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Glossary - SLA - Stereo Lithography.
Glossary – FDM – Fused Deposition Modelling.
Glossary – SLS - Selective Laser Sintering
Service – How do I get a quote?
Service – How long will it take to produce my part?
Service – Where are IPF 3D Printing & Rapid Prototyping?
Software – Where can I get .STL file viewing software?
Software – Where can I get 3D design software?
Tech – Can I choose a material with specific physical properties?
Tech – Can I have different colours?
Tech – Can my parts be painted?
Tech – How big can my part be?
Tech – How can I use 3D printing and Rapid Prototyping?
Tech – Will my design be produced with a smooth surface finish?
Tech – X, Y and Z Axis
Glossary - SLA - Stereo Lithography.
A rapid prototyping technology where a liquid resin is cured using a laser to form the final part. SLA systems cost in the region of £500,000 putting the technology out of reach of most small business.
Glossary – FDM – Fused Deposition Modelling.
A rapid prototyping / 3D printing technology where material is extruded from nozzles to form layers, which are built up to form the final part. Most common machine is a Fortus 400.
The 3D printing technology developed by Objet Geometries offering high resolution and smooth surface finish. The technology simulates all the best qualities of an SLA (Sterolithography) part and gives layers from 30 micron to 16 micron allowing for fine detail.
Glossary – SLS - Selective Laser Sintering
A rapid prototyping technology where a powder is melted using a laser to form the item.
.STL files are the preferred input file for most Rapid Prototyping and 3D printing systems. The file describes a given part as a series of very small triangles.
Service – How do I get a quote?
All 3D printing jobs are different so we'll need to review your CAD data to be able to quote. Email us your .STL file along with any specific requirements and we'll get back to you with a quote. We aim to quote within a couple of hours of receiving your .STL file.
Service – How long will it take to produce my part?
Our typical turnaround is 2 to 3 working days depending on work load. We are flexible and will try and work to your deadlines, so let us know what you need and we'll try and help.
Service – Where are IPF 3D Printing?
We are based on the boarder of Essex and Hertfordshire, close rail links to Liverpool Street Station, London. Our 3D printing service serves companies across the UK via overnight carriers. Local companies based around IPF and in London regularly call upon our someday service.
Software – Where can I get .STL file viewing software?
There are several free downloads to allow you to view .STL files. Some tools give you limited editing and fixing abilities. A web search for MiniMagics and Nettfabb will turn up some options.
Software – Where can I get 3D design software?
There is a wide selection of 3D software tools available via a web search, from paid for professional solutions to free open source downloads. Netfabb is a free download. Google Sketchup is another free option although it appears that you need a plug in to export to .STL
Tech – Can I choose a material with specific physical properties?
Yes. We 3D print and produce Rapid Prototypes in a range of materials. Please see our various 'Materials' page for more information.
Tech – Can I have different colours?
Yes. Our Vero Resins are Transparent, White, Blue, Gray, Clear and Black.
Tech – Can my parts be painted?
Yes. Parts can be painted. Alternatively they can be produced in different colours materials.
Tech – How big can my part be?
Your parts can be up to 500 x 400 x 200mm in volume. This includes rigid or flexible parts. Parts larger than this can be produced in smaller sections and bonded.
Tech – How can I use 3D printing and Rapid Prototyping?
Current applications for 3D printing include, Design Verification, Fit and Assembly testing, Conceptual Modelling, Rapid Tooling, Jig and Fixture validation. We mainly serve the Automotive, Architectural, Product Design and Aerodynamics industries. In addition our clients are using the technology to support Sales & marketing activities as well as private individuals producing 1 off personalized items such as trophies, awards and an idea that will make you a millionaire.
The reasons for using a 3D printer are that you can create a 3D model of your Computer Aided Design without the need for tooling or specialist programming skills. You can choose from a variety of materials, and different resolutions to suit your application.
With the increased use of CAD many designers are either having a small model made before production tooling is ordered to ensure the integrity of the design, or full size models to show their customers, to ensure they are going to be happy with the size, shape and form of a new design.
3D printing machines are optimised for speed, relative low cost and ease of use which makes them suitable for visualising designs during the conceptual stages of your design when properties such as mechanical strength is less important.
Tech – Will my design be produced with a smooth surface finish?
Yes, we offer two resolutions for the printing of parts in rigid materials, high quality 16 micron layers or high speed 30 micron layers. Flexible or dual material parts are 3D Printed in 30 micron layers.
You may come across references to X, Y and Z axis. X and Y refer to the horizontal plane while Z describes the vertical plane.
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