3D Printing

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

FDM printing uses a plastic mono-filament that extrudes layer by layer to produce an exact 3D printed part. These are thermal plastics that fuse each layer by using extreme heat. FDM parts are strong and durable; they can be light-weight and are an excellent choice for functional prototyping.

Color-Jet Printing (CJP)

Color-Jet Printing (CJP) incorporates advanced 3-channel CMY full-color with a low-cost composite powder for 3D printed parts. As each layer of the part is formed, the powder is colored, hardened, and encased in un-used powder. This eliminates the need for support structures and allows for complex geometries. Though this technology is not suitable for form fit, snap or rugged prototypes, it is excellent for product design studies and texture mapped, scanned data such as people, pets and buildings.

Material Choices:
VisiJet PXL

Stereolithography (SL)

Stereolithography (often called SLA or SL) rapidly builds components using a precise UV laser to cure and solidify thin layers of a photo-reactive resin.

One of the most accurate 3D printing technologies, SL is ideal for concept models, form and fit studies, and investment casting patterns.

Stereolithography is not generally considered suitable for production applications because the photo-reactive resins used in the process do not remain stable under long exposure to UV light. However, SL is often used to make precise investment casting patterns to create end-use metal parts.

Laser Sintering (LS) or (SLS)

Laser Sintering (LS) or Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a process in which a CO2 laser draws onto a hot bed of thermoplastic powder, where it lightly sinters (fuses) the powder into a solid.

An advantage of LS is that, as a part is made, it remains encased in powder. This eliminates the need for support structures and allows for complex geometries.

LS uses a nylon-based powder similar to actual engineering thermoplastics, so parts exhibit greater toughness and are heat resistant.

LS offers a large build volume, but it lacks ultra-fine details due to its rough surface.

Direct Metal Laser Sintering

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) uses a precise, high-wattage laser to micro-weld powdered metals and alloys such as Inconel, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, and Titanium. 3D printed parts will have a surface finish comparable to investment casting. By offering our post finishing services, printed parts can be de-burred, bead blast, or polished and ready for real world applications.

DMLS parts are strong, durable, and heat-resistant. DMLS eliminates time-consuming tooling, and creates complex geometries not possible with other metal manufacturing processes. DMLS produces functional metal parts with the same speed as other 3D printing solutions that only produce plastic parts.

Material Choices:
Stainless Steel
Aluminum
Inconel
Titanium