3D Printing - Frequently Asked Questions.

Glossary - SLA - Stereo Lithography.

Glossary – FDM – Fused Deposition Modeling.

Glossary – Polyjet Technology

Glossary – SLS - Selective Laser Sintering

Glossary – STL File

Service – How do I get a quote ?

Service – How long will it take to produce my part ?

Service – Where are mediacopy ?

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 Modeling.

A rapid prototyping / 3D printing technology where material is extruded from nozzles to form layers, which are built up to form the final part.

Glossary – Polyjet Technology

The 3D printing technology developed by Objet 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.

Glossary – STL File

.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 the .STL file for your part 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 between 2 and 4 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 mediacopy ?

We are based in Shropshire, close to the 'new' town of Telford. Our 3D printing service serves companies across the UK via overnight carriers. Local companies based in Telford, Wolverhampton and the West Midlands find us especially convenient .

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 the 'Materials' page for more information.

Tech – Can I have different colours ?

Yes. Our default colour is 'White' with options for Blue, Grey and Black.

Tech – Can my parts be painted ?

Yes. Parts can be painted. Alternatively they can be produced in different colored materials.

Tech – How big can my part be ?

Your parts can be up to 300 x 200 x 150 mm in volume using our standard service. Our service for Large Parts supports single items upto 500 x 400 x 200mm. Parts larger than this can be produced in smaller sections and joined.

Tech – How can I use 3D printing and Rapid Prototyping ?

Current applications for 3D printing includes Design Verification, Fit and Assembly testing, Conceptual Modeling, Rapid Tooling, Jig and Fixture validation. In addition our clients are using the technology to support Sales & marketing activities as well as private individuals producing 1 off personalized items.

Tech – Will my design be produced with a smooth surface finish ?

Our default service gives you parts with a smooth surface finish, printed at 28 micron. We are planning a 'budget' service for price sensitive jobs where the trade off will be a less smooth surface finish.

Tech – X, Y and Z Axis

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.