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HATCHBOX is at the forefront of a relatively new industry that has exploded in popularity In recent years… 3D printing. 3D printing is not only useful, it also has a difinite “cool” factor which is most likely the reason for it’s rambunctious growth. The variety of things you can make with a 3D printer is almost endless. Anything from guns, to guitars, to figurines, flutes, shoes, and medical models can be printed. Basically, if you can think it up and design it, you can print it.
To put it simply, 3D printers work by extruding molten plastic through a tiny nozzle that moves around under computer control. It starts by printing one layer, waits for the layer to dry, and then prints another layer on top. This process is repeated until, viola! You have…whatever it is you are trying to print.
The plastic that is used in this printing process is extremely important. It is referred to as filament, and it comes in rolls. This is where HATCHBOX comes in.
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Who Is HATCHBOX?
HATCHBOX was founded by a group of engineers. While we don’t know too much about them or the method behind how they do what they do, we know this…They have successfully created the most popular filament brand on the market today. They have thousands of positive reviews on Amazon and polls show their approval rating to be more than 99%.
HATCHBOX claims that part of their key to success if the fact that they test every product for a period of two years before they ever release it to the public. They also apparently “troll” user forums to gather feedback and then make adjustments accordingly. The fact that they are actively listening to their customers probably accounts for their high approval rating.
According to their own website, certain filaments are often out of stock due to the incredible demand for their products. The bottom line is, if you see something you like, get it while you can!
Why is HATCHBOX so popular? We think it’s a combination of affordability, quality, and selection. HATCHBOX keeps their products priced fairly so that the average person can afford them. They do this without skimping on quality however. We would consider all of their products to be professional grade. They claim a plus or minus 0.03-mm precision on all of their filaments. HATCHBOX also has an amazing selection of colors, which is a definite draw for consumers, and they offer free shipping on all US orders.
The HATCHBOX Commitment To Quality
HATCHBOX stands behind their products. In fact, they claim that customer satisfaction is their number one priority. Judging by their approval rating we would tend to agree with them.
To back up this claim, all HATCHBOX products are covered by a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you aren’t 100% happy with your purchase, they will replace it with no questions asked.
HATCHBOX'S Products
HATCHBOX carries a variety of products, from PLA, PPLA, and PLA Hybrids, to PETG, TPU, and Silk filaments. As previously mentioned, they often sell out of certain items, so don’t be surprised if you go on their site and don’t say any products listed under specific categories. If this happens, you can either look on their Amazon store, or simply check back at a later date.
Let’s take a closer look at each of HATCHBOX’s products.
Product Specs
PLA
$22.99 - $33.99 per 1kg spool
- Less Warping
- Odorless
- Eco-Friendly
PLA is short for Polylactic Acid, and is a commonly used thermoplastic material that does not require you to use a heated print bed. PLA is a very common choice among hobbyists and is great for small household print projects.
HATCHBOX blends a mix of polymers and plant-based materials in their PLA to make it more environmentally friendly. You can get it in a wide variety of colors and it comes in 1.75mm and 3.00mm with a dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.03mm.
HATCHBOX PLA is widely known for maintaining its vibrant colors, and giving you a beautiful glossy type finish. It is very easy to use and is extremely consistent.
Specs
PPLA
- Almost Zero Warping
- Matte Finish
- Eco-Friendly
PPLA stands for Performance Polylactic Acid. It is very much the same as PLA but contains additional upgraded polymers that give the finished product an even lower rate (almost zero) of warping. Also PPLA has a matte finish, whereas PLA has a glossy finish.
Specs
ABS
$21.99 - $49.99 per 1kg spool
- Prints At Higher Temp
- Tough & Durable
- Requires Less Manual Finishing
ABS, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Is tougher and more durable than PLA. It also has the highest level of dimensional accuracy. Since it is so durable and can withstand higher temperatures it can be used for fully functional models. This makes it one of the most popular filaments on the market today.
ABS will give your printed object a glossy finish.
Specs
PETG
$20.99
- Wider Processing Range
- Excellent Toughness & Clarity
- Great For Transparent Items
PETG stands for Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol – modified filament (what a mouthful). PETG is a great alternative to PLA and ABS filaments. It’s great for printing transparent or lightweight items due to its combination of toughness, clarity, and stiffness.
There are many customer reviews claiming how wonderfully PETG prints, with several claiming that it is their favorite filament.
Specs
TPU
- Great For Specialized Prints
- Soft & Malleable
- Withstands Oil & Grease
TPU, or Thermoplastic Polyurethane, is re-shaping the 3D printing industry. It is an elastic filament that is highly flexible and works great for a wide range of products. It’s is well know for it’s softness and malleability when heated and it’s hardness and structural integrity when cool.
TPU is a great way to add versatility to your printing. It has many different uses, and it’s notable that it is able to withstand oil and grease.
Specs
PLA & ABS GLOW
$22.99
- Glows In The Dark
- Bright, Long Glow
Hatchbox’s Glow filament is available in both PLA and ABS, and retains the qualities of each, respectively.
As the name states, the special characteristic of this filament is that it glows. It’s not going to stay glowing all night or anything, but it is fun to play with, and kids absolutely love it.
Specs
HATCHBOX SILK
$32.15
- Minimal Warping
- Beautiful Silk Shine
- Great For Prototypes & Models
Silk is just like a regular PLA filament but finishes with a beautiful silk shine. It has been very popular since its release and is often sold out.
Specs
HATCHBOX WOOD
$34.99
- Minimal Warping
- Made With Recycled Wood
- No Heating Bed Required
Wood is another PLA based filament that has been mixed with recycled wood particles. It gives the finished product a really cool wood finish, and can be sanded and stained like regular wood.
This product is also very popular and is often sold out.
Specs
3D Pen Filaments
$22.99
- 12 Color Samples
- Extremely Durable
- 20ft Per Color
Specs
Accessories
Hatchbox doesn’t carry a lot of accessories, but they do have a t-shirt wich sells for $19.99, which seems worth it if you are a Hatchbox fan.
Conclusion
Hatchbox might just be the most popular supplier of 3D printing filaments on the market today. They seem to have hit the correct balance between price and quality, and they have a huge selection. They offer tons of colors, as well as unique, fun items like Glow, Silk, and Wood.
The only downside is that Hatchbox became so popular, so quickly, that they often sell out of certain items. However, you can sometimes find items on Amazon that are currently sold out on their website.
Here at Product Review Hero we are big fans! If you are into 3D printing, you have to try Hatchbox.
