Blog
Guides, comparisons, and insights on 3D printing and custom manufacturing in South Africa—from design and materials to cost and industry applications.
A place to learn, get inspired, and turn ideas into parts. New reads added regularly.
Cups First, Parts Today: Our Story
What is 3D Printing? A South African Guide
FDM vs SLA vs SLS: Which Technology for Your Project?
How to Prepare Your CAD File for 3D Printing
Material Selection Guide for 3D Printed Parts
10 Industries Using 3D Printing in South Africa
Cost of 3D Printing: What Really Affects Price
Replacing Discontinued Parts: A Complete Guide
3D Printing for Insurance Claims: Faster Repairs
Prototyping to Production: Scaling Your Product
The Future of Manufacturing in Africa
Cups First, Parts Today: Our Story
What is 3D Printing? A South African Guide
FDM vs SLA vs SLS: Which Technology for Your Project?
How to Prepare Your CAD File for 3D Printing
Material Selection Guide for 3D Printed Parts
10 Industries Using 3D Printing in South Africa
Cost of 3D Printing: What Really Affects Price
Replacing Discontinued Parts: A Complete Guide
3D Printing for Insurance Claims: Faster Repairs
Prototyping to Production: Scaling Your Product
The Future of Manufacturing in Africa
Cups First, Parts Today: Our Story
We started making cups in Cape Town in 2014. Around 2018 the first 3D printers arrived, and people started bringing us broken things. This is the honest story of our floor in Paarden Eiland.
Read the guideAll articles
What is 3D Printing? A South African Guide
Understand 3D printing in plain terms: how it works, who uses it in South Africa, and when to choose it for prototypes, replacement parts, and production. Cape Town & nationwide.
Read articleFDM vs SLA vs SLS: Which Technology for Your Project?
Compare FDM, SLA, and SLS 3D printing in South Africa. Strengths, costs, and best use cases so you can choose the right technology for your part or prototype.
Read articleHow to Prepare Your CAD File for 3D Printing
Step-by-step guide to preparing CAD files for 3D printing in South Africa: wall thickness, supports, orientation, and file formats for the best results.
Read articleMaterial Selection Guide for 3D Printed Parts
Choose the right 3D printing material: PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon, resin, and more. Compare strength, cost, and applications for South African projects.
Read article10 Industries Using 3D Printing in South Africa
From automotive and healthcare to mining and consumer goods: how 3D printing is used across South African industries, with real applications.
Read articleCost of 3D Printing: What Really Affects Price
What drives 3D printing cost in South Africa: material, volume, geometry, and turnaround. Get transparent pricing and tips to reduce cost.
Read articleReplacing Discontinued Parts: A Complete Guide
How to replace obsolete or discontinued parts in South Africa: reverse engineering, 3D printing, and real examples like garage cogs and pool gears.
Read article3D Printing for Insurance Claims: Faster Repairs
Use 3D printing for insurance and warranty repairs: faster turnaround, no obsolete parts, and lower cost. For assessors, brokers, and repairers in SA.
Read articlePrototyping to Production: Scaling Your Product
Scale from prototype to production in South Africa: when to use 3D printing vs injection moulding, bridge tooling, and low-volume manufacturing.
Read articleThe Future of Manufacturing in Africa
How additive manufacturing and local production are shaping the future of manufacturing in Africa and South Africa: supply chains, skills, and opportunity.
Read article