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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]
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Certifications

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.

Metal 3D Printing Guide

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
Stainless Steel (17-4 PH)	30 μm	Solution & Aged (H900)	198	179	13	42 HRC
Stainless Steel (316L)	20 μm	Stress Relieved	82	56	78	90 HRB
Stainless Steel (316L)	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
Cobalt Chrome (Co28Cr6Mo)	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
Titanium (Ti6Al4V)	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
Stainless Steel (17-4 PH)	30 μm	Solution & Aged (H900)	1,365	1,234	13	42 HRC
Stainless Steel (316L)	20 μm	Stress Relieved	565	386	78	90 HRB
Stainless Steel (316L)	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
Cobalt Chrome (Co28Cr6Mo)	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
Titanium (Ti6Al4V)	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

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

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

Inconel 718: A Workhorse Material for Additive Manufacturing

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

Read 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
Definitive Guide to CNC Machining
Our downloadable guide offers tips on optimizing your design for machining, tolerances and threading considerations, choosing the right material for your parts, and much more.
Download
Resources
Design Tips Guides and Trend Reports Case Studies Design Aids Webinars and Trade Shows Toolkits
Blog Videos FAQs Educators and 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 and 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

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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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

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

An Introduction to Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing

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

Read Design Tip

Selecting a Material for Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing

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

Read Design Tip

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.

Read Blog

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.

Read Guide

Get an instant online quote for 3D printing.

Get a Quote

3D prototyping (3D prototyping)

What is 3D prototyping

This is the process of building a real physical object based on its digital model. Modeling is performed using specialized software, and the prototype itself is created on its basis, using 3D printing.

Applications

The technology is often used in the following industries:

construction, architecture; nine0012
electronics, instrumentation;
mechanical engineering;
aviation, space industry;
medicine, dentistry;
education;
design, media.

Plastic samples are made for preliminary testing of the parameters and characteristics of industrial products, spare parts for equipment, etc. Another technology is needed for the production of discontinued parts. With its help, it is much easier to achieve any physical and mechanical properties and implement innovative ideas. nine0005

Species

There are three types of prototyping:

Industrial - for production needs, reconstruction, repairs.
Architectural - models of houses, premises and even cities.
Transport - samples of all types of vehicles.

Demonstration layouts can be classified into a separate category.

What is prototyping like

Rapid prototyping is based on the creation of a product based on its digital 3D sample. To get the product, the 3D printing method is used: nine0005

With SLA, or laser stereolithography, the sequential construction of layers is carried out from liquid photopolymers. The material hardens under the influence of a laser beam. The technique allows you to accurately model a product of complex shape and large dimensions, to achieve its high strength. Samples are obtained as close as possible to the layout and do not need complex “finishing”.

FDM (Fusion Deposition Method) is used to achieve ultra-accurate digital image transmission. Molten thermoplastic is applied in layers along the layout outlines. The main advantages of the method are manufacturing accuracy, inexpensive consumables, budget equipment.

Color Jet Printing technology involves making a sample from gypsum powder and a binder. The material is glued together in layers, forming an object. The advantages of the method are speed, low price, the ability to "play" with colors and textures. It is used for the production of single copies and small batches. nine0005

In Multi Jet Modeling, products are printed from wax or photopolymer. Layers of material are sequentially applied to the 3D printer building platform through the printheads. The method allows you to simultaneously print several materials that differ in density and viscosity.

Stages of prototyping

development of a model on a computer using specialized software;
production of a master model using 3D printing technology; nine0012
testing in accordance with the customer's goals;
revision, correction when deficiencies are identified;
launch of serial production.

3D modeling

It is performed using software for working with three-dimensional graphics.

The object is created on the basis of drawings, sketches, drawings, graphs and other sources of information that can provide information about the requirements for the order. The completed 3D digital object in .stl format is sent to the printing device. nine0005

Master model

With the help of a printer, a master model is obtained. This is an exact copy of the sample in 1:1 scale. The product can be used as a demonstration sample, as well as for the removal of molds, dies, and the production of castings. At this stage, possible flaws can be identified and corrected.

Testing

At the testing stage, compliance with the characteristics of the finished product is checked. Mass production begins only after confirming the correctness of the shapes, sizes, functionality, and other parameters that are determined by the purpose of the item being created. nine0005

Correction

Deficiencies identified during testing are eliminated during the final adjustment. Changes are made to the digital model, which will be used for mass production.

Prototyping

After completion of testing and refinement, the product is ready for replication. The ordered product is received in a short time, which allows customers to save time.

Sample requirements

The requirements for the sample depend on its purpose, scope. Its properties are taken into account in advance in computer 3D design. nine0005

How to order the service

TWIZE specializes in manufacturing samples using additive technologies from various consumables. To order, please contact the number indicated on the website. The price of the work depends on the requirements for the product, the number of consumables, 3D technology. Delivery of finished orders - in Moscow, Russia, CIS countries.

3D printed prototypes for functional testing

Testing product prototypes, individual assemblies and parts is an essential part of any production chain. With 3D printing, you can quickly obtain high-precision and low-cost samples of future products for various tests and tests. nine0005

Which tests can you carry out on the received products:

check the assembly for assembly;
study the behavior of various materials in the working environment;
test new design solutions;
to check the strength, wear resistance;
blow through objects in a wind tunnel.

Which tests can you carry out on the received products:

check the assembly for assembly; nine0012
study the behavior of various materials in the working environment;
test new design solutions;
to check the strength, wear resistance;
blow through objects in a wind tunnel.

Benefits of functional prototyping with 3D printing

Speed. You don't have to wait weeks for contractors to build a prototype for you.
High precision. Test samples match your CAD model to within 15-20 microns. nine0012
Low cost.
Equipment versatility. With the help of 3D printing, you can get not only prototypes for tests, but also solve other production problems.
Information security. Your know-how will not get to competitors if third-party contractors are not involved in the production chain.

Example: 3D printing for Nascar racing engines

The Ford Nascar racing team is actively using 3D printers to redesign and test new engine, exhaust and fuel system components. nine0005

Thanks to 3D printing, our engineers have a unique opportunity to quickly obtain full-fledged prototypes of their designs, test them, make changes and implement them in our machines. This allows us to change the characteristics of cars incredibly quickly and prepare for the race.

Victor Martinez, Chief Engineer, Ford Team

Benefits of Functional Prototyping with 3D Printing

Speed. You don't have to wait weeks for contractors to build a prototype for you. nine0012
High precision. Test samples match your CAD model to within 15-20 microns.
Low cost.
Equipment versatility. With the help of 3D printing, you can get not only prototypes for tests, but also solve other production problems.
Information security. Your know-how will not get to competitors if third-party contractors are not involved in the production chain.

Example: 3D printing for Nascar 9 engines0003

Ford's Nascar racing team is actively using 3D printers to upgrade and test new engine, exhaust and fuel systems.

Thanks to 3D printing, our engineers have a unique opportunity to quickly obtain full-fledged prototypes of their designs, test them, make changes and implement them in our machines.
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