Technologies

Welcome to the behind-the-scenes tour of how our Claws and Clamps come to life. If you love understanding how things are made, especially the clever bits of engineering behind them, you’re in the right place.

We use a range of advanced manufacturing technologies across our collections. Each method has its own strengths, limitations, and unique character, and each is chosen deliberately to deliver the best experience for its intended product.

Below, you’ll find an accessible overview of each process. No engineering degree required — just a sense of curiosity.

Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)

Used for: Cosplay Claws, Flesh Clamps, Scrotum Clamps, Labia Clamps (standard)

FDM is the most accessible form of 3D printing and one many hobbyists are familiar with. In simple terms, it works a bit like a precisely controlled hot glue gun: a thermoplastic filament is melted and laid down in thin lines, building the object layer by layer.

For our products, we print a robust engineering-grade blend of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PC (Polycarbonate). These materials offer significantly better strength, temperature resistance, and durability than hobby-grade plastics.

  • Material: ABS/PC engineering-grade thermoplastic

  • Method: Heated filament extruded through a fine nozzle

  • Layer height: ~200 microns

  • Why we use it: Strong, reliable parts with good cost efficiency

Some areas of the model require temporary support structures during printing. These are removed after printing as part of finishing.

FDM is ideal for functional parts where strength and accessibility matter. While the characteristic layer lines are visible on close inspection, the material performance is excellent — much better than biodegradable PLA, which degrades only under very specific industrial conditions and is not suitable for long-lasting products.

These days, our in‑house FDM printer is mostly our trusty sidekick for design development and prototyping. We keep the Cosplay Claws alive partly because they still have a following – and partly because they’re the little spark that started this whole adventure on Etsy. They’re our origin story in plastic form, and we still have a soft spot for them.

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FDM Claws with supports attached

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Used for: Premium Nylon Claws (all styles)

SLS is a more advanced, industry-grade process ideal for producing smooth, detailed, durable parts without the need for support structures.

In this method, a thin layer of powdered nylon (PA2200) is spread across a bed. A laser selectively fuses the particles together, building the object one precise layer at a time. Unfused powder surrounds and supports the part as it forms, so no extra support material is required.

  • Material: PA2200 nylon

  • Layer height: ~100 microns

  • Particle size: ~16 microns

  • Why we use it: Strength, precision, smooth finish, excellent wear resistance

The result is a beautifully smooth part with no visible layer lines and a soft, almost velvety touch. At a microscopic level, the surface holds tiny pores — part of what makes our Premium Nylon Claws feel the way they do.

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SLS Claw compared to FDM Claw

Stereolithography (SLA)

Used for: Crystal Claws

SLA is a light-based resin printing method, capable of extremely high detail and exceptionally smooth surfaces. For our Crystal Claws, we use a specialised dental-grade resin — chosen for its strength, clarity, biocompatibility profile, and surface quality.

A UV laser (or projected light pattern, depending on the machine) cures liquid resin one layer at a time, solidifying it into the finished part.

  • Material: High-grade dental resin

  • Why we use it: Exceptional clarity, smoothness, fine detail, strength suitable for our designs

  • Surface feel: Silky-smooth, with the ability to glow under UV light

SLA parts require support structures during printing, which are removed and carefully finished afterwards. The resulting parts have a glass-like smoothness and a beautifully clean look — perfect for the Crystal Claw aesthetic.

Direct Metal Laser Melting (DMLM)

Used for: Metal Claws (Aluminium & Titanium)

DMLM is one of the most sophisticated additive manufacturing methods available. Ultra-thin layers of metal powder are fully melted by a high-powered laser, creating parts with remarkable strength and precision.

This is the same process used for high-end engineering applications, including aerospace and medical components (though our Claws are not medical devices).

  • Materials: Aluminium or titanium

  • Method: Laser fully melts each layer of powder into solid metal

  • Why we use it: Outstanding strength, precision, and reliability

Each Claw is printed to shape, then optionally mechanically polished over many days. Metal Claws are created to last — a premium experience both visually and in sensation.

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DMLM in operation

Still Curious?

We love questions, especially the geeky ones. If there’s a detail you’d like to dive deeper into — materials, processes, machines, or future innovations — send us a message at ClawsandClamps@gmail.com.

We’re always happy to talk shop.