Home 
About 
Contact 
News 
Machining 
Fabrication 
3D Printing 
Laser 3D Printing Applications
Applications of the 3D printing used at IPF.
Prototyping just got tougher
IPF now delivers the latest development in robust, resilient 3D printed models for demanding prototyping jobs. Engineered to be stronger, the new Objet ABS-like material offers superior toughness for fully-functional prototypes that are hard to break, adding to IPF's wide range of materials.
Overmolding is a molding process in which two or more materials are combined to produce a single part. Typically the part seamlessly binds a rigid plastic with a rubber-like elastomer. The result is a soft-touch, non-slip surface common on power tools, toothbrushes, razors, consumer electronics, medical devices and more.
Prototyping / Rapid Manufacturing with Real Thermoplastic Materials
IPF 3D printing bureau provides FDM parts with good geometric accuracy, durability, stability and strength, for concept models, functional prototypes, end use parts and manufacturing tools.
Large build volume 406 x 355 x 406mm, and various layer thicknesses for fast builds or improved surface finish.
Overview
In recent years, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) based multi-material molded products have found widespread use in various industries and in daily life. The soft touch surface provides a non-slip grip and ergonomic comfort. Many industries use soft touch coating during their product design to validate future products. For example, the automotive industry uses soft touch in the design and development of interior products such as knobs, pulls and handles. Consumer electronics use soft touch coating for features such as rubberized buttons and coatings, typically to improve the product's ergonomic comfort. In the world of consumer goods, a vast array of products incorporate soft touch coating, including tooth brushes, shaving handles and glasses.
In recent years, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) based multi-material molded products have found widespread use in various industries and in daily life. The soft touch surface provides a non-slip grip and ergonomic comfort. Many industries use soft touch coating during their product design to validate future products. For example, the automotive industry uses soft touch in the design and development of interior products such as knobs, pulls and handles. Consumer electronics use soft touch coating for features such as rubberized buttons and coatings, typically to improve the product's ergonomic comfort. In the world of consumer goods, a vast array of products incorporate soft touch coating, including tooth brushes, shaving handles and glasses.
Shock/energy-absorbing components are often used as a safety measure to absorb runaway energy in case of a component or system failure. Practical examples of shock absorbing components include bumpers, isolators, fasteners, mounts, spacers and pads.
Impact resistance, or toughness, is defined by the relative susceptibility of plastics to fracture under stresses applied at high speeds. In materials science and metallurgy, impact resistance is a material's resistance to fracture when stressed. It is defined as the amount of energy per volume that a material can absorb before rupturing.
Gaskets:
A gasket (See figure below) is a mechanical seal that fills the space between two mating surfaces. Also called a seal, a gasket is generally used to prevent leakage from or into joined objects while under compression.
Plugs:
A plug is a piece of material used to stop up a hole or aperture, to fill a gap, or to act as a wedge. For example, plugs for sanitation are used to firmly close a drainage outlet in bathtubs, washbasins or sinks (see figure below). To ensure a tight seal, plugs are typically made from a soft material such as rubber or have a soft outer ring so that they can be fitted to holes slightly smaller than their diameter.
Valves:
A valve is a device that regulates the flow of a fluid (gases, liquids, fluidized solids or slurries) by opening, closing or partially obstructing a passageway. Valves are used in a variety of contexts, including industrial, military, commercial, residential and transportation. Plumbing valves, such as taps for hot and cold tap water, are the most noticeable types of valves. Other valves encountered on a daily basis include gas control valves on cookers, small valves fitted to washing machines and dishwashers, and safety devices fitted to hot water systems.
A gasket (See figure below) is a mechanical seal that fills the space between two mating surfaces. Also called a seal, a gasket is generally used to prevent leakage from or into joined objects while under compression.
Plugs:
A plug is a piece of material used to stop up a hole or aperture, to fill a gap, or to act as a wedge. For example, plugs for sanitation are used to firmly close a drainage outlet in bathtubs, washbasins or sinks (see figure below). To ensure a tight seal, plugs are typically made from a soft material such as rubber or have a soft outer ring so that they can be fitted to holes slightly smaller than their diameter.
Valves:
A valve is a device that regulates the flow of a fluid (gases, liquids, fluidized solids or slurries) by opening, closing or partially obstructing a passageway. Valves are used in a variety of contexts, including industrial, military, commercial, residential and transportation. Plumbing valves, such as taps for hot and cold tap water, are the most noticeable types of valves. Other valves encountered on a daily basis include gas control valves on cookers, small valves fitted to washing machines and dishwashers, and safety devices fitted to hot water systems.
Friction is defined as the force that opposes the relative motion or tendency of such motion of two surfaces in contact. The friction coefficient of a prototype’s surface is a functional component, not an aesthetic one, and simulates the end product’s mechanical properties. A well-designed prototype that takes friction into consideration can have the following advantages: an improved grip for the enduser, reduced part wear, simulated movement functionality and sliding abilities.
More Articles...
RAPID PROTOTYPING
3D Printing - Multi Material - Rigid & Flexible Prototyping
3D Capabilities
Connex 500 - Flexible & Rigid Materials
- 30 digital materials including variable shore hardness materials from 27 A shore up to 95 A shore, enabling flexible and rigid materials in the same prototype
- High resolution mode, 600 DPI in X & Y – enables models with fine features
- Smooth surface finish -- Eliminates the stair effect
- Thin walls down to 0.6mm (0.024”)
- Layer thickness ultra thin 16microns or high speed 30microns
- Fine detail in all axis
- Large build size 500 x 400 x 200mm
Perfactory - Ultra Fine Prototyping
- Perfect for use for when needing incredible detail
- Very High Quality of Parts
- Excellent surface finish
- Superb detail and accuracy
- Build resolution from 16(X) x 16(Y) x 15(Z) microns to 30(X) x 30(Y) x 100(Z) microns
Resins for;
- Investment casting,
- Bio-compatible grade 2 applications,
- High temperature applications
- General high quality prototypes
Object Eden 350V
- Layer thickness ultra thin 16microns and high speed 30microns.
- Selection of colours available including Transparent, Black, White, Blue and Grey
- Minimal stair effect, i.e. smooth side walls.
- Large build size 350 x 350 x 200mm (Material can be cemented together to produce larger models)
- Complicated geometries, i.e. overhangs and undercuts achievable.
- Durable material enables snap fit and functional applications.
- Material can be machined, drilled, tapped, polished, painted and chrome-plated.
- Ideal for producing masters for silicon moulds to produce vacuum castings