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3D printing is an essential tool for accelerating the prototyping process. However, its applications stretch well beyond prototyping to other facets of the product lifecycle.
• Manufacturing – Design freedom and economically viable low-to-mid-volume production enable new possibilities for product design and operational improvement. Applied in combination, these two capabilities have the potential to transform decades-old supply chains and business models.
• Tooling – 3D printed tooling advantages include on-demand production, customization, digitization of designs and unrestrained design flexibility. This cuts out costly suppliers, compresses lead times, enables digital warehousing and accelerates manufacturing floor productivity.
• Sales and Retail – 3D printing gives retailers the ability to innovate, delivering highly customized, on-demand products and new experiences such as “co-designed” items developed in conjunction with the customers.
• Aftermarket Supply – Businesses that embrace 3D printing for spare and replacement parts can replace warehouses of spare parts with 3D printers or a contract 3D printing service bureau to produce parts on a just-in-time basis.
3D printing accelerates the process by reducing the time and cost associated with prototyping and refining the design. Many more 3D printed prototypes can be produced in the time needed to mold or machine them and for much less cost. Highly realistic prototypes printed on full-color multi-material printers look like the final product, cultivating faster and better decisions.
3D printing gives designers the capability to drastically shorten the design process compared to traditional methods of hand-modeling or outsourcing to model shops.
Keep the design process entirely in-house. With 3D printing, designers gain full control over the design process. Creating models in-house saves the time associated with outsourcing. More timeline flexibility empowers designers to try new ideas and iterate often, resulting in better products that stand out.
Prototype faster and smarter. Outsourcing is often too expensive and time-consuming to allow iteration of more detailed prototypes, especially models that incorporate CMF (color-material-finish). The speed and streamlined workflow of 3D printing gives designers the freedom to create dozens of detailed prototypes while reducing the time to arrive at the optimal design.
Create beautiful, highly detailed models. With full-color, multimaterial printing, designers can create prototypes that look, feel, and even function like the real thing in just a few hours. The ability to assess the color, texture, and ergonomics of a product means better feedback and faster approval from clients.
3D printing is not a wholesale replacement for existing manufacturing methods like molding and machining. Its benefit lies in supplementing these other technologies at points where they can’t compete. For example, 3D printing’s additive nature is able to make structures that aren’t possible with machining or molding. It also makes low- to mid-volume production economically viable because there’s no need for the tooling investment. Similarly, it’s much faster to get started, which is why GM turned to 3D printing to retool its production line to produce ventilators in the pandemic. In short, 3D printing is another tool in the toolbox, but one that offers key benefits over traditional manufacturing practices when used strategically.
Contracting with a service bureau to make your 3D printed parts is a good way to get introduced to the benefits of the technology. You gain the expertise and insight of a 3D printing specialist who can possibly guide you in optimizing the use of the technology for your specific purposes. Your out-of-pocket expenses are usually lower initially since you avoid the up-front expense associated with a printer purchase.
Additive manufacturing shows promise for the defense, energy, aerospace, medical and commercial sectors. Its alternative approach to machining, forging, molding and casting makes it a good choice for rapidly making highly customized parts. The technology also shows promise for creating parts on site, such as at forward-stationed military bases. Because of its potential, many companies are using the technology to get themselves into a position to use it. The growing field of companies using the technology includes makers of machine parts and novelty items.
We’ve been in the business of helping customers solve problems for over 8 years with our 3D printing solutions. We can help you determine what technology is right for your application, whether a printer or a service bureau is more appropriate, as well as answer any questions you might have.
Yes, lots of different companies across a range of industries use additive manufacturing, including the medical industry, aerospace and more. Additive manufacturing is particularly useful for making complex or bespoke parts – whether for a new application or to replace an old part that may no longer be available.
The printing time takes in a few factors, including the size of the part and the settings used for printing. The quality of the finished part is also important when determining printing time as higher quality items take longer to produce. AM can take anything from a few minutes to several hours or days – speed, resolution and the volume of the material are all important factors here.
Get 3D design files in the choice of formats like STL/ IGS/ STP/Part/ Obj etc which can be used for 3D Printing/ Molds and other applications. For rendering, we share high quality jpeg images.
We can comment on the same, only after going through the source design.
We can repair your 3D design file by correcting the mesh or by adding details or checking for non-printable areas and provide the required STL file ready for 3D printing in any of the technologies – SLS/ FDM/ SLA/ PJP/ MJP or more.
We attach utmost importance to customer data. For each project, we sign an NDA confidentiality form and on top we keep customer data very secure.
The inputs that you can give are rough ideas scribbled on a paper, any physical component, reference models of components and images.
When you upload your 3D file in certain formats, for instance .obj, you should include colours, textures and the 3D model in a .zip archive. To upload your 3D model to the site, you can send the texture files like .VRML, .ZBD, .FBX files by .zipping from your computer.
When you upload a design to our gallery, you may find that some geometric issues prevent it from being built without modifications. The most common reason is that the design does not unambiguously represent a solid object. Another possibility is that some parts are too thin to be synthesized. Many 3D software modelling tools currently available focus on creating models for rendering and animation. Most of the time, this type of software does not require the object to be solid and only represents its surface. This information is sometimes insufficient to reconstruct a solid object solely based on the 3D design. If possible, our software tools will attempt to automatically fix the design. However, some issues require manual editing by the designer.
3D Scanning is the fast and accurate process of using a 3D scanner to convert physical objects into digital 3D data (in the most basic terms, it quickly and accurately gets your part into the computer). These scanners capture XYZ coordinates of millions of points all over an object to recreate it digitally.
3D Scanning saves money and especially time at every point of the manufacturing process, anywhere from design to production.
Generally no. Almost any material lends itself to 3D Scanning. Although 3D laser scanners can have trouble with black, translucent or reflective objects (for obvious reasons), these objects can either be sprayed with a flat white talc powder or can be scanned with a different type of 3D scanner. It would be an extremely rare case if we could not scan an object because of its material.
Absolutely not. The lasers used in 3D laser scanning will not damage parts, and are even safe for your eyes.
Our average 3D scanners are accurate to +/- 50 microns, or .002 in (two thousandths of an inch) for any point in space’s xyz coordinate. This is generally more than enough accuracy to cover the needs of almost all 3D scanning projects. If greater accuracy is required, we have options that use specialized 3D scanners which can provide finer scan data.
Yes. While 3D scanners do not directly output parametric data, our experienced engineers can reverse engineer fully parametric models based on the 3D scan data.
3D scanning initially creates an output that is inherently different from what CAD programs understand. CAD programs use mathematics to define a shape and control its behavior. 3D scanners output a collection of points (a point cloud) which are measured from the object using xyz-coordinates. While this collection of points digitally visualizes the physical shape of an object, there is no mathematical relationship between the individual points. These 3D scanning software packages allow for the vital conversion of the point clouds into mathematical data that CAD programs can understand. While some manufacturing processes can work with point data (SLA, and some CAM/machining), most cases require mathematical data for the file to be usable.
Generally, you can scan all visible not-too-shiny surfaces that do not move for at least a few seconds of scanning time. The 3D scanner range we offer can scan an object size of 60-500 mm, but can be adapted for scanning small objects with fine details or larger object like a car engine.
The best objects to scan with this 3D scanner are:
Start calibrating with the mid-point and then calibrate smaller or larger sizes. It’s easier to calibrate this way.
.STL, .OBJ, .IGES, .STEP file formats can be exported.
Batch production is a method whereby the components of an item are produced in separate stages on separate machines to create different batches of products. Using CNC machines for batch production can streamline the workflow because of the reliability, accuracy, and speed of CNC-based manufacturing.
There are basically five different types of CNC machines:
CNC mills come in 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis configurations
Milling is suitable for many different features, including threading, chamfering, slotting, etc. This allows for producing complex designs on a single CNC milling centre with enviable accuracy. The tolerances for CNC machining are around +/- 0.1 mm.
The creation of these aforementioned features requires a variety of different milling operations:
Tool offset refers to the allowance made by a milling machine to design the cutting tool and shift its position. It ensures the CNC machine is operating on the right part of the workpiece.
1. Cost Efficient
80% of aspect and mechanical parts can be CNC milled within minutes or even seconds by optimizing the tool paths and using special cutting tools. With automation set up, CNC milling is super cost-efficient for mass production comparing with additive manufacturing in most of the cases.
2. Materials & Finishes Options
Besides of fast turnaround time, various type and spec of the plastic, metal block are available for milling, and different type of surface finishing is available for CNC milling parts, such as painting, anodizing and chroming. It’s great a combination of function and aspect.
3. Unlock Complexity
Because the cutting tool of a milling machine can approach the workpiece from several different angles, it is possible to create complex shapes CNC parts, with more axis, we can create parts of greater complexity. If a CNC project demands an irregular shape, milling is often the best bet.
While potentially any solid, stable material can be milled, we have a standard selection of raw material including hard plastics and aluminum, various steels, titanium, magnesium, brass, copper and other alloys.
Note that some hardened steels may be too hard to CNC machine, or else would require specialty cutting tools and longer processing times. Soft elastomers or plastics may also be impossible to mill since they cannot be held in a fixed position or would change in shape under the pressure of the cutting tool.
Currently we can handle machined parts up to 850 x 510 x 510 mm.
Turning capabilities of up to 380 mm in diameter.
While potentially any solid, stable material can be turned, we work with hard plastic and metals such as aluminum, many kinds of mild and stainless steel, titanium, magnesium, brass, copper and other alloys. Note that some tool steel may be too hard to cut on a lathe or mill or else will require special treatment and a longer production time. Soft elastomers or plastics may also be impossible to turn since they cannot be held in a fixed position or would change in shape under the pressure of the cutting tool.
Common tolerances for CNC turning services are .005 inches. In many cases, tolerances of +/- .0005 are possible.
Rough turning removes as much material as possible without a focus on accuracy and surface finish, getting the workpiece close to the desired shape. Finish turning “finishes” the process, producing the desired smoothness and accuracy.
We serve the medical, aerospace, oil and gas, energy industries, and others.
Injection molding is a manufacturing process for producing parts by injecting molten material into a mold. Material for the part is fed into a heated barrel, mixed and injected into a mold cavity where it cools and hardens to the configuration of the cavity.
Injection molding gives a very good quality finish. Using injection molding ensures parts manufactured hardly require any work after the production. This is because the parts have more or less a finished appearance after they are ejected from the injection molds. Today, plastic injection molding is an environment-friendly process.
Rotational molding, rotomolding, rotomold or rotocasting is a production process to form hollow parts of limitless size. This is a cost-effective method to produce large plastic parts. Resins are added into a mold that’s heated and rotated slowly, both vertically and horizontally.
A back pressure is the pressure in an injection molding machine that is exerted by the material when the material is injected into the mold.
Different plastics used for injection molding are:
A core is a device used in casting and molding processes to produce internal cavities and re entrant angles. The cycle begins when the mold closes, followed by the injection of the polymer into the mold cavity.
Injection molds have to undergo lot of clamping force, stress and undue pressure due to continuous molding process and frequent temperature changes. To withstand such forces, injection molds are made of high strength metals, namely tool steel, aluminum, stainless steel and so on.
The whole injection molding process usual lasts from 2 seconds to 2 minutes. There are four stages in the cycle. These stages are the clamping, injection, cooling and ejection stages.
A vacuum casting machine uses a vacuum to suck the molten metal into the mold. A force is needed to overcome the surface tension of the molten metal. The centrifugal machine must be securely bolted to a level surface with a protective fence around it. A metal washtub or a drum from a clothes dryer can be used.
The advantages of casting include: A very smooth surface finish. The ability to cast complex shapes with thin walls. The capacity for forming large parts with less expense than other processes, such as investment casting.
Vacuum casting or vacuum duplication involves injecting a resin into a silicone mould. Because of its cost and deadline, this method is most suited to pre-series, with a faithful reproduction of the original model and a result close to the end result in the “right material”. Vacuum casting technology is recommended for the production of around ten to one hundred parts for mechanical or visual tests.
You can get at least 20 shots out of a silicon mold. After 20 shot, the vacuum casted mold starts to decrease in quality.
It can be molded into finished product by application of heat and pressure.
Vacuum casting results in significant economies of scale. It is recommend to use this prototyping technology for quantities exceeding ten pieces. From this number, the cost of creating the silicone tooling is paid off and the technology of vacuum casting generally becomes more attractive than CNC machining. The tooling consists of a master part and a mould. The economies of scale generally reach their maximum from 100 to 200 prototypes. Beyond this quantity, it is recommended to design an injection mold from aluminum or steel.
Fundamental driver for outsourcing CAD services is the same as that for any other business process outsourcing. Outsourcing is done if the company doesn’t have core competency in CAD services, if the company has an one-off requirement and doesn’t want a full time employee, if the company wants to bring down the cost by outsourcing non-core activities and focus only on core activities. Any of these reasons can propel the company to outsource CAD services. From our experience, outsourcing the CAD services will result in much better quality output and 30% – 40% lower cost to the company.
Hoping that you have decided to outsource you CAD modeling services, one fundamental reason to choose think3D over other CAD modeling services is our expertise in CAD modeling. We have a highly specialized team that can delivery high quality CAD models within the stipulated time period. As we work with customers from various industries, we have clear idea of customer requirement and deliver output accordingly.
Fundamental driver for outsourcing CAD services is the same as that for any other business process outsourcing. Outsourcing is done if the company doesn’t have core competency in CAD services, if the company has an one-off requirement and doesn’t want a full time employee, if the company wants to bring down the cost by outsourcing non-core activities and focus only on core activities. Any of these reasons can propel the company to outsource CAD services. From our experience, outsourcing the CAD services will result in much better quality output and 30% – 40% lower cost to the company.
Hoping that you have decided to outsource you CAD modeling services, one fundamental reason to choose think3D over other CAD modeling services is our expertise in CAD modeling. We have a highly specialized team that can delivery high quality CAD models within the stipulated time period. As we work with customers from various industries, we have clear idea of customer requirement and deliver output accordingly.
Hoping that you have decided to outsource you CAD modeling services, one fundamental reason to choose think3D over other CAD modeling services is our expertise in CAD modeling. We have a highly specialized team that can delivery high quality CAD models within the stipulated time period. As we work with customers from various industries, we have clear idea of customer requirement and deliver output accordingly.
Hoping that you have decided to outsource you CAD modeling services, one fundamental reason to choose think3D over other CAD modeling services is our expertise in CAD modeling. We have a highly specialized team that can delivery high quality CAD models within the stipulated time period. As we work with customers from various industries, we have clear idea of customer requirement and deliver output accordingly.
Hoping that you have decided to outsource you CAD modeling services, one fundamental reason to choose think3D over other CAD modeling services is our expertise in CAD modeling. We have a highly specialized team that can delivery high quality CAD models within the stipulated time period. As we work with customers from various industries, we have clear idea of customer requirement and deliver output accordingly.
Fundamental driver for outsourcing CAD services is the same as that for any other business process outsourcing. Outsourcing is done if the company doesn’t have core competency in CAD services, if the company has an one-off requirement and doesn’t want a full time employee, if the company wants to bring down the cost by outsourcing non-core activities and focus only on core activities. Any of these reasons can propel the company to outsource CAD services. From our experience, outsourcing the CAD services will result in much better quality output and 30% – 40% lower cost to the company.
Fundamental driver for outsourcing CAD services is the same as that for any other business process outsourcing. Outsourcing is done if the company doesn’t have core competency in CAD services, if the company has an one-off requirement and doesn’t want a full time employee, if the company wants to bring down the cost by outsourcing non-core activities and focus only on core activities. Any of these reasons can propel the company to outsource CAD services. From our experience, outsourcing the CAD services will result in much better quality output and 30% – 40% lower cost to the company.
Fundamental driver for outsourcing CAD services is the same as that for any other business process outsourcing. Outsourcing is done if the company doesn’t have core competency in CAD services, if the company has an one-off requirement and doesn’t want a full time employee, if the company wants to bring down the cost by outsourcing non-core activities and focus only on core activities. Any of these reasons can propel the company to outsource CAD services. From our experience, outsourcing the CAD services will result in much better quality output and 30% – 40% lower cost to the company.
Sinterize Holdings LLC
15093, Starry Night Ln
Frisco, Texas
USA – 75035
Email: info@sinterize.com
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