Cart

Cart is empty

Add something from the shop

Browse Shop
CML
CraftMindLab
← Blog
Education·6 min read·10 May 2025

What Is 3D Printing? A Complete Beginner's Guide for India

Learn how 3D printing works, the types of materials used, and why India is becoming one of the fastest-growing markets for custom 3D printed products.

3D printing — also called additive manufacturing — builds objects layer by layer from a digital design file. Instead of carving material away (subtractive manufacturing), a 3D printer deposits precise amounts of material exactly where needed.

How It Works

A 3D printer reads a file in STL or OBJ format and slices it into hundreds or thousands of horizontal layers. The printer then deposits material — melted plastic, resin, or even metal — one layer at a time until the full object takes shape.

At CraftMindLab, we use Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) printing, primarily with PLA+ and PETG filaments. FDM is the most common consumer technology because it balances detail, durability, and cost.

Materials We Use

PLA+ — a plant-derived plastic that is stiff, detailed, and eco-friendly. Most of our figurines are printed in PLA+.

PETG — a tougher, slightly translucent material used for parts that need optical clarity or flexibility, like the glowing elements in our Crystal Golem and Space Kraken.

TPU — a flexible rubber-like filament used for dragon wing membranes, phoenix feathers, and wolf fur where real movement is needed.

Wood-fibre PLA — contains 40% recycled wood sawdust. Used in our Ancient Oak Spirit and Mossy Sentinel for authentic organic texture and scent.

Why 3D Printing Is Growing in India

India's maker community has expanded rapidly since 2020. Lower import duties on filament, faster domestic shipping, and a growing design talent pool have made high-quality 3D printed collectibles accessible at every price point.

CraftMindLab ships across India within 3–14 days depending on the complexity of the print.

Is 3D Printed Art Worth Buying?

A well-printed piece at 0.08–0.1mm layer height produces surface detail that rivals injection moulding. Our prints are hand-finished — sanded, sealed, and in many cases waxed or lacquered — so what you receive is far beyond a raw prototype.

All products 3D printed in India

Ships nationwide · Hand-finished · Premium PLA+

Browse All Products →