Essential Tips for Safe & Durable 3D Printed Reptile Accessories.

As 3D-printed reptile accessories continue to gain popularity, it’s essential to understand how to choose and care for them properly. Whether you’re a reptile enthusiast who buys from Wild West Wigglers, another retailer, or you print your own accessories, knowing what to look for and how to maintain these items is crucial to ensure the safety of your animals.

What Should You Look for in 3D Printed Reptile Accessories?

When selecting 3D-printed accessories for your reptile’s terrarium, the material used is key. If your setup includes a heat source like a heat mat or overhead lamp, you should avoid items made with PLA filament. PLA is the most common and affordable filament, but it doesn’t hold up well in environments where heat is present. It’s prone to warping and melting, which could potentially harm your reptiles.

Instead, opt for accessories made with PETG or PETG-CF filament. These materials are durable, food-safe, and heat-resistant, making them ideal for use in a terrarium. Unlike PLA, PETG and PETG-CF won’t warp or melt, so you can rest assured that your reptiles are safe in their environment.

How to Care for Your 3D Printed Accessories

Proper maintenance of your 3D-printed accessories is essential to keeping your reptiles healthy. It’s recommended that water bowls be cleaned by hand at least once a week. Use Dawn dish soap and an electric scrubber to get into all the cracks and crevices, ensuring a thorough clean. Hides should be removed from the terrarium and washed by hand at least once a month. If handwashing isn’t your preference, you can also soak the hides in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and treated water.

One important tip to remember: do not put your 3D-printed accessories in the dishwasher. Even the more durable PETG and PETG-CF filaments may warp after several cycles, which could compromise the safety and integrity of the accessory.

At Wild West Wigglers, we prioritize the safety and well-being of all reptiles, and that extends to the products we sell. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your 3D-printed accessories are safe and well-maintained, providing a yeehaw environment for your cowboys.