Skip to content

Our Manufacturing Process

We don't outsource. We don't mass-produce.

3D Printing Process at Atelier Reel - Cup Holders

Human design. Built by bots.

Every Atelier Reel creation is printed, assembled, and shipped from our studio in Stockholm, Sweden — no middlemen, no factories, no overproduction. This is what we call hyper-local production.

Our method is additive manufacturing (3D printing), which means we build things up — layer by layer — rather than cutting things away or molding them from stock. Imagine a very controlled, very intentional hot glue gun drawing in three dimensions. Each layer builds on the last, until a full form emerges. That gives us precision, flexibility, and near-zero material waste.

Design Philosophy

  • We design for 3D printing, and our forms celebrate the process that made them.
  • We don't try to make our products look mass-produced. We embrace the qualities of this method to shape something different — something with rhythm, movement, and soul.
  • We design with intention. Every curve, every texture, every layer has a reason to be there. No added fuss.
CAD drawing of the Atelier Reel Flower Cup Holder for Cybex Priam strollers

3D printing

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a modern method of creating physical objects by building them layer by layer. At Atelier Reel, it's not just a technique — it's the foundation of how we bring ideas to life with less waste, more intention, and a uniquely textured aesthetic.

Unlike traditional manufacturing, which often involves cutting away excess material or using expensive molds, 3D printing allows us to print exactly what we need — no more, no less.

How we use 3D Printing at Atelier Reel
Every Atelier Reel creation is designed and 3D printed in-house, using carefully selected PLA and PETG filaments (many of them recycled). This approach gives us the freedom to:

  • Rapidly prototype and improve designs
  • Reduce material waste
  • Avoid mass production and overstock
  • Create complex, organic shapes that would be impossible with traditional molds
  • Bring new objects into the world more responsibly and efficiently

Because we print everything ourselves, we can go from idea → object → shipped to your door in just a few days. That's a dramatically shorter timeline than traditional factory production — and with much more control.
Why 3D printing matters
3D printing is transforming how we make — and think about — products. For independent designers like us, it means:

  • Less environmental impact (no mass production, less shipping, reduced waste)
  • Faster, more responsive production (we tweak, print, test, and iterate instantly)
  • More design freedom (print any shape, curve, or texture we imagine)
  • Hyper-local manufacturing (enabled small-batch, on-demand production)

It's also a way to celebrate the beauty of imperfection. Those subtle lines you see in our products? They're part of the process — like brushstrokes in a painting — and they remind you: this object was made, layer by layer, with care.
Fun fact: A short history of 3D printing
The first 3D printer was invented in 1984 by Chuck Hull — but it wasn't until the early 2000s, when key patents expired, that the technology became widely accessible. A passionate open-source community helped turn 3D printing into a global movement — and now, anyone with a desktop printer and a vision can start creating.

At Atelier Reel, we're proud to be part of that legacy: using the power of accessible design to craft small-batch, meaningful objects to enrich everyday life.

Materials

We 3D print all our designs using PLA and PETG filaments — both known for their strength, versatility, and lower environmental impact compared to traditional plastics. Read more about our material choices.

Wherever possible, we choose recycled versions of these materials. They offer the same high performance, with a much smaller footprint.

We wrote about our material choices in detail: PLA vs PETG: How We Choose.

Because some forms or finishes require different technical qualities, we sometimes use a mix of both recycled and virgin (non-recycled) filaments, depending on what's best for the design. But sustainability is always part of the decision.

PLA
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a plant-based plastic made from renewable crops like corn. We source recycled PLA whenever we can — it's already been given a second life, and it's biodegradable under the right conditions.

  • 🌽 Plant-derived (our batch is corn-based)
  • ♻️ Recycled and recyclable
  • ⚡ Uses significantly less energy than petroleum-based plastics
  • 🍂 Biodegradable via composting or incineration
  • 🌾 Can be blended with materials like wood or coffee grounds for unique finishes
PETG
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is a strong, flexible material ideal for parts that need durability or clarity. The recycled version allows us to reduce raw plastic use without compromising quality.

  • 🔄 Recyclable and often made from recycled post-consumer plastic
  • 🧪 Glycol-modified to reduce clouding and overheating during printing
  • 💪 Great for strong structural elements and precise detail
  • 🦄 Magical glass-like translucent capabilities for a beautiful object
Why we still use some non-recycled filament
Not all forms can be made from recycled material — at least not yet. Certain colors, finishes, or technical needs require us to use virgin PLA or PETG. When we do, it's for a clear reason, not convenience. And we still design and produce in ways that minimize waste from start to finish.

Atelier Reel exists at the intersection of sustainability and design — and that includes being transparent about where we are, and where we're going.
About Atelier Reel Explore Products