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STL files are imported into the FDM Printing software which automatically plots a precise deposition path for the FDM Printer to follow. ABS plastic is fed into an extrusion head, heated to a semi-liquid state and accurately deposited in layers as fine as 0.010-inch (0.254 mm) thick. Organic and complex geometric shapes and models can be easily and quickly created using FDM Printing.
How does 3D Printing fit into the design process?
Designers and Inventors using 3D CAD modeling programs can benefit from FDM printing in several ways:
- Reducing time to Market - FDM printers 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, FDM printers and rapid 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 - FDM printing 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 FDM models to effectively demonstrate the value of designs.
How durable is ABS?
Unlike appearance rapid prototypes produced in weak materials, FDM printing provides parts built in ABS 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.
ABS rapid prototype parts can be sanded, milled, drilled, tapped, painted and even plated with nickel, chrome or copper.
What colors are available for FDM Printing?
ABS is stocked in colors are black, white, gray/silver, blue, green, and red. Other colors are available by special order.
What are 3D drawings and why do I need them?
3D Drawings are created in a CAD (computer aided drafting) program such as Solid Works or ProEngineer. These drawings/models are required in order to create a plastic rapid prototype.You can download Rhinoceros® CAD software and try creating your own CAD files at www.rhino3d.com where you can find great tutorials, sample parts and a supportive user group. You can be designing your own parts the same day.
I don't have 3D drawings - can you make them for me?
Yes we provide 3D CAD (computer aided drafting) services. Service charges are $100/hr. with a $250 minimum.
What drawing file formats do you accept?
Stereolithography files (.stl) are preferred, but we can accept .iges, .3dm, .sldprt and many other files. Pre-processing charges may apply to formats other than .stl files.
My design is confidential, how do you ensure the privacy of my project?
Customer confidentially is essential to the prototyping process, and we take it very seriously. All of our customers our covered by our non-disclosure agreement which can be found here Privacy Policy
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