Plastic

We offer a full range of plastic 3D printing for the Engineering/Design industry. This includes FDM for large and more structurally sound parts, and SLA/S for intricate smaller parts. 

FDM

Fused Deposition Modeling is a 3D printing technique whereby a thin plastic extrusion is used to 'draw' each layer of the 3D model. The techique, while lacking the accuracy and surface finishes of the laser based technolgies, is very flexible and makes incredibly durable engineering parts, quickly, from a variety of common materials, including:

• Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) - most famous as the plastic used to make Lego bricks. It is very tough and flexible, has an excellent surface finish and is easily worked (machined, sanded and painted)
• Nylon - known for it's toughness
• Polyoxymethylene (POM or Acetal) - an excellent engineering plastic with high stiffness and dimensional stability
• Polycarbonate (PC) - Stong, tough and transparent if required

SLA

Stereolithography utilises a light sensitive polymer (photopolymer) to selectively set each layer with a scanning laser as the agent. This technology allows for excellent dimensional stability and accuracy of working parts, however trades off with cost of materials and the material properties. The strength and ductility can be greatly increased with a post-curing process.