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3D-PrintingService.nl produces prototypes using the FDM technology.
Below you will find a number of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of our customers.
What is the process of making prototypes with the FDM technology?
What is the maximum size of the 3D prototypes which can be produced?
How are prototypes made which are completely solid inside?
How does 3D printing fit into the design process?
How durable are 3D prototypes which are made of ABSplus?
Which colors ABSplus are available for making 3D prototypes?
What are 3D CAD models and why we need them?
We don't have 3D CAD models, can you produce them for us?
Which 3D CAD file formats you will accept?
Our designs are confidential, how do you ensure the privacy of our projects?
What is the process of making prototypes with the FDM technology?
3D-PrintingService.nl uses the FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology for making 3D prototypes. This technology produces strong and functional 3D prototypes from the bottom up, one layer at a time, with durable ABSplus plastic to create Rapid Prototypes. ABSplus is 40% stronger than standaard ABS. STL files are imported into the FDM printing software which automatically plots a precise deposition path for the FDM printer to follow. ABSplus plastic is fed into an extrusion head, heated to a semi-liquid state and accurately deposited in thin layers. Organic and complex geometric shapes and models can be easily and quickly created using FDM Printing.
Flash video of the FDM process.
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What is the maximum size of the 3D prototypes which can be produced?
3D-PrintingService.nl can produce 3D prototypes made up in one piece to a maximum size of 254 x 254 x 305 mm (10" x 10" x 12"). Larger prototypes can be made by dividing the 3D models into smaller pieces which can be glued together afterwards, this glued connection is very strong. By using this technology the maximum size of the prototypes is unlimited.
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How are prototypes made which are completely solid inside?
3D models which are completely solid inside and don't have a wall thickness can be made using 2 possible methods:
- The outer part of the solid model is made of a solid wall with a thickness of 1,5 mm, the inner part of the solid model is filled with a honeycomb structure. In most cases this inner honeycomb structure gives enough strength to the prototype to perform fully functional tests. This method reduces the necessary quantity of material to build the prototype and so can reduce the final costs of the prototype.
This method of 3D printing is called: Sparse.
- The inner part of the solid model is completely filled with material, the result is a very strong prototype. The disadvantage of this method is that much material is required to build the prototype and this makes the prototype more expensive. When great forces are used during functional tests this method is advised.
This method of 3D printing is called: Solid.
Sparse (left) versus Solid (right).
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How does 3D printing fit into the design process?
Designers and Engineers using 3D CAD modeling programs can benefit from 3D prototypes produced by the FDM technology in several ways:
- Reducing time to Market - 3D prototypes help streamline design & development which can drastically reduce the time it takes to get products to the market place. The ease of use provides designers to fine tune their designs without expensive tooling charges using rapid prototypes.
- Generating Bottom-Line Savings - by enabling a highly collaborative and efficient design process, 3D prototypes have helped organizations significantly lower production costs, reduce expensive revisions late in the development cycle and ensure products' gross profit potential.
- Enhancing Communication and Collaboration - 3D prototypes provides functional plastic models which can be easily shared, refined, and improved. 3D Prototyping also allows designers to easily communicate a design's true features to key audiences, including management, marketing, vendors and customers. Selling ideas is easy when you can show rather than explain.
- Prove your designs and provide functional models to show product feasibility. Designs that would take weeks to machine can be built and refined easily with 3D prototypes to effectively demonstrate the value of designs.
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How durable are 3D prototypes which are made of ABSplus?
Unlike appearance rapid prototypes produced in weak materials, prototypes produced using the FDM technology provides parts built in ABSplus plastic have been used for functional and field tests, from wind tunnel testing to camera mounts on a M1A Bradley tank and a spray gun running at 60 PSI FDM parts strength depends on the geometry of the part but in general have about 80% of the strength of injection molded ABS. 3D prototypes made of ABSplus can also be grinded, milled, drilled, tapped, painted and also be chrome- and nickel plated.
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Which colors ABSplus are available for making 3D prototypes?
ABSplus is available in the colors are white, black, blue, yellow, red, green, orange and light gray. Other colors are available by special order.
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What are 3D CAD models and why we need them?
3D CAD models are needed to create 3D prototypes. 3D models are created in a CAD (Computer Aided Design) program which can be delivered by miscellaneous suppliers. Most CAD software can export decent .stl files which 3D-PrintingService.nl can use for producing the 3D prototypes.
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We don't have 3D CAD models, can you produce them for us?
3D-PrintingService.nl has the technological knowledge to help you in the creation of the 3D CAD models. Please contact us for the possibilities.
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Which 3D CAD file formats you will accept?
Stereolithography 3D files (.stl) are preferred, most CAD software can export to STL without problems. See our export page to help you. If it is impossible for you to export STL files we can convert other file formats (for example .sat .stp .xml) to STL files. Pre-processing charges may apply to formats other than .stl files.
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Our designs are confidential, how do you ensure the privacy of our projects?
Customer confidentially is essential to the prototyping process, and we take it very seriously. All of our customers are covered by our non-disclosure agreement which can be found here: Privacy Statement.
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