August’s Part of the Month comes to us from Product Support Manager, Max Semko. For Max, the choice was a no-brainer. Let’s take a look at what he picked.
Level Up Your Ping Pong Game with a 3D Printed Paddle
Let’s talk ping pong. Specifically, a 3D printed paddle that doesn’t just look cool, but actually helps you play better. This paddle is no ordinary piece of plastic. Thanks to a clever combo of ToughOne and Agilus (with a splash of Vero for color), we created a paddle that’s heavier, soft where it needs to be, and surprisingly effective at sharpening your skills.
Why Heavier is Better
The 3D printed paddle is noticeably heavier than a standard paddle – on purpose. At first, that might seem intimidating. But it turns out training with extra weight actually works in your favor. It strengthens your muscles, sharpens your reaction time, and makes your regular paddle feel like a breeze to use afterward.
Just ask Max, our unofficial office ping pong champion. I asked him why this part is his favorite, and he answered, “It’s a practical tool that we use in our ping pong games.”
Since switching to this heavier paddle for practice, Max has been on a five-game winning streak. He says he plays way better now, and we believe him.
Built to Perform
This paddle isn’t a gimmick. It’s a fully functional part, printed in just five hours on the Stratasys J850. That means precision, detail, and a showcase of what multi-material 3D printing can really do.
We used ToughOne for a strong, rigid core, Agilus for the soft overmold, which comes in at a Shore 30 value thanks to the addition of a little Vero.
The result is a paddle that feels great in the hand, holds up to intense matches, and shows off the serious capabilities of PolyJet printing. And at Purple, we take ping pong seriously.
Quick Recap
What Is It: A 3D printed ping pong paddle with Shore 30 overmolding.
Why It Works: Heavier paddle improves reflexes and muscle memory.
How It Was Made: Printed in five hours on a Stratasys J850 using ToughOne, Agilus, and Vero.
Who’s Using It: Max, our ping pong superstar.
What It Proves: PolyJet materials can do more than look good—they perform.
So, if you’re looking to up your ping pong game, or just want to show off what 3D printing can really do, this paddle might just be your new favorite part too.
“Anyone up for a match?” – Max
Meet Max Semko
Max not only manages the daily operations of our Field Service department, but he has a wide range of responsibilities, from selling ProtoMAX and Roland DG desktop CNC mills to machine maintenance services. What Max enjoys most about working at Purple is our team. “One of the things I enjoy most is the feeling of this closely-knit family and the sense of camaraderie in the Purple office.”
Out of the office, Max enjoys seasonal outdoor activities. He likes to go camping and engaging in off-road desert activities in the fall, snowboarding in the winter, and snorkeling in the summer. If you haven’t had the chance to meet Max, make sure to stop by the office or connect with him on LinkedIn!
