About us
Matter Labs is a small, dedicated team of scientists, engineers, and designers passionate about creating high-quality, functional 3D-printed products that enhance your home, health, and hobbies.
Founded by two Australian researchers with expertise in natural systems, urban environmental quality, and sustainable infrastructure, we specialise in designing and testing products that are both practical and accessible for everyday consumers.
We began with 3D-printed aquarium products—crafted to enrich the quality of life of aquatic inhabitants whilst enhancing the beauty and functionality of home aquariums.
But this is just the beginning. As we continue to merge research with consumer innovation, our upcoming projects will expand into new areas, reimagining what’s possible for everyday modern living.
Follow us on our journey to innovate on Instagram.
FAQs
What products do you sell?
Currently we sell 3D-printed aquarium products only, however Matter Labs has several prototypes under development and will expand into other areas in the future - watch this space!
Where do your designs come from?
All of our products are carefully designed and tested in-house to ensure they fulfill their intended function and meet our strict quality control requirements.
Do you make custom orders?
Yes, we can do this one of two ways:
1) Supply us with the digital model file, and we will print, package and ship it to you
2) Work with us to develop or modify a digital model file to create something unique to you, and we will print, package and ship you both the product and the digital file
What material are your products made of?
Our products are made from PLA filament or “polylactic acid”, which is a food-safe, bio-based polymer made from renewable sources like corn and sugar cane.
Compared with conventional plastics that take hundreds of years to degrade, PLA degrades over several weeks in an industrial composter, so you can feel good about your eco-friendly purchase!
Do you print in materials other than PLA?
Our current aquarium range is printed exclusively in PLA due to its wide adoption amongst aquarists, its sustainability, and its excellent printing properties.
However, if you require a different material such as PETG or ABS (stronger with optional transparency), please enquire using the email form below.
If PLA is biodegradable, will it decompose in my tank?
Not quite, such rapid rates of degradation require three specific conditions that are found in industrial composting:
(1) high temperatures (≥58 °C)
(2) high humidity (>60%)
(3) thermophilic bacteria
In a non-industrial setting, degradation takes at least ~80 years, and current studies show that it remains stable for many years before it starts the decomposition process.
That being said, salt is a natural abrasive. So if you have a high-temperature marine tank and are concerned about degradation, we recommend sealing your product with aquarium-safe sealant like epoxy resin or silicone.
See our products in-store
Matter Labs products are currently stocked at the following locations:
Pet Destination
1/320 Olsen Ave, Parkwood 4214, QLD
Contact us
Need more information or want to discuss custom projects?
Share your details and let’s build something extraordinary together.
Email us by filling out the form below, or send us a direct message on Instagram