Skip to main content
 

My Blog:

The 3D3D Difference: Why Printing Local Beats Buying Online

Tired of endless online searches and long waits? Discover how 3D3D is changing the game by offering local, custom 3D printing solutions that save you time, money, and hassle.


We’ve all been there. You need a very specific part for a broken appliance, a custom gift for a friend, or a small bracket to fix a shelf. You head online, and what happens? You’re hit with an overwhelming sea of products, all shipping from halfway around the world. The shipping costs are outrageous, the wait time is a month, and you’re never quite sure if what you’re getting is what you actually need.

This is exactly why we started 3D3D. We saw a gap between what people needed and what was available. We aren't just a 3D printing service; we're your local solution for turning an idea, a problem, or a need into a physical object, right here in Atlantic Canada. Think of us as your go-to workshop, without the need for you to own a single tool.

So, what's the 3D3D Difference?

First, there's the local advantage. When you work with us, you're not dealing with a faceless online retailer. You’re talking to a person right here in your community. That means no long waits for international shipping. Need to make a change? No problem. We can make tweaks and adjustments with a simple phone call or email, not a convoluted international returns process. This speed and flexibility is a game-changer for people and businesses alike.

Next, there's the custom factor. Amazon, Etsy, and other big box stores sell what they want to sell. We create what you need. A part for an old radio that hasn't been made in 40 years? We can print it. A unique, personalized gift for a family member? We can design and make it. Our entire business is built on the idea that your needs are unique, and your solutions should be too.

Finally, we offer quality and durability. We're not just creating trinkets; we're using high-quality materials to create strong, functional, and long-lasting products. This isn't about fast fashion; it's about smart consumption. By choosing a custom-made, locally printed item, you’re investing in something that’s built to last and perfectly suits your needs.

When you're faced with a problem or a project, think about the time and money you spend scouring the internet. Then, think about the alternative: a simple conversation with 3D3D, and the exact solution you need, created just for you, right here at home. That's the 3D3D difference—and it's a difference you can hold in your hands.

From Toys to Tools: How Atlantic Canadians Actually Use 3D3D




Discover how 3D3D is helping people across Atlantic Canada with real-life solutions, from crafting unique gifts for kids to printing hard-to-find replacement parts for the home.


When most people hear "3D printing," they often picture a futuristic factory or a complex tech lab. They think of things way beyond their day-to-day life. But here at 3D3D, our reality is a little different. We see 3D printing as a tool for everyday life—a way to solve common problems and bring fun ideas to life. We’re not just building prototypes; we’re building solutions for Atlantic Canadians, one project at a time.

So, what are people actually using 3D3D for? You’d be surprised by the variety.

One of our favorite areas is gifts and personal items. Ever tried to find a custom phone case with your dog’s face on it? Or a set of unique coasters that fit the exact theme of your kitchen? Instead of searching the world for something close to what you want, you can work with us to create it perfectly. We've made everything from intricate board game pieces to custom-designed jewelry organizers. The only limit is your imagination.

Then there are the countless stories of replacement parts. We get calls all the time from people who have a treasured item—a favorite antique lamp, a specific lawnmower, a beloved children's toy—that has a tiny, broken plastic piece. The manufacturer is long gone, and the part is impossible to find. Instead of throwing out the item, we can recreate the part with a 3D scan and a little printing magic. It’s incredibly satisfying to help someone save a cherished item from the landfill.

We also see a lot of people using our services for home organization. Need a custom caddy to hold your kitchen utensils? A specific bracket to mount a smart speaker in an awkward corner? We can design and print those too. It’s all about creating a solution that perfectly fits your space and your needs, rather than trying to make a generic product work.

At its core, 3D3D is about empowerment. It’s about giving you the ability to create something that’s exactly what you want, not what a massive corporation decided to mass-produce. It’s for the person who wants a one-of-a-kind gift, the homeowner who wants to fix something instead of replacing it, and the DIYer who needs a part that simply doesn’t exist anywhere else. From toys to tools, we're here to help you build a better, more customized life.

Small Business, Big Savings: 3D3D as a Competitive Edge



Learn how Atlantic Canadian small businesses are leveraging 3D3D to create custom signage, displays, and branded products that set them apart from the competition, all while saving money.


Running a small business in Atlantic Canada is a balancing act. You have to compete with multinational corporations, manage your budget, and find ways to stand out. It can feel like a constant battle. But what if we told you there was a powerful, affordable tool that could give you a serious competitive edge? That’s where 3D3D comes in.


We're not just for personal projects; we're a secret weapon for local entrepreneurs. Our services help small businesses solve common problems, create unique customer experiences, and produce high-quality, branded materials without the massive overhead of traditional manufacturing.


One of the most common applications we see is with custom signage and displays. Instead of paying a fortune for a large-scale sign or a clunky display, we can print custom logos, brand signs, and point-of-sale displays that are lightweight, durable, and perfectly match your brand's aesthetic. A bakery can get custom-printed stands for their pastries. A boutique can get unique shelving that fits their specific store layout. The options are endless, and the costs are a fraction of what you’d pay for traditional fabrication.



Beyond displays, we also help with branded products and giveaways. Want to give your clients a unique, memorable item that they can’t get anywhere else? We can create custom keychains, bottle openers, or other branded items that are truly one-of-a-kind. This isn’t just marketing; it’s about creating a lasting impression that reinforces your brand identity.



But perhaps the biggest advantage we offer is the ability to create and test custom solutions. Have a new product you want to prototype? A custom jig you need to make your production process more efficient? We can help you create these things quickly and affordably. You can iterate on designs, test functionality, and refine your process without committing to a massive, expensive production run. This saves you money, time, and headache.



At 3D3D, we believe that innovation and quality shouldn't be reserved for big companies. We're here to level the playing field, giving local businesses the tools they need to thrive. By working with us, you’re not just getting a product; you’re gaining a partner dedicated to helping you stand out and succeed in a competitive market.

Materials Matter: Why 3D3D Uses Canadian Filament





Learn about the importance of using high-quality filament in 3D printing. We explain why 3D3D chooses to support Canadian suppliers to ensure strong, durable, and reliable products for our customers.


When you pick up a 3D-printed item, you probably think about the shape, the design, and the functionality. What you might not think about is the raw material it’s made from—the filament. At 3D3D, we’re obsessed with it. We believe that a high-quality product starts with a high-quality material, and that's why we've made a deliberate choice to use Canadian-made filament.


This isn't just about a "buy local" philosophy—though that's a big part of it. This is about quality, reliability, and ultimately, giving you a better product.

So, why does it matter?


First, there's consistency. Think of filament like baking ingredients. You can't make a good cake with poor flour. Similarly, inconsistent filament can lead to weaker parts, poor print quality, and a higher chance of a failed print. By using Canadian suppliers, we have direct access to a consistent, high-grade product. We know the manufacturing process is held to a high standard, and this ensures that every single print we produce is strong and reliable, from the first layer to the last.




Next, there's the durability factor. The Canadian climate is tough, and so are the people and businesses here. Our local suppliers understand the need for materials that can withstand the elements. The filament we use is engineered for strength and resilience, meaning the products we create for you—whether it's a replacement part for your car or a new handle for your boat—are built to last. We're not using flimsy, cheap materials that will break the first time you put them to the test.



Finally, there's the supply chain and communication. When we have a specific need or are looking for a new material, we can talk directly to the manufacturer right here in Canada. This allows us to get custom materials if needed and to better understand the properties of everything we use. This is a level of transparency and partnership that you simply can't get when you're buying from an overseas mega-supplier.



For us, using Canadian filament is more than a business decision; it’s a commitment. It’s a commitment to our customers to provide the highest quality products, and it’s a commitment to our community to support local industries. When you get a product from 3D3D, you’re not just getting a 3D print; you’re getting a piece of quality, made-in-Canada craftsmanship.


Custom Over Consumption: Why 3D3D Is the Smart Choice for Unique Needs







Explore the benefits of choosing custom 3D printing over mass-produced goods. Discover how 3D3D helps you create exactly what you need, reducing waste and providing a truly unique solution.


We live in a world of endless consumption. The cycle goes something like this: see a problem, go to a store (or an online marketplace), buy a generic item that’s "good enough," use it for a while, and then replace it when it breaks or doesn’t quite fit the bill. It's a system built on convenience, but it's often wasteful and leaves us with solutions that aren’t truly what we wanted.

At 3D3D, we’re proposing a different way. We call it custom over consumption. Instead of buying something generic, why not create something that’s perfectly suited for your specific need? It’s not just about getting something unique; it's about making a smarter, more sustainable choice.

Think about the sheer number of things we use every day that are "one size fits all." A phone case that doesn’t quite protect the corners. A kitchen organizer that has slots for items you don't own. A replacement part that you have to modify to make work. These are small annoyances, but they add up. With 3D printing, we can eliminate that frustration.

Here’s how our approach works:

First, we start with your need. You come to us with an idea, a problem, or even just a sketch on a napkin. We don’t have a warehouse full of generic products to sell you. We have a set of tools and expertise to help you create a specific solution. This process ensures that what you get is exactly what you need, without compromise.

Second, we focus on longevity and function. When you create a custom part, it’s not just a quick fix. We design it to be strong, durable, and perfectly functional. A custom-printed bracket for a window blind, for instance, will be stronger and more precise than the original one, saving you from a future repair. This focus on long-term value is a direct result of the custom process.

Finally, we are a sustainable choice. When you choose a custom-made item, you’re often preventing a perfectly good item from being thrown out because of one broken piece. You're not contributing to the shipping and packaging waste that comes with mass-produced online orders. You're creating an object that is truly useful and designed to last, which is the ultimate form of sustainability.

Choosing custom over consumption isn't a radical idea; it's a common-sense approach to getting exactly what you want while making a responsible choice. At 3D3D, we're here to show you how easy it is to make that shift and discover the power of creating, not just buying.