FILLAMENTUM MAG #3
As the air fills with the scent of pine and cinnamon, and homes glow with festive lights, the season invites us to create something truly special. In this edition, we blend the warmth of tradition with modern innovation—exploring how Timberfill can transform holiday décor into natural, aromatic masterpieces. From heartfelt gift ideas and inspiring stories like Pawsthesis, which uses 3D printing to improve the lives of pets, to the latest insights from Formnext 2024, this issue is packed with inspiration.
What Can You Read in the Magazine?
A Holidays with timberfill
Our Tip for this Xmas
Timberfill
Material of the Month
Last- Minute Gift
Something for Inspiration
Formnext 2024
Report from the Field
Insights from our team
Martin Opustil | Marketing
“The holiday season is here again, bringing with it the end of the year. It’s fascinating how our perception of this time evolves over the years. As a child, Christmas was all about the presents. Today, I’m grateful to have loved ones to share these moments with and to simply soak in the enchanting atmosphere of the season.
Not long ago, I discovered a way to make Christmas even more magical—through 3D printing, especially for creating decorations. It’s not something I ever imagined myself getting into. After all, as I am man, I never paid much attention to ornaments. But marriage has taught me that decorations hold a surprisingly important place in life (hihi 😄)! Last Christmas, I decided to surprise my wife by printing a range of festive decorations: baubles, angels, reindeer for the tree, and even a glowing frozen village made from our Crystal Clear Iceland Blue filament that lit up our shelf.
When it was all done, I realized something unexpected—it felt genuinely rewarding to create something with my “own hands” that brought such warmth and joy to our home. It wasn’t just about the decorations; it was about crafting an atmosphere we could enjoy together.
Now, I’m already looking forward to this year’s holiday projects. Once again, I’ll turn our home into an even cozier, more magical place. That’s the proof that 3D printing can bring a little extra sparkle to the most wonderful time of the year.”
Our tip for this Xmas
Written by Martin Opustil
A Natural Holidays with Timberfill
The holidays are a time when everything feels a little warmer, more fragrant, and magical. When we think of Christmas decorations, we often turn to natural materials that not only look beautiful but carry a story within them. This year, we decided to embrace the holiday season with a style that evokes the warmth of home and the tranquility of the forest – quite literally. Using Timberfill, a wood-based material, we crafted a few Christmas decorations that filled our office and meeting room with a lovely woody fragrance. It wasn’t just a visual enhancement. The natural aroma created an unforgettable festive atmosphere.
Wooden Coasters: A Perfect Addition to This Year’s Holiday Table
The idea for wooden coasters came about spontaneously. We realized that our office holiday decor was missing a personal touch. We wanted something both practical and charming. So, we decided to make wooden coasters, featuring our beloved mascot, Filla Fella.
The moment we started printing them, the room was filled with a subtle, woody scent. It was like opening the door to a peaceful forest—something natural and calming. Each coaster had its own unique character thanks to the wood-like texture and its connection to nature. These coasters have since become a staple on the table in our meeting room, reminding us of those serene moments when you sit down, sip hot tea, and simply enjoy the company of those you care about.
Our Tips for Using Timberfill This Holiday Season
If you’d like to create a truly natural holiday atmosphere this year, Timberfill offers plenty of possibilities. Here are a few ideas to inspire you and make your Christmas even more magical:
Christmas Tree Ornaments
Timberfill is perfect for crafting ornaments in various shapes—stars, hearts, angels, or snowflakes. Once you decorate your tree, these pieces look like they’ve been hand-carved from real wood. Plus, they bring a gentle woody scent, evoking the charm of a winter forest walk.Advent Wreath Decorations
For a traditional advent wreath, you can print decorative wooden accents to enhance it. Small stars or figurines can easily be attached to the wreath, resulting in a unique and aromatic centerpiece that makes your home feel cozier.Personalized Gift Tags
Small wooden name tags are a simple way to add a personal touch to your gifts. Print them in shapes like hearts, trees, or other festive motifs, and customize them with names or messages to make each gift extra special.Wooden Nativity Figures
If you enjoy crafting your own nativity scene, Timberfill is a great choice for creating figurines. From Baby Jesus to Mary, Joseph, and animals, every piece looks like it was carved from wood, adding a natural charm to your holiday decor.Candles and Lanterns
Add a little romance with wooden candles or lanterns. They work beautifully as table decorations or window displays. Paired with LED candles, these pieces create a safe yet magical glow to complement the festive ambiance.Snowflakes
If you prefer minimalist decor, wooden snowflakes are a perfect option. Use them as table accents, hang them from the ceiling, or display them on your walls. Simple yet elegant, these decorations bring a touch of winter magic to your space.
Interview
Written by Gabriela Vašťáková
Pawsthesis: Spreading Hope and Joy with Orthopedic Support for Animals
The Christmas season is a characteristic time when its atmosphere naturally encourages us to help our neighbours. It is a time of kindness, solidarity and care for others. In that spirit, we bring you an inspiring conversation about how 3D printing technology can extend a helping hand – or in this case, a helping paw.
It’s been over two years since we worked together on the case study. How is your project going?
A lot has changed since this case study! We have founded our company “Pawsthesis”, which is located near Augsburg in Germany and is specialized on medical aids for dogs. We initially started with full-limb prosthesis. These are used for dogs which have lost one leg completely (so there is no stump left to attach a prosthesis). After that we expanded our portfolio with partial-limb prosthesis, orthosis, and dog wheelchairs. We use 3D printing in many cases, because all our products are unique and produced for one specific dog. Since the founding, we have developed and produced aids for over 500 dogs. I am happy to say: We are now at a point where we can offer a solution for most forms of amputation and other problems regarding the musculoskeletal system of dogs.
I’m curious: How is the design for the prosthesis created? Do you have several designs, and do you rotate them, or is a completely new original created individually for each dog?
Our products are always created individually for the specific dog. There are certain parts of the prosthesis, which are standardized and chosen depending on the size and weight of the dog. But every part which is in direct contact with the dog is specifically created and produced based on an impression of the dog’s body. This can be an impression of the dog’s chest or leg / stump, depending on the type of prosthesis. The impression is then digitalized and used to create the prosthesis.
It is important to say that for making the impression of the dog’s body, our customers don’t necessarily have to come to us. We have developed an easy to apply and fail-safe process, so that our customers can take the needed impression themselves at their home.
How long does it take to complete the process of receiving the order, designing and printing the prosthesis, and applying it?
For our full-limb prosthesis, the process usually takes about one month. Our smaller partial prosthesis and orthosis take a bit less time. But in some cases, the aid needs to be provided as quickly as possible. In an emergency we can deliver within 1-2 weeks, mostly depended on how complex the aid is.
How is the prosthesis adapted with dogs?
Our customers receive information material in text and video on how to use and train with the aid. The most important thing, however, is personal contact to ensure optimal care and to be able to clarify individual questions. We also connect with the veterinary and / or therapist of the dog to ensure that the aid fits perfectly from the beginning. But of course, in many cases adjustments have to be made, sometimes even months after the initial treatment with the aid. For example, the use of a partial-limb prosthesis often leads to muscle growth in the stump which the dog could not utilize before. Some adjustments can be done by the customer himself, for others we must redesign and print certain parts of the aid.
What materials do you use and why do you like Fillamentum 😊?
We use Fillamentum Flexfill TPU and ASA. Both materials have high impact resistance and are suitable for outdoor use, which is of course a necessity of our prosthesis. I found that Flexfill TPU is (for a flexible material) relatively easy and quick to print. And our customers absolutely love the wide range of colors which Fillamentum is offering for their materials 😊
This is a special Christmas edition of our magazine. I just have to ask .. Do you celebrate Christmas? Would you tell us how you spend the Holidays?
Of course I celebrate Christmas! I will spend the time with my family and plan on eating way too many cookies and gingerbread 😉 I might also go on skiing in the Alps for a few days but haven’t decided on that yet.
Thank you, Pawsthesis, for what you do! This is very inspirative! And special thanks to Dominik Hogen for this interview.
Follow Pawsthesis:
Material of the Month
Written by Barbora Jurčová
Timberfill®
With the growing emphasis on aesthetics and environmental sustainability in 3D printing, Timberfill® has become the ideal choice for those looking for a material with a natural look and unique properties. Timberfill® is a blend of biopolymers (mostly PLA) with the addition of 15% natural wood fibers isolated from spruce, making it an ideal eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics. The result is a material that not only looks like wood, but also smells and handles like wood – ideal for designers, creatives and anyone who wants to add a natural element to their projects.
Key Features
Timberfill® is characterised by its combination of strength, aesthetics and simple processing. It is compatible with all 3D printers, making it easy to use without the need for special equipment. However, due to the wood fiber content, we recommend using a nozzle with a diameter of at least 0.5 mm. The material is not only light and strong, but also easy to work with thanks to its wood content – after printing it can be sanded, polished and painted just like natural wood. The result is prints with a texture and appearance that are almost indistinguishable from real wood products.
Biodegradable – a Step Towards Sustainability
One of the key advantages of Timberfill® is its biodegradability. The combination of wood and biopolymers means that this material has a significantly lower ecological footprint than conventional plastics. The combination of wood fibre and biodegradable polymer allows this material to have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional plastics. At a time when sustainability and waste minimisation are crucial, Timberfill® represents a responsible alternative for environmentally minded creatives.
Why Choose Timberfill®?
Timberfill® is the ideal choice for those who want to create products with an authentic natural look. Plus, its ease of processing and versatility make it great for a wide range of projects – from decorative items to functional models and prototypes. Timberfill® is available in 8 shades – from natural light wood shades (Timberfill® “Light Wood”, Timberfill® “Cinnamon” and Timberfill® “Champagne”), through dark shades (Timberfill® “Rosewood” and Timberfill® “Charcoal”) to brave orange and red shades (Timberfill® “Southern Pine”, Timberfill® “Terracotta” and Timberfill® “Redheart”).
Where Timberfill® Has Succeeded
Timberfill® has been used successfully in a wide range of design projects, for example 3D printing a variety of designer planters and vases, lighting, architectural models. It had its first major success back in 2014 when Akemake used it to produce the 3D printed wooden Spirulida speaker. This project showed how Timberfill® can be the perfect material for innovative and aesthetically impressive products.
With Timberfill®, 3D printing becomes not only a technological tool, but also a means to create aesthetically valuable and environmentally responsible products. Fillamentum proves once again that it can push the boundaries of 3D printing towards innovations that respect nature and creativity.
Something for inspiration
Written by Karel Kunz
Last-Minute Gift Inspiration
We’ve all been there—time is running out, and holiday shopping still isn’t finished. But don’t worry, 3D printing is here to save the day! Whether you’re looking for something thoughtful, practical, or unique, 3D-printed gifts can be the perfect solution. Personalizable, functional, and full of creative potential, they can make your holiday season stress-free while delighting your loved ones.
Here are our favorite ideas for 3D-printed gifts, sorted by recipient and purpose, to help you get inspired and make this season a memorable one.
Gadget Gifts for Men, Women, and Kids
Jewelry Organizer
A beautiful tree-shaped or tiered organizer for storing earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
OUR TIP
Plant Pots
Unique and decorative plant pots that can fit home or office décor.
OUR TIP
Makeup Brush Holder
A stylish holder for makeup brushes, which can also be customized with names or patterns.
OUR TIP
Puzzle Games
Educational puzzle games that can help in learning letters, numbers, or even map puzzles.
OUR TIP
Gadget Gifts by Place
Utensil Holder
A container for holding kitchen utensils neatly, often featuring separate compartments for different types of tools.
OUR TIP
Spice Rack
A stand that holds recipe books open, making it easier to read recipes while cooking. Can be styled with Christmas themes.
OUR TIP
Recipe Book Stand
A custom rack designed to hold various spice containers, helping to organize and make spices easily accessible.
OUR TIP
Book Holder for Reading in Bed
A handy tool that holds a book open, allowing for comfortable reading in bed without needing to use hands.
OUR TIP
Nightstand Organizer
An organizer that fits on a nightstand to hold glasses, watches, and other small personal items neatly.
OUR TIP
Jewelry Holder
reatively designed holder for organizing earrings, rings, and necklaces, preventing them from getting tangled.
OUR TIP
Remote Control Holder
A dedicated holder that keeps all remote controls in one place, preventing them from being misplaced.
OUR TIP
Coaster Set
A set of drink coasters, customizable with holiday themes such as snowflakes or Christmas trees.
OUR TIP
Lamp Shade
A customizable lamp shade that can be designed with festive patterns or scenes to enhance Christmas decor.
OUR TIP
Like Father, Like son
Building Blocks
Sets of building blocks that can interlock in various ways, similar to LEGO bricks, allowing for endless creativity in building structures and scenes.
OUR TIP
Chess Set
A custom chess set with uniquely designed pieces, possibly themed around a favorite hobby or interest of the family. This can provide a fun and strategic game for both father and child.
OUR TIP
Report from the field
Written by Vladmir Barton
Formnext 2024: Meetings, trends and new opportunities in additive manufacturing
One of the largest global exhibitions focused on additive technologies took place in November: Formnext 2024, held as usual in rainy Frankfurt am Main. Fillamentum could not miss this event – this year attending as visitors. The exhibition attracts the entire additive manufacturing world, as demonstrated by the impressive figures: 840 exhibitors across two halls and over 34,000 visitors. Without exaggeration, it can be said that anyone who means something in this field came to Frankfurt in November.
Meetings with Partners and Development of International Cooperation
We took advantage of this platform to meet with many of our close partners, both corporate customers and distributors. We solidified new partnerships with distributors in Australia and New Zealand and expanded cooperation with our partner in South Korea, who showed interest in our PEBA material for shoe prototyping. We will follow up with additional meetings, in December,
Market Trends and Supplier Sentiment
Formnext is primarily about networking and absorbing the market atmosphere. In addition to identifying our customers’ needs and monitoring the market’s state in various countries, we have also met with our suppliers of raw materials. For most of them, the automotive sector is their primary market, so optimism was not exactly in the air.
New Developments in FFF Technology
In the FFF technology sector, a noteworthy highlight was Prusa Research’s response to BambuLab’s printer lineup. Everyone agreed that the Czech manufacturer has at least caught up with the competition. Among printer manufacturers, the exhibition focused mainly on large-scale solutions – printers with large build volumes. In the field of specialized materials, we plan to collaborate more closely with one of the market leaders, BigRep, in the future.
Meetings with Partners and Development of International Cooperation
Overall, we observed a continued shift towards industrial solutions in our sector. It is also evident that the market consolidation process is not yet complete. The pressure on material manufacturers and sellers will persist, and only those who remain flexible will survive. We believe we can succeed in this competitive landscape.
Ending
Written by Martin Opustil
Congratulations!
You made it to the end.
In conclusion, we would like to extend our heartfelt wishes for a truly magical holiday season. May your days be filled with joy, warmth, and cherished moments spent with loved ones. Thank you for your unwavering support and for being a part of our journey this year—it means so much to us. As we step into a new year, we hope it brings you success, inspiration, and endless opportunities to create something extraordinary. The entire Fillamentum team wishes you happy holidays and all the best for 2025! 🎄✨
