3D Printing

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file.

The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes. In an additive process an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the object is created. Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced cross-section of the object.

3D printing is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing which is cutting out / hollowing out a piece of metal or plastic with for instance a milling machine.

3D printing enables you to produce complex shapes using less material than traditional manufacturing methods.

What are the Pros of 3D Printing?

This production process offers a range of advantages compared to traditional manufacturing methods. These advantages include those related to design, time and cost, amongst others.

1. Flexible Design
2. Rapid Prototyping
3. Print on Demand
4. Strong and Lightweight Parts
5. Fast Design and Production
6. Minimising Waste
7. Cost Effective
8. Ease of Access
9. Environmentally Friendly
10. Advanced Healthcare

3rdimension CAD are able to offer FDM and SLA Resin Printing in a wide range of materials

FDM:

  • Engineering PLA
  • ABS filament
  • PETG filament
  • NYLON , a carbon fibre filament composite
  • PVA
  • HIPS
  • Flexible filament (TPU) and Polypropylene.

SLA materials

  • ABS Like 405nm Resin – Clear or Solid Finish
  • Standard 405nm resin – Multiple Colors available on request
  • Engineering Resin – Black, White and Gray
  • Flexible Resin

FDM manufacturing standards

  • Desktop FDM: A dimensional accuracy of ± 0.5% with a lower limit of ± 0.5 mm (± 0.020″).
  • Industrial FDM: A dimensional accuracy of ± 0.25% with a lower limit: ± 0.25 mm (± 0.010″).
  • Consistent surface finish with no bumps or delamination. Marks left by retraction and layer changing are acceptable.
  • All support material is removed such that the supported surface has a consistent finish.
  • All parts are printed with 3 outline / perimeter shells or a wall thickness of 1.2 mm.

Design guidelines for FDM

The table below summarizes the recommended and technically feasible values for the most common features encountered in 3D printed parts.

Feature

Recommended size

Unsupported walls

0.8 mm

Supported walls

0.8 mm

Minimum feature size

2.0 mm

Minimum hole diameter

2.0 mm

SLA manufacturing standards

We manufacture your parts according to strict manufacturing standards. Verification of these requirements is included in our inspection report that is shipped with every order.

  • Desktop SLA: A dimensional accuracy of ± 0.5% with a lower limit of ± 0.15 mm (± 0.006″)
  • Parts are fully cured to material manufacturer specifications before shipping.
  • Hollow sections must be drained of excess resin.
  • All support material is removed, and support nibs must are sanded smooth.

Design guidelines for SLA

The table below summarizes the recommended and technically feasible values for the most common features encountered in 3D printed parts.

Feature

Recommended size

Unsupported walls

1.0 mm

Supported walls

0.5 mm

Minimum feature size

0.2 mm

Minimum hole diameter

0.5 mm

Minimum escape hole diameter

4.0 mm

Post processing for SLA

  • Standard (no additional post-processing)
  • All support material is removed and support nibs are sanded smooth
  • For clear resins, a polishing oil is applied.
  • Fast
  • Cost-effective
  • Lead times from 2 days

Let’s get started?

We aim to give the lowest possible prices. All quotes will include shipping and quote an expected lead time.

Please click the upload model link and we will respond with a quotation within 24hrs.

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Did you know?

3D printing encompasses many forms of technologies and materials as 3D printing is being used in almost all industries you could think of. It’s important to see it as a cluster of diverse industries with a myriad of different applications.

A few examples:

  • Consumer products (eyewear, footwear, design, furniture)
  • Industrial products (manufacturing tools, prototypes, functional end-use parts)
  • Dental products
  • Prosthetics
  • Architectural scale models & maquettes
  • Reconstructing fossils
  • Replicating ancient artefacts
  • Reconstructing evidence in forensic pathology
  • Movie props