Ever happened, your dear one’s birthday is around the corner, and you are still clueless about their gift? In the eleventh hour, getting them a pendant necklace, perfumes, or even restaurant gift cards may seem like the best choice. But the real question is, are these items conveying your admiration and fondness for them? We all want our gifts to be unforgettable or something that instantly makes our loved ones think about us.
For this reason, many are opting to customize their gifts. Be it by going for print on demand greeting cards with a customized message or getting them a handcrafted gift that’s unique in its way. For instance, a 3D-printed custom card looks lively and something straight out of imagination. So whenever your loved ones look at it, they are bound to appreciate your thoughtfulness and knack for making them feel special.
Here are all the reasons you must consider customizing your gift with 3D technology:
1. Freedom to Experiment
We sometimes wish something was a certain way. Options like print on demand and 3D printing just offer that convenience. Since the models are developed from scratch after an outline has been finalized, there’s ample creative freedom to experiment by juxtaposing your ideas with existing ones or creating your own designs.
The biggest reason this works wonders for gifting is that customization reflects the nature and depth of your bond with your dear one. So whether you have wanted to print your favorite character on a greeting card or get a pop-up card for the same, these customization options can turn your bone for experimenting into reality.
2. No Design Limitations
The good thing about customized printing options is that there are no restrictions on the designs you aspire to create. Whether it's a simplistic design that is made by combining fewer elements or an intricate pattern that combines multiple art formats together.
With print-on-demand, it can become easier to print gift cards that do not need an elevation for the design feature to be seen, whereas a 3D printer allows for greater depth, allowing a broader perception of the print.
As a result, you can either choose to create a personalized figurine or opt for a wide selection of printed goods depending on your loved one’s preference. At the same time, it is worth keeping in mind that both printing styles have their limitations.
For instance, the print on demand outcome will be 2D, which may not capture impeccable details of the designs. On the other hand, there’s always a risk of the 3D print not coming out the way you had imagined it to be.
3. Quality and Detail
Printing your own gift allows you to take control of the extent of details you want and the quality of material that will be used to make the item. In the case of print on demand, the quality of paint used is meant to last against everyday wear and tear.
Besides, the details are often true to the initial outline, ensuring there are no inconsistencies in the finalized design and the outcome. In the case of 3D printing, the use of biodegradable materials like polylactic acid (PLA) is on the rise due to the ease of recycling and reuse feasibility it provides.
But this material is not the only option, and you can experiment with different materials depending on device compatibility and the malleability of the material being used.
4. Flexibility with Dimensions
Whether you want a miniature design that can be carried everywhere or want it made into a life-size model, today’s printing methods can bring all ideas to life in no time.
Take, for instance, print on demand; the printing can be done on a mug, t-shirt, or even canvas, allowing you to transfer your ideas into any shape or size.
With 3D printing, the models made can be as small as a mini boat or even a statue that can be kept at home as a decor piece. Such flexibility allows individuals to create gifts that last years.
5. Functionality
Gifts that can be used more than once or twice offer a sense of relief to the recipient. With print on demand, it becomes easier to add your personal touch to anything, be it a mug, a phone case, or even a cap. Such gifts make great momentos that hold immense value for many people.
3D printing, on the other hand, allows you to create an article that can be put to physical use on an everyday basis. For instance, a 3D-printed greeting card can be used as a home decoration item, and a printed mug can be used to drink coffee daily.
The possibilities definitely become endless when customization is involved. It also allows you to fulfill a wish of theirs that was randomly mentioned during a conversation, giving your gift a more emotional and valuable touch.
6. Material Selection
Different materials offer a spectrum of strengths, durability, and aesthetic value to the gift. Because of this, choosing the right material is immensely important. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), Stereolithography (SLA), and Polycarbonate are popular materials used for 3D printing due to their robust strength, versatility, and ability to take any shape.
If you are looking for a natural and biodegradable option, then PLA (polylactic acid) as a printing material would be excellent. It is made from ingredients like cornstarch or sugarcane, making the byproduct ideal if your dear ones love eco-friendly gifts.
Print-on-demand services, on the other hand, usually use various eco-friendly materials, ensuring the gift you surprise your loved one with can withstand everyday use without breaking down.
7. One of a Kind Gift
No matter how many stores or websites you visit, the unique charm of customized gifts is unmatched. Even if it is a custom-printed greeting card or a 3D model representing the occasion, the happiness from such thoughtful gifts is truly priceless.
Make sure you are not limiting yourself and are experimenting with your ideas when working on the design or outline. Avoid too many intricate details and color variations if you are on a time crunch, as they may increase room for error and eventually make the process more time-consuming.
Bottomline
From deciding on the dimensions of the article to selecting a robust material, the freedom to add your personal touch to each step makes the process even more delightful and meaningful. Make sure that you opt for a dependable and reliable brand for your printing needs to ensure you are getting the highest quality of products for your loved ones.
Aleena (Author)
