Made in layers, packed with personality
How Printlits come to life
Every Printlit starts as PLA filament and slowly comes to life layer by layer. From the first print line to the final personality-packed little friend, each one is 3D printed and checked with care here in New Zealand.
PLA filament → 3D printer → little friend
From plants to Printlits
A simple journey from plant sugars to colourful filament, then into a finished Printlit.
Plant sugars
PLA begins with renewable plant sugars.
Made into PLA
Those sugars are processed into PLA.
Turned into filament
PLA becomes colourful 3D printing filament.
Printed in layers
Each Printlit is built layer by layer.
Becomes a friend
Checked, packed and ready to collect.
Plant-based does not mean edible or chewable. Printlits are firm display figures and recommended for ages 3+.
Watch a Printlit come to life
A quick look at the 3D printer building a Printlit one layer at a time.
Every Printlit is printed layer by layer, which creates the textured finish you can see on each little friend.
From filament to friend
A simple look at how a roll of PLA becomes a little Printlit with its own character.
PLA filament
We use Bambu Lab PLA Basic and PLA Matte filament. PLA is a plant-based plastic commonly used in 3D printing.
Printed layer by layer
The printer builds each character one thin layer at a time, creating the raised textured finish that gives Printlits their look.
Checked with care
Each Printlit is checked before packing. Small layer lines and tiny variations are normal with 3D printing.
Ready for it's new home!
Once finished, your Printlit is ready to be displayed, collected and loved as part of your little character family.
What is PLA?
PLA stands for polylactic acid. It is a plant-based plastic commonly used for 3D printing because it prints cleanly, holds detail well and is lightweight.
Plant-based plastic
PLA is made from renewable plant-based sources rather than traditional petroleum-based plastic.
Low hazard
The Bambu technical sheets list PLA composition, odourless properties, chemical stability under normal storage and handling, and no skin hazard.
Not soft or edible
Printlits may look knitted, but they are firm 3D printed plastic figures. They are not food items, teething toys, pet toys or suitable for children under 3.
The technical bits, made simple
Here are some of the material details from the Bambu Lab PLA Basic and PLA Matte technical data sheets.
PLA Basic
- Main material95–99% PLA
- Safety classificationNot classified
- Hazard pictogramNone
- Signal wordNone
- Skin hazardNo hazard
- Normal handlingNo PPE required
PLA Matte
- Main material85–92% PLA
- Added mineralCalcium carbonate
- Safety classificationNot hazardous
- Health hazardNone listed
- Environment hazardNone listed
- Normal handlingNo PPE required
Material information files
We only use Bambu Labs PLA Matte and PLA Basic Filament. Here are the technical data sheets so you can see the material information behind the filament.
Technical values are supplied for general information only. Actual 3D printed product performance can vary depending on design, printer settings and handling. Printlits are recommended for ages 3+ due to small parts.