20 Jun From concept to production, 3D printing is a key step in validating your project.
Modelling your idea as a 3D volume allows you to test your project in real-life circumstances. With 3D printing, Serviplast offers precise modelling of complex parts with or without inserts.
3D Printing in 3 Steps
Step 1: From Concept to File Validation
There are two ways to handle your 3D printing project. Either, our R&D office helps you design your project using SolidWorks, a 3D design program. Or you provide a file from a 3D CAD program and our R&D office checks it and imports it into SolidWorks. You may also provide hand-drawn drawings. We will work with you to digitise the document in order to produce a printable 3D file.
3D printing allows considerable flexibility for tests and corrections. Finally, the trial and error method allows the final specifications required for your part to be defined and met.
Step 2: 3D Printing
Once the file has been tweaked for 3D printing, R&D will transfer the data to GrabCAD. The printing time may vary from a few hours to more than a day, depending on the complexity of the part, its volume and the presence of any cantilevers.
The water-and-base soluble support material can be dissolved without any mechanical intervention.
Defining the positioning of the part on the tray is a key phase for successful 3D printing.
The positioning influences the end quality, geometric stability and the printing speed.
The Stratasys F370 FDM printer has a print volume of 355 x 254 x 355 mm. It prints layers of melted filaments. The most commonly used filaments, appreciated for their technical properties are ABS and ASA (UV stable), but we can also print with other materials such as PC-ABS, PLA and TPU-92A
The choice of printable colours allows a visual finishing as real as possible to be obtained.
Step 3: Post Production
Serviplast offers different services depending on the client’s demands.
Part polishing: after the part is 3D printed it is steam polished with acetone, allowing a smooth finish to be obtained.
Insertion of inserts: your printed part needs to be assembled in a precise and reversible manner. The inserts can be inserted during or after printing.
Serviplast R&D will accompany you throughout your 3D printing project. Whether you want a prototype or to test parts under real conditions or validate a design before creating an injection mould or print a single part or a short run, Serviplast meets your needs with a quality product and a speed of implementation that our clients appreciate.
For Serviplast, 3D printing is not just one step in your thought and manufacturing process. The 3D printing task is studied with the next stage already in mind, i.e. the creation of the mould and the injection solution for long runs.
Need a sample or advice on how to implement your 3D printing project ? Contact Serviplast R&D.