Introduction to 3D Printing Polymer Clay Cutters: Types of Printers, Filament, and the Process

If you're a polymer clay artist or enthusiast looking to delve into the world of 3D printing, this guide will walk you through the basics of getting started, focusing on the types of 3D printers, filament options, and the process of creating your own custom clay cutters. To learn how to start creating your own STL files for clay cutters, consider joining the Crafty Clay Babes cutter course!

Types of 3D Printers

When it comes to 3D printing polymer clay cutters, there are a few types of printers that you can consider:

1. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Printers: (MOST COMMON)

   • Pros: Probably the most common choice among Clay Cutters designers. FDM printers are widely available and relatively affordable. They work by extruding heated filament through a nozzle to build layers.
   • Cons: They may require post-processing to smooth the layers and achieve a finer finish.
   • Recommended Printers for Polymer Clay Artists: BambuLab A1Mini or Prusa Mini

2. Stereolithography (SLA) Printers:

   • Pros: SLA printers use a laser to cure liquid resin into solid layers, resulting in highly detailed and smooth prints.
   • Cons: They tend to be more expensive and involve handling liquid resin, which requires additional safety precautions such as proper ventilation.

3. Digital Light Processing (DLP) Printers:

   • Pros: DLP printers are similar to SLA but use a digital light projector. They can produce highly detailed prints and are generally faster than SLA printers.
   • Cons: Like SLA, they involve handling resins and can be more costly.

Types of Filament

Choosing the right filament is crucial for creating durable and safe polymer clay cutters. Here are some popular options:

1. PLA (Polylactic Acid): MOST COMMON

   • Pros: PLA is eco-friendly, biodegradable, and easy to print with. It’s available in various colors and blends.
   • Cons: PLA can be brittle and may not be as durable as other materials.
   • Recommended Filament for Polymer Clay Artists: 

2. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol):

   • Pros: PETG offers a good balance of strength and flexibility. It’s also food-safe, making it a good choice for tools that will come into contact with food or skin.
   • Cons: It can be slightly more challenging to print with compared to PLA due to its higher printing temperature.

3. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene):

   • Pros: ABS is durable and impact-resistant, suitable for tools that require more toughness.
   • Cons: ABS can emit unpleasant fumes during printing and requires a heated bed to prevent warping.

The Process of Creating Polymer Clay Cutters

1. Designing the Cutter:

   • Use CAD software like Tinkercad, Fusion 360, or others to design your cutter. These programs allow you to create precise shapes and customize the size and thickness of your cutter, called an STL. There are courses on how to easily create digital STL cutter files.

2. Preparing the Printer:

   • Ensure your printer is calibrated and the bed is leveled. Load your chosen filament into the printer.

3. Slicing the Design:

   • Use slicing software like Cura, BambuLab, or PrusaSlicer to convert your STL 3D design into a format that your printer can understand, called a GCODE. This step involves setting parameters like layer height, print speed, and support structures. Most software is free and will offer suggested print profiles.

4. Printing:

   • Start the print and monitor the first few layers to ensure proper adhesion. Depending on the complexity and size of your cutter, printing can take anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours.

5. Post-Processing:

   • Once printed, remove the cutter from the bed. You may need to trim any excess filament.

Conclusion

3D printing polymer clay cutters offers endless possibilities for customization and creativity. By understanding the types of printers, filament options, and the process involved, you can start making your own unique tools tailored to your artistic needs.

Want to learn from seasoned clay tool makers how to make clay cutters easily from home? Join our course Intro to 3D Printing Course, and start printing your first design within minutes! Happy printing!