155,156],"ordering","PayNow","order tracking","How Ordering Works: Upload, Quote, Pay and Track",{"slug":159,"category":5,"date":160,"description":161,"image":162,"readTime":44,"tags":163,"title":166,"updated_at":64},"how-strong-are-3d-printed-parts","2026-05-23","Can 3D-printed parts handle real loads? Learn what determines strength — material, infill, walls and orientation — and how to design parts that hold up.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-strong-are-3d-printed-parts.png",[60,164,59,14,165],"durability","engineering","How Strong Are 3D-Printed Parts?",{"slug":168,"category":5,"date":169,"description":170,"image":171,"readTime":172,"tags":173,"title":179},"how-to-3d-print-your-fyp-or-school-project","2026-09-30","Getting an FYP prototype, D&T coursework piece or architecture model 3D printed in Singapore: file prep, scale, keeping costs down and meeting deadlines.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-3d-print-your-fyp-or-school-project.png","4 min read",[174,175,176,177,178],"FYP","coursework","architecture models","school projects","budget","How to 3D Print Your FYP, Coursework or Architecture Model in Singapore",{"slug":181,"category":5,"date":169,"description":182,"image":183,"readTime":172,"tags":184,"title":190},"how-to-convert-step-to-stl","Convert STEP to STL in Fusion 360, SolidWorks, Onshape or FreeCAD with the right tolerance settings, or skip it and upload the STEP file directly.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-convert-step-to-stl.png",[185,186,187,188,189],"STEP","STL","CAD","file format","export","How to Convert STEP to STL (and When You Don’t Need To)",{"slug":192,"category":5,"date":169,"description":193,"image":194,"readTime":195,"tags":196,"title":201},"how-to-get-a-makerworld-model-printed-in-singapore","No 3D printer? Paste a MakerWorld, Printables or Thingiverse link and get it printed in Singapore. How to pick the file, check the licence and choose a material.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-get-a-makerworld-model-printed-in-singapore.png","5 min read",[197,198,199,200,46],"MakerWorld","Printables","Thingiverse","licence","How to Get a MakerWorld, Printables or Thingiverse Model Printed in Singapore",{"slug":203,"category":5,"date":169,"description":204,"image":205,"readTime":172,"tags":206,"title":207},"how-to-get-something-3d-printed-in-singapore","Getting something 3D printed in Singapore from start to finish: getting a file, choosing a material, cost, ordering, payment and collection or delivery.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-get-something-3d-printed-in-singapore.png",[46,48,49,13,70],"How to Get Something 3D Printed in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide",{"slug":209,"category":5,"date":210,"description":211,"image":212,"readTime":23,"tags":213,"title":216},"how-to-prepare-stl-files-for-3d-printing","2025-03-28","Everything you need to know about exporting, checking, and fixing STL files before sending them for 3D printing. Avoid common mistakes that cause failed prints.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-prepare-stl-files-for-3d-printing.png",[186,214,46,215],"file preparation","3MF","How to Prepare STL Files for 3D Printing: A Beginner's Guide",{"slug":218,"category":20,"date":6,"description":219,"image":220,"readTime":23,"tags":221,"title":226},"how-we-keep-prints-on-time-and-on-spec","Honest dates from a live calendar, a hand check on every file, order page updates and a free reprint within 30 days. What we do, and what we don't promise.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-we-keep-prints-on-time-and-on-spec.png",[222,223,224,225],"quality","turnaround","reprint guarantee","communication","How We Keep Prints On Time and On Spec",{"slug":228,"category":5,"date":6,"description":229,"image":230,"readTime":23,"tags":231,"title":233},"iterating-a-part-v1-v2-v3-with-fdm","Running a prototype loop with FDM: what each version should test, which material to use, and what to change when a part doesn't fit or breaks.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fiterating-a-part-v1-v2-v3-with-fdm.png",[27,123,13,232],"iteration","Iterating a Part with FDM: v1, v2, v3",{"slug":235,"category":5,"date":169,"description":236,"image":237,"readTime":172,"tags":238,"title":243},"lithophanes-guide-choosing-the-right-photo","How 3D-printed lithophanes work, which photos turn out best, sizes and prices in Singapore, and how to light and display one.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Flithophanes-guide-choosing-the-right-photo.png",[239,240,241,242],"lithophane","gifts","photo","PLA","Lithophanes: What They Are and How to Choose the Right Photo",{"slug":245,"category":96,"date":246,"description":247,"image":248,"readTime":172,"tags":249,"title":255},"outdoor-3d-prints-choosing-the-right-material","2025-04-10","Not all 3D printing materials survive outdoors. Learn which filaments handle UV, rain, and heat — and which ones will warp, fade, or crack.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Foutdoor-3d-prints-choosing-the-right-material.png",[250,251,252,253,254],"outdoor","ASA","PETG","UV resistance","weathering","Outdoor 3D Prints: Choosing the Right Material for Sun and Rain",{"slug":257,"category":96,"date":258,"description":259,"image":260,"readTime":195,"tags":261,"title":262},"pla-vs-petg-which-material-should-you-choose","2025-03-15","A practical comparison of PLA and PETG — the two most popular FDM materials. Learn when to use each based on strength, heat resistance, and application.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fpla-vs-petg-which-material-should-you-choose.png",[242,252,13,104],"PLA vs PETG: Which 3D Printing Material Should You Choose?",{"slug":264,"category":5,"date":265,"description":266,"image":267,"readTime":195,"tags":268,"title":271},"reducing-3d-printing-costs-tips-for-smarter-designs","2025-04-22","Simple design changes that can cut your 3D printing costs significantly. Learn about wall thickness, infill, orientation, and support optimisation.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Freducing-3d-printing-costs-tips-for-smarter-designs.png",[61,62,59,269,270],"supports","optimisation","Reducing 3D Printing Costs: Tips for Smarter Designs",{"slug":273,"category":5,"date":274,"description":275,"image":276,"readTime":277,"tags":278,"title":279,"updated_at":64},"stl-vs-3mf-which-file-format-to-use","2026-05-16","STL is the classic 3D printing format, but 3MF carries units, colour and multi-part data. How they differ, how to export each, and which to send us.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fstl-vs-3mf-which-file-format-to-use.png","10 min read",[186,215,188,189,187],"STL vs 3MF: Which 3D Printing File Format Should You Use?",{"slug":281,"category":5,"date":282,"description":283,"image":284,"readTime":57,"tags":285,"title":289,"updated_at":148},"what-can-you-3d-print-real-world-ideas","2026-05-29","From replacement parts to custom gifts, real ideas for what to 3D print in Singapore — grouped by use case, matched to materials, with real workshop examples.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fwhat-can-you-3d-print-real-world-ideas.png",[286,287,46,288],"ideas","inspiration","use cases","What Can You 3D Print? 15 Real-World Ideas",{"slug":291,"category":292,"date":6,"description":293,"image":294,"readTime":9,"tags":295,"title":299},"what-customers-say-about-zerocore","News","Real reviews from ZeroCore customers, quoted as written: communication, speed, quality and going above and beyond, plus the jobs behind them.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fwhat-customers-say-about-zerocore.png",[296,297,298,49],"reviews","customer stories","portfolio","What Customers Say About ZeroCore: Real Reviews and Real Jobs",{"slug":301,"category":20,"date":6,"description":302,"image":303,"readTime":23,"tags":304,"title":306},"what-zerocore-prints-best-functional-fdm-parts","Jigs, fixtures, brackets, housings, snap fits and replacement parts: what we're built for, materials by job, achievable tolerances and what we don't do.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fwhat-zerocore-prints-best-functional-fdm-parts.png",[11,13,89,305],"capabilities","What ZeroCore Prints Best: Functional FDM Parts",{"slug":308,"category":292,"date":169,"description":309,"image":310,"readTime":195,"tags":311,"title":314},"whats-new-at-zerocore-september-2026","Paste a MakerWorld or Printables link, upload STEP, IGES or OBJ files, map multi-colour 3MFs and track every order. Everything new on zerocore.sg.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fwhats-new-at-zerocore-september-2026.png",[312,197,185,313,156],"updates","multi-colour","What’s New at ZeroCore: Link Imports, STEP Uploads, Colour Slots and More",{"slug":316,"category":5,"date":6,"description":317,"image":318,"readTime":9,"tags":319,"title":321},"why-we-sometimes-say-no-to-a-print","We won't take your money for a print that will fail. What makes us flag a file, from thin walls to the wrong material, and what happens next.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fwhy-we-sometimes-say-no-to-a-print.png",[123,13,122,320],"process choice","Why We Sometimes Say No to a Print (and What Happens Next)",1791896131691]