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Metal 3D Printing Service for Custom Parts

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    Proto Labs, Inc.
    5540 Pioneer Creek Dr.
    Maple Plain, MN 55359
    United States

    P: 877.479.3680
    F: 763.479.2679
    E: [email protected]

    Best-in-Class Online Quoting

    After uploading your part design, you'll receive an online quote that includes manufacturing analysis to help improve part manufacturability. Within your quote, you can also adjust quantity and material and see price changes in real-time.

    Learn More

Get a QuoteSign In

Get quality metal 3D-printed prototypes and production parts. Request an online quote today.

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ISO 9001:2015 | AS9100D | ITAR Registered

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→ Capabilities
→ Available Alloys
→ Compare Material Properties
→ Surface Finishes
→ Post-Processing
→ Why Metal 3D Printing?

Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) is an industrial metal 3D printing process that builds fully functional metal prototypes and production parts in 7 days or less. A range of metals produce final parts that can be used for end-use applications.

Metal 3D printing technology is commonly used for:

  • Prototyping in production-grade materials
  • Complex geometries
  • Functional, end-use parts
  • Reducing metal components in an assembly

We hope you find this guide helpful. If the file did not download, you can find it here.

Jump start your metal 3D printing with this guide that covers material selection, design, post-processing, and quality inspections. 

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Metal 3D Printing Capabilities

Our basic guidelines for metal 3D printing include important design considerations to help improve part manufacturability, enhance cosmetic appearance, and reduce overall production time.

Metal 3D Printing Tolerances

For well-designed parts, tolerances of +0.003 in. (0.076mm) plus 0.1% of nominal length can typically be achieved. Note that tolerances may change depending on part geometry.

Max Dimensions

Layer Thickness

Minimum Feature Size

Tolerances

*At this time, Inconel 718 and Aluminum are the only materials available on our large format, X Line machine


Metal 3D Printing Material Options

Below is our available metal alloys for 3D printing. Various heat treatments are available depending on material.

Stainless Steel (17-4 PH)

Stainless Steel 17-4 PH is a precipitation hardened stainless steel that is known for its hardness and corrosion resistance. If needing a stainless steel option, select 17-4 PH for its significantly higher tensile strength and yield strength, but recognize that it has far less elongation at break than 316L. Final parts built 17-4 PH receive vacuum solution heat treatment as well as H900 aging.

Primary Benefits

  • Heat treated for full hardness and strength
  • Corrosion resistance


LEARN MORE>

Stainless Steel (316L)

Stainless steel 316L is a workhorse material used for manufacturing acid and corrosion resistant parts. Select 316L when stainless steel flexibility is needed; 316L is a more malleable material compared to 17-4 PH. Final parts built in 316L receive stress relief application.

Primary Benefits

  • Acid and corrosion resistance
  • High ductility

LEARN MORE>

Aluminum (AlSi10Mg)

Aluminum (AlSi10Mg) is comparable to a 3000 series alloy that is used in casting and die casting processes. It has good strength -to-weight ratio, high temperature and corrosion resistance, and good fatigue, creep and rupture strength. AlSi10Mg also exhibits thermal and electrical conductivity properties. Final parts built in AlSi10Mg receive stress relief application.

Primary Benefits

  • High stiffness and strength relative to weight
  • Thermal and electrical conductivity


LEARN MORE>

Inconel 718

Inconel is a high strength, corrosion resistant nickel chromium superalloy ideal for parts that will experience extreme temperatures and mechanical loading. Final parts built in Inconel 718 receive stress relief application. Solution and aging per AMS 5663 is also available to increase tensile strength and hardness.

Primary Benefits

  • Oxidation and corrosion resistance
  • High performance tensile, fatigue, creep, and rupture strength


LEARN MORE>

Cobalt Chrome (Co28Cr6Mo)

Cobalt Chrome (Co28Cr6Mo)​ is a superalloy is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio.

Primary Benefits​

  • High performance tensile and creep
  • Corrosion resistance


LEARN MORE>

Titanium (Ti6Al4V)

Titanium (Ti6Al4V) is a workhorse alloy. Versus Ti grade 23 annealed, the mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V are comparable to wrought titanium for tensile strength, elongation, and hardness. Final parts built in Ti6Al4V receive vacuum stress relief application.

Primary Benefits​

  • High stiffness and strength relative to weight
  • High temperature and corrosion resistance


LEARN MORE>

Compare Material Properties

20 μm = high resolution (HR)
30, 40, and 60 μm = normal resolution (NR)

  • US
  • Metric

Materials Resolution Condition Ultimate Tensile Strength
(ksi)		 Yield Stress
(ksi)		 Elongation 
(%)		 Hardness
Stainless Steel
(17-4 PH)		 20 μm Solution & Aged (H900) 199 178 10 42 HRC
30 μm Solution & Aged (H900) 198 179 13 42 HRC
Stainless Steel
(316L)		 20 μm Stress Relieved 82 56 78 90 HRB
30 μm Stress Relieved 85 55 75 88 HRB
Aluminum
(AlSi10Mg) 		 20 μm Stress Relieved 39 26 15 42 HRB
30 μm Stress Relieved 50 33 8 59 HRB
40 μm Stress Relieved 43 27 10 50 HRB
Cobalt Chrome
(Co28Cr6Mo)		 20 μm As Built 182 112 17 39 HRC
30 μm As Built 176 119 14 38 HRC
Inconel 718 20 μm Stress Relieved 143 98 36 33 HRC
30 μm Stress Relieved 144 91 39 30 HRC
30 μm Solution & Aged per AMS 5663 208 175 18 46 HRC
60 μm Stress Relieved 139 83 40 27 HRC
60 μm Solution & Aged per AMS 5663 201 174 19 45 HRC
Titanium
(Ti6Al4V)		 20 μm Stress Relieved 153 138 15 35 HRC
30 μm Stress Relieved 144 124 18 33 HRC

Materials Resolution Condition Ultimate Tensile Strength
(MPa)		 Yield Stress
(MPa)		 Elongation
(%)		 Hardness
Stainless Steel
(17-4 PH)		 20 μm Solution & Aged (H900) 1,372 1,227 10 42 HRC
30 μm Solution & Aged (H900) 1,365 1,234 13 42 HRC
Stainless Steel
(316L)		 20 μm Stress Relieved 565 386 78 90 HRB
30 μm Stress Relieved 586 379 75 88 HRB
Aluminum
(AlSi10Mg) 		 20 μm Stress Relieved 268 180 15 46 HRB
30 μm Stress Relieved 345 228 8 59 HRB
40 μm Stress Relieved 296 186 10 50 HRB
Cobalt Chrome
(Co28Cr6Mo)		 20 μm As Built 1255 772 17 39 HRC
30 μm As Built 1213 820 14 38 HRC
Copper
(CuNi2SiCr)		 20 μm Precipitation Hardened 496 434 23 87 HRB
Inconel 718 20 μm Stress Relieved 986 676 36 33 HRC
30 μm Stress Relieved 993 627 39 30 HRC
30 μm Solution & Aged per AMS 5663 1434 1207 18 46 HRC
60 μm Stress Relieved 958 572 40 27 HRC
60 μm Solution & Aged per AMS 5663 1386 1200 19 45 HRC
Titanium
(Ti6Al4V)		 20 μm Stress Relieved 1055 951 15 35 HRC
30 μm Stress Relieved 993 855 18 33 HRC

These figures are approximate and dependent on a number of factors, including but not limited to, machine and process parameters. The information provided is therefore not binding and not deemed to be certified. When performance is critical, also consider independent lab testing of additive materials or final parts.

Surface Finish Options


Standard Finish

Expect roughness values of 200 to 400 µin Ra (0.005 to 0.010mm Ra), depending on material and resolution. Support structures are removed and layer lines are visible.


Custom Finish

We offer brushed surfaces in a range of grits and polished mirror finishes. Be sure to indicate if the custom surface finish is for functional or aesthetic purposes so we can best consult you on our custom options.

Post-Processing Capabilities for Metal 3D-Printed Parts

Improve strength, dimensional accuracy, and cosmetic appearance of final metal components with DMLS for production.

Surface Finishing

  • 3- and 5-axis milling
  • Turning
  • Polish (Mirror or Brushed)
  • Passivation
  • Wire EDM
  • Tapping and reaming

Heat Treatments

  • Stress relief
  • NADCAP heat treatment
  • Hot isostatic pressing (HIP)
  • Solution annealing
  • Aging

Mechanical Testing

  • Tensile
  • Rockwell Hardness

Powder Analysis & Material

  • Traceability
  • Chemistry
  • Particle size and distribution analysis

Why Use Metal 3D Printing?

See how metal additive manufacturing technology can be used to reduce components within an assembly, fabricate complex geometries, and ultimately save you time and costs.

Click to enlarge

How Does Metal 3D Printing Work?

The DMLS machine begins sintering each layer—first the support structures to the base plate, then the part itself—with a laser aimed onto a bed of metallic powder. After a cross-section layer of powder is micro-welded, the build platform shifts down and a recoater blade moves across the platform to deposit the next layer of powder into an inert build chamber. The process is repeated layer by layer until the build is complete.

When the build finishes, an initial brushing is manually administered to parts to remove a majority of loose powder, followed by the appropriate heat-treat cycle while still fixtured in the support systems to relieve any stresses. Parts are removed from the platform and support structures are removed from the parts, then finished with any needed bead blasting and deburring. Final DMLS parts are near 100 percent dense.

Large Format Metal 3D Printing

We recently added the GE Additive X Line to our fleet of metal 3D printers to build large Inconel 718 and Aluminum (AlSi10Mg) parts. Have a project that might be a good fit? Contact us and we can discuss your requirements.

Learn More >

Metal 3D Printing for Production

Improve strength, dimensional accuracy, and cosmetic appearance for end-use metal components with post-processing options like CNC machining and heat treatments.

Learn More >

Resources

Design Tip

Post-Processing for Metal 3D Printing

Learn how to improve dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, and mechanical properties on metal parts with high-requirement applications.

Read Design Tip

White Paper

Combining Part Assemblies with Additive Manufacturing to Reduce Cost and Increase Performance

How to find the right opportunities to consolidate multi-part assemblies into single components with industrial 3D printing

Read White Paper

Blog

Inconel 718: A Workhorse Material for Additive Manufacturing

Inconel 718 is a go-to material for additive manufacturing of metal parts.

Read Blog

Blog

Large Format 3D Printing for Aluminum and Inconel Parts

When you’re printing really large parts in metal, it’s great to have a choice of materials. Aluminum and Inconel 718 both make a lot of sense, but which one is the best for your application?

Read Blog

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Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing Service

Back

  • Materials

    Materials by Service

    Injection MoldingCNC Machining3D PrintingSheet Metal

    Materials by Type

    PlasticsMetalsElastomers

    Related Links

    Customer Supplied ResinsColors

    Injection Molding Material Alternatives Guide

    Struggling with thermoplastic material shortages? We created a detailed guide to resin substitutes for ABS, PC, PP, and other commonly molded thermoplastics.

     

    Download

  • Resources

    Design Tips Guides and Trend Reports Success Stories Design Aids Webinars & Trade Shows

    Blog Videos FAQs Educators & Students Glossary

    Industries Medical Aerospace Automotive Consumer Electronics Industrial Equipment

  • About Us

    Who We Are Why Protolabs? Research and Development Cool Idea Award Partnerships Sustainability & Social Impact

    Careers Investors Locations Press Procurement

    Contact Us
    Proto Labs, Inc.
    5540 Pioneer Creek Dr.
    Maple Plain, MN 55359
    United States

    P: 877.479.3680
    F: 763.479.2679
    E: [email protected]

    Best-in-Class Online Quoting

    After uploading your part design, you'll receive an online quote that includes manufacturing analysis to help improve part manufacturability. Within your quote, you can also adjust quantity and material and see price changes in real-time.

    Learn More

Get a QuoteSign In

SLA 3D printing service for rapid prototyping. Get an instant online quote.

GET SLA PARTS

Jump to Section

→ Capabilities
→ SLA Materials
→ Compare SLA Material Properties
→ Surface Finishes
→ Post-Processing
→ Our SLA 3D Printers
→ Why SLA 3D Printing?

Stereolithography (SLA) is an industrial 3D printing process used to create concept models, cosmetic prototypes, and complex parts with intricate geometries in as fast as 1 day. A wide selection of materials, extremely high feature resolutions, and quality surface finishes are possible with SLA.

SLA 3D printing is primarily used for:

  • parts requiring high accuracy and features as small as 0.002 in.
  • good surface quality for cosmetic prototypes
  • form and fit testing

If you have any issues getting your guide, click here to download.

3D Printing Surface Finish Guide

Get this quick reference guide to explore your surface finish options across our six 3D printing technologies.

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I agree to receive email messages containing service updates and Design Tips from Protolabs and its affiliates

SLA Design Guidelines and Capabilities

Our basic guidelines for stereolithography include important design considerations to help improve part manufacturability, enhance cosmetic appearance, and reduce overall production time.


SLA Tolerances

For well-designed parts, tolerances in the X/Y dimension of ±0.002 in. (0.05mm) for first inch plus 0.1% of nominal length. (0.001mm/mm), and Z dimension tolerances of ±0.005 in. for first inch plus 0.1% of nominal length, can typically be achieved. Note that tolerances may change depending on part geometry.

Max Part Size

Layer Thickness

Minimum Feature Size

Minimum Wall Thickness

Minimum Hole Size

Tolerances

*Available for the following materials: ABS-Like White and Gray, ABS-Like Translucent/Clear, and PC-Like Translucent/Clear

SLA Material Options

ABS-Like White (Accura Xtreme White 200)

ABS-Like White (Accura Xtreme White 200) is a widely used general purpose SLA material. In terms of flexibility and strength, this material falls between molded polypropylene and molded ABS, which makes it a good choice for functional prototypes. Parts as large as 29 in. x 25 in. x 21 in. can be built with ABS-Like White so consider it a primary option if you require an extensive part size build envelope.

Primary Benefits

  • Durable, general purpose resin
  • Accommodates extra-large parts

ABS-Like Gray (Accura Xtreme Gray)

ABS-Like Gray (Accura Xtreme Gray) is a widely used general purpose SLA material. In terms of flexibility and strength, this material falls between molded polypropylene and molded ABS, which makes it a good choice for functional prototypes. ABS-Like Gray offers the highest HDT of the ABS-like SLA resins.

Primary Benefits

  • Durable, general purpose resin
  • Highest HDT of the ABS-like SLA resins

ABS-Like Black (Accura 7820)

ABS-Like Black (Accura 7820) is a widely used general purpose material. Its deep black color and glossy up-facing surfaces in a top profile offer the appearance of a molded part, while layer lines may be visible in a side profile. RenShape 7820 also has low moisture absorption (0.25% per ASTM D570) so that parts are more dimensionally stable. Compared to other SLA materials, it has midrange values for all mechanical properties.

Primary Benefits

  • Low moisture absorption
  • Glossy cosmetic appearance

ABS-Like Translucent/Clear (WaterShed XC 11122)

ABS-Like Translucent/Clear (WaterShed XC 11122) offers a unique combination of low moisture absorption (0.35% 0.25% per ASTM D570) and near-colorless transparency. Secondary operations are required to achieve functional part clarity, and the part will also retain a very light blue hue afterward. While good for general-purpose applications, WaterShed is the best choice for flow-visualization models, light pipes, and lenses.

Primary Benefits

  • Lowest moisture absorption of SLA resins
  • Functional transparency

MicroFine™ (Gray and Green)

MicroFine™ is a custom formulated material available in gray and green that is exclusive to Protolabs. This ABS-like thermoset is printed in Protolabs’ customized machinery to achieve high resolution features as small as 0.002 in. MicroFine is ideal for small parts, generally less than 1 in. by 1 in. by 1 in. In terms of mechanical properties, MicroFine falls in the mid-range of SLA materials for tensile strength and modulus and on the low end for impact strength and elongation.

Primary Benefits

  • Produces highest resolution parts
  • Ideal for extra-small parts

PP-Like Translucent White (Somos 9120)

PP-Like Translucent White (Somos 9120) is the most flexible SLA option outside of Carbon RPU 70 and FPU 50. In direct comparison to the average values of an injection-molded polypropylene, 9120 has similar tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural modulus, and impact strength. The only departure from molded PP is its elongation value, which is only 25% of the molded thermoplastic.

Primary Benefits

  • Semi-flexible
  • Translucency

PC-Like Advanced High Temp (Accura 5530)

PC-Like Advanced High Temp (Accura 5530) creates strong, stiff parts with high temperature resistance. A thermal post-cure option can increase HDT as high as 482°F at 0.46 MPa loading. Accura 5530 has the highest E-modulus of all the unfilled SLA materials, and it is known for being resistant to automotive fluids. However, the thermal curing process does make Accura 5530 less durable, resulting in a 50% reduction to elongation.

Primary Benefits

  • High elastic modulus
  • Higher resistance to heated fluids

PC-Like Translucent/Clear (Accura 60)

PC-Like Translucent/Clear (Accura 60) is an alternative to the general purpose ABS-like materials and WaterShed XC 11122 when stiffness is desired. Like WaterShed, this material can be custom finished to achieve functional transparency with secondary processing. Accura 60 has the highest tensile strength of and elastic modulus compared of all SLA materials outside of the Advanced High Temp options that are most often thermal cured.

Primary Benefits

  • High stiffness
  • Functional transparency

Ceramic-Like Advanced HighTemp (PerFORM)

Ceramic-Like Advanced HighTemp (PerFORM) exhibits the highest tensile strength and E-modulus making it the stiffest performance material of the SLA materials. When the thermal cure option is applied to parts made from PerFORM, it exhibits the highest HDT (as high as 514°F at 0.46 MPa loading) of the SLA materials.

Primary Benefits

  • Stiffest SLA resin
  • Highest HDT of SLA resins

Compare SLA Material Properties

  • US
  • Metric

Material  Color  Tensile Strength Tensile Modulus Elongation
ABS-Like White
(Accura Xtreme White 200)		 White 7.9 ksi 479 ksi 9%
ABS-Like Gray
(Accura Xtreme Gray)		 Gray 5.8 ksi 290 ksi 9%
ABS-Like Black
(Accura 7820)		 Black 7.0 ksi 435 ksi 5%
ABS-Like Translucent/Clear (WaterShed XC 11122) Translucent/Clear 7. 9 ksi 421 ksi 6%
MicroFine™
(Gray and Green)		 Gray or Green 8.7 ksi 377 ksi 8%
PP-Like Translucent White (Somos 9120) Translucent/White 5.0 ksi 232 ksi 25%
PC-Like Translucent/Clear (Accura 60) Translucent/Clear 10.8 ksi 508 ksi 7%
PC-Like Advanced High Temp* (Accura 5530)  Translucent/Amber 6.5 ksi 566 ksi 1.5%
Ceramic-Like Advanced HighTemp*
(PerFORM)		 White 10.9 ksi 1523 ksi 1%

*Properties listed are based on thermal cure

Material  Color  Tensile Strength Tensile Modulus Elongation
ABS-Like White
(Accura Xtreme White 200)		 White 54.47 Mpa 3300 Mpa 9%
ABS-Like Gray
(Accura Xtreme Gray)		 Gray 39. 98 Mpa 2000 Mpa 9%
ABS-Like Black
(RenShape SL7820)		 Black 48.26 Mpa 3000 Mpa 5%
ABS-Like Translucent/Clear (WaterShed XC 11122) Translucent/Clear 54.47 Mpa 2600 Mpa 6%
MicroFine™
(Gray and Green)		 Gray or Green 59.98 Mpa 2600 Mpa 8%
PP-Like Translucent White (Somos 9120) Translucent/White 34.47 Mpa 1600 Mpa 25%
PC-Like Translucent/Clear (Accura 60) Translucent/Clear 74.46 Mpa 3503 Mpa 7%
PC-Like Advanced High Temp* (Accura 5530)  Translucent/Amber 44.81 Mpa 3902 Mpa 1.5%
Ceramic-Like Advanced HighTemp*
(PerFORM)		 White 75.15 Mpa 10,500 Mpa 1%

*Properties listed are based on thermal cure

These figures are approximate and dependent on a number of factors, including but not limited to, machine and process parameters. The information provided is therefore not binding and not deemed to be certified. When performance is critical, also consider independent lab testing of additive materials or final parts.

Surface Finish Options for SLA Parts

Material: ABS-like Translucent/Clear
Finish: Unfinished

Material: MicroFine Gray™
Finish: Unfinished

Material: ABS-like Translucent/Clear
Finish: Standard

Material: MicroFine Gray™ 
Finish: Standard

Material: ABS-like Translucent/Clear
Finish: Natural

Material: MicroFine Gray™ 
Finish: Natural

Material: ABS-like Translucent/Clear
Finish: Custom

Material: MicroFine Gray™ 
Finish: Custom

Additional Finishing Options

Custom finishing is a mix of science, technology, and fine art that can transform a part to your exact specifications. Finishes include:

  • Soft-touch paint
  • Clear part finishing
  • Paint finishes
  • Masking
  • Color matching
  • Decals/graphic
  • Texture

Metal Plating

Our metal-plating process for SLA coats a ceramic-filled PC-like material (Somos PerFORM) with a nickel that gives parts the look, feel, and strength of metal, but without the weight. The combination of the material’s strength, rigidity, and temperature resistance with nickel plating, takes strength, stiffness, and impact and temperature resistance to a degree previously unattainable in SLA parts.

Microfluidics

Our microfluidic fabrication process is a modified form of high-resolution SLA that uses a clear ABS-like material (WaterShed XC 11122). Parts are resistance to water and humidity, and work well for lens and flow-visualization models.

Our SLA 3D Printers

Our stereolithography machines consists of Vipers, ProJets, and iPros. In high-resolution mode, Vipers and ProJets can make parts with extremely tiny features and crisp details, while in normal-resolution mode, they can build cost-effective parts very quickly.

iPros have extremely large build volumes at 29 in. by 25 in. by 21 in. (736mm by 635mm by 533mm), yet are still able to image highly detailed parts easily.

Why Use SLA?

Stereolithography (SLA) is an additive manufacturing process that can 3D print parts with small features, tight tolerance requirements, and smooth surface finishes.

How Does SLA 3D Printing Work?

The SLA machine begins drawing the layers of the support structures, followed by the part itself, with an ultraviolet laser aimed onto the surface of a liquid thermoset resin. After a layer is imaged on the resin surface, the build platform shifts down and a recoating bar moves across the platform to apply the next layer of resin. The process is repeated layer by layer until the build is complete.

Newly built parts are taken out of machine and into a lab where solvents are used to remove any additional resins. When the parts are completely clean, the support structures are manually removed. From there, parts undergo a UV-curing cycle to fully solidify the outer surface of the part. The final step in the SLA process is the application of any custom or customer-specified finishing. Parts built in SLA should be used with minimal UV and humidity exposure so they don’t degrade.

SLA Resources

Design Tip

An Introduction to Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing

Stereolithography, a staple of 3D printing, can deliver complex prototypes quickly and accurately.

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Design Tip

Selecting a Material for Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing

Compare materials for stereolithography with one another and with injection-molded plastics.

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Blog

SLA vs. FDM: Comparing Common 3D Printing Technologies

See how these two 3D printing technologies stack up for prototype parts. Understanding the advantages of each will help accelerate design.

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Guide

What is 3D Printing?

Gain an understanding of additive manufacturing and how it can be leveraged to improve product development through rapid prototyping and production.

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    3D prototyping, development of prototypes in the company Foliplast on favorable terms

    In a short time we get accurate samples of various parts and functional models of products.

    Rapid prototyping includes a number of technologies that allow you to quickly obtain an accurate layout of various parts, products or a prototype to demonstrate the useful properties of an object. Prototyping allows you to conduct marketing research of products at the stage of its development, evaluate the appearance and ergonomics of the product, check the assembly of all structural elements, identify design errors and make the necessary changes before starting production.
    Today, not a single new development can do without rapid prototyping technologies. Prototyping is used in mechanical engineering, printing, electrical and electronic industries, but is not limited to these areas.

    Most often, prototypes are made as the first step in the production of pilot or serial batches of plastic parts. Here, these samples act as master models for subsequent vacuum casting into silicone molds or using RIM technology. And it is precisely at the stage of making master models that the foundation for the quality of a future batch of products is laid. The key role here is played by the accuracy of the manufactured prototype and the quality of finishing of its surfaces. Thus, how carefully the prototype was fine-tuned in accordance with the requirements of the customer, such an appearance of the product will be obtained. The labor intensity here is in direct proportion to the required quality. If you want parts like from an injection molding machine, then it will take time, care and experience of modelers.

    Industrial prototyping is one of the main activities of Foliplast. In our work, we focus on the wishes of our customers and rely on proven methods. There are more than 20 types of Rapid Prototyping, including those for metals, wax, plastics and other materials. Over many years of practice, we can select from this variety of technologies the most suitable for specific tasks. So, if you need an accurate and high-quality prototype, you need to use SLA 3D printing technology. For simple design testing, assembly checks, you can use more budgetary FDM or SLS technologies. Of course, such a gradation is rather arbitrary, since there are times when more than one technology is applicable.

    Each specialist of our company has extensive experience and excellent qualifications, which allows us to provide services of consistently high quality and quickly. 3D prototyping is based on the use of high technologies. We use advanced modern equipment, innovative techniques. The accumulated experience, combined with efficient production, ensures the fulfillment of orders at a high professional level.

    We offer not only rapid prototyping of products and parts of any complexity using 3D printing technologies, but also small-scale production of plastic products.

    How is product prototyping carried out?

    The most modern method of creating a prototype is printing on a 3D printer. In fact, the prototyping of products by 3D printing is a layer-by-layer construction of a physical structure based on the developed mathematical model. Among the advantages of the technology: visibility, reduction of production preparation time, as well as a reduction in the cost of construction and design. Note that if you already have a part sample, then our specialists can use it as a master model in the production of silicone tooling for the vacuum casting method, which is effective for obtaining small batches of parts due to the speed and relative ease of manufacturing silicone molds.

    Product prototyping steps

    Rapid Prototyping includes the following stages:

    • computer modeling, which consists in the development of a virtual three-dimensional model in stl format;
    • then follows the development of the adopted technology;
    • actual production of a 3D model;
    • final refinement of the required view surface texture.

    1. Mathematical model of the part 2. SLA 9 prototype0003

    By fully complying with the norms at the indicated stages of 3d prototyping using any chosen method, our company guarantees the efficiency and high quality of the final product.

    Applied 3d printing technologies

    Often, instead of the more correct and accurate term Rapid Prototyping (Rapid Prototyping), the concept of 3d printing is used. To date, there are a large number of volumetric printing technologies, but all of them have the same principle of layer-by-layer build-up. Below are descriptions of the main 3D printing technologies that have received the widest distribution.

    SLA - Stereo Lithography Apparatus

    SLA is laser prototyping. The technology involves the use of a special photopolymer, a light-sensitive resin, as a model material. The working tool in this process is an ultraviolet laser, which sequentially transfers the cross sections of the model to the surface of the container with photosensitive resin. Liquid plastic hardens only in the place where the laser beam has passed. Then a new liquid layer floats on the hardened layer, and a new contour is drawn with a laser. The process is repeated until the completion of the model building.
    Stereolithography is the most common RP technology. It covers almost all branches of material production from medicine to heavy engineering. SLA technology allows you to quickly and accurately build a product model of almost any size. The quality of the surfaces depends on the construction step. Modern machines provide a construction step of 0.1 ... 0.025 mm. Stereolithography gives the best result when creating master models for the subsequent production of silicone molds and casting polymer resins into them, as well as jewelry master models.

    SLS - Selective Laser Sintering

    Laser prototyping is not limited to liquid foundations. The SLS method allows you to create copies based on powdered components. According to this process, models are created through a sintering effect using the energy of a laser beam. In this case, unlike the SLA process, the laser beam is not a light source, but a heat source. Getting on a thin layer of powder, the laser beam sinters its particles and forms a solid mass, in accordance with the geometry of the part. Polyamide, polystyrene, sand and some metal powders are used as materials. A significant advantage of the SLS process is the absence of so-called supports when building a model. During the SLA process, when building overhanging elements of a part, special supports are used to protect the freshly built thin layers of the created model from collapse.
    In the SLS process, there is no need for such supports, since the construction is carried out in a homogeneous mass. Once built, the model is extracted from the powder array and cleaned up. Models made of polystyrene are designed to produce castings using the "burned-out models" method. The most popular model material is powdered polyamide. This material is used to create layouts, scale copies, functional models, i.e. models capable of performing their function as a part of a machine or device. For example, car interior trim parts or decorative body elements. 9FDM - Fused Deposition Modeling head with a controlled temperature, heating up in it to a semi-liquid state. The extrusion head applies the material with high precision and very thin layers on a fixed base. Subsequent layers also lie on the previous ones, solidify (harden), connecting with each other. The main disadvantage of the method is the insufficiently smooth surface of the created part. In addition, when applying the molten material, some melting of the previous layer occurs. Here, the accuracy of matching with the original model suffers. Therefore, this method has a limitation on the minimum size of gaps in the created product.

    You can order rapid prototyping services in our company with delivery of products to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Samara, Novosibirsk and other cities of Russia.
    Make a request by phone 8 (800) 302-13-41.
    T You can also leave a request in any feedback form on the site, and you will be contacted as soon as possible.
    The exact prices for prototypes, as well as the terms of delivery and payment, will be provided by Foliplast employees.

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