From Knick Knacks to the sPuttnik: How LiftOff3D Ended Up Making a Disc Golf Disc

Note: This post is a behind-the-scenes look at a disc-golf-related 3D printing project we’ve been experimenting with. Details may evolve as we iterate.

We didn’t start out planning to make disc golf gear. The idea came up the same way a lot of maker projects do: a conversation about what’s possible, followed by a “what if we try it?” moment. If we can print all kinds of functional objects, why not explore what a 3D-printed disc could look and feel like?

The Makers Behind the Mission

Lift Off 3D is rooted in the same hands-on approach we bring to everything we make: prototyping, tweaking, learning, and repeating. Disc golf is one of the hobbies that keeps inspiring new projects.

Eventually someone asked the question out loud.

Why are so few discs 3D printed?

3D-printed discs aren’t something you see every day. That made it an interesting space to experiment in—especially for rapid iteration and small-batch prototyping.

Experimenting Until Something Worked

We started experimenting with materials and print settings, and we tried different approaches to rim shape, flex, and weight. Some early prototypes were… not great. Others were more promising—and each iteration taught us what to change next.

Every test taught them something.
Every mistake pushed them closer to a real design.

The Birth of the sPuttnik

Out of those iterations came a prototype we’ve been calling the sPuttnik.

The name is a nod to early “first steps” projects. For us, it’s a marker that we’re taking the idea seriously enough to keep iterating on it.

Here’s what we’re exploring with 3D printing in disc design:

  • Geometry that can be tweaked quickly between iterations
  • Surface textures and patterns
  • Small-batch prototyping without tooling

This is still an experiment—but it’s been a fun one, and it’s taught us a lot.

A New Direction for Disc Golf

We’re not trying to replace traditional discs. We’re exploring a different lane—one that’s centered on experimentation and rapid prototyping.

The sPuttnik is only the start. With 3D printing, we can explore things like:

  • New flight plate ideas
  • Different rim stiffness levels
  • Resin and FDM hybrid blends
  • Limited edition runs
  • Player specific tuning

Disc golf has always been a sport built on experimentation. We’re just adding another way to explore new ideas.

Ready for Liftoff

The sPuttnik represents a project we’re actively iterating on—built from curiosity, patience, and a lot of trial and error.

If you’re curious about 3D printing and disc golf intersecting, keep an eye on the blog for future updates.