My Journey Inventing TampLite™ with FreeCAD and 3D Printing

Hello fellow ritualists and makers!

I’m Cruz Morales, and today I want to share a story I haven’t fully told before — the origin of TampLite™, a brand born from my own frustration and a deep dive into design and fabrication.

The Harsh Truth: Why My Sessions Were So… Uncomfortable

For years, my herbal rituals ended up with harsh hits and lots of coughing. Like many of you, I experienced sessions that burned too hot, wasted product, and just felt uncomfortable. Uneven airflow made it hard to get that smooth, cool, and consistent draw I wanted. I knew there had to be a better way.

A Problem That Sparked a Passion: Learning to Build in Public

If I craved a cleaner, more intentional, and beautiful session, chances are you did too. But how do you create a solution when you don’t have a formal design or manufacturing background? I decided to teach myself.

I dove into FreeCAD, an open-source 3D modeling software, and started learning the ropes of 3D printing. There were tons of trial and error, failed prints, and frustrating moments. But every mistake was a lesson that pushed me closer to the answer. I got hooked — I physically couldn’t stop designing.

The Birth of TampLite™: Minimal. Beautiful. Functional. Meaningful.

My goal was simple yet ambitious: to design a tool that transforms preparing a session from a mundane task into a mindful, intentional ritual. TampLite™ had to be Minimal in its form, Beautiful in its aesthetics, and Functional in every detail — but it also needed to carry deeper meaning.

After countless iterations and refinements, TampLite™ came to life. At first glance, it’s a sleek, heat-resistant lighter case designed to snugly fit standard Bic or Clipper lighters. But TampLite™ is so much more than a case — it integrates a built-in carb and tamping tool, enabling you to pack, light, and cover your bowl in one seamless, fluid motion. This integration is about elevating flow and rhythm, echoing the natural cadence of your session.

Design Features That Matter:

  • Heat-resistant PETG plastic combined with sturdy stainless steel tamping components creates a product that’s not only durable and washable but also lightweight and comfortable to hold. Weighing just about 7 grams, it’s easy to carry and eco-conscious with recyclable materials.

  • Stainless Steel Nibs along the body aren’t just ergonomic. The larger one represents the sun, the smaller one represents the moon, and the nib on top represents a mountain. They symbolize connection and balance — reflecting how each part of your ritual links together, creating harmony between utility and experience. 

  • Ergonomic cylindrical shape crafted for natural grip, inspired by the flow of movement and ease, so your hands and fingers can move intuitively without strain or fuss.

  • Color symbolism runs deep: our vibrant Rainbow Pride gradient honors inclusivity and celebration of identity, while the Glitter Galaxy finish evokes the cosmic wonder of exploration and discovery — much like the session itself, a journey inward and outward.

How TampLite™ Solves My Biggest Problems:

  • Protects your fingers from flame — no more accidental burns, so you can focus on the moment without worry.

  • Ensures smoother, cooler, and more even airflow — by perfecting your pack and taming your heat, it cuts down on harsh hits and wasted flower, delivering clean, consistent draws every time.

  • Built to last and easy to maintain — with materials that resist wear and tear, are easy to clean, and uphold their form and function session after session.

Every TampLite™ is proudly 3D printed in Madison, WI, blending small-batch craftsmanship with modern innovation. This local production allows us to maintain exceptional quality control, push the boundaries of sustainable manufacturing, and continually explore fresh, meaningful colorways that speak to our community and their unique rituals.

Beyond a Tool: Ritual, Not Routine

For me, smoking isn’t just a habit — it’s a moment of reset, a breath, a pause. TampLite™ is made to honor that moment. It’s about more than lighting up; it’s about making every detail count so your setup looks clean, feels clean, and stands out.

This journey — from a simple problem to a tangible product — has been incredibly rewarding, and it’s just the beginning. We’re building TampLite™ for everyone who craves meaning in their everyday rituals.

Join the Movement!

If you’re ready to upgrade your session and experience the TampLite™ difference, check out our collection at tamplite.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts and what your ideal ritual looks like! Your feedback helps us grow and create what’s next.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

With intention,
Cruz Morales
Founder, TampLite™
Instagram: @tamplite_com
TikTok: @tamplite.com

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