In addition to the answers below to the most common 3D printing questions we receive, we also have fantastic page for those who are new to 3D printing called, What Is 3D Printing?
Getting Started/CAD Drawings
In order to quote or make a 3D printed part, you need to have a 3D CAD file drawing created. We do not offer drawing or scanning services. If you don’t have a CAD drawing of your part you should find a mechanical engineer/design to draw your part. See what is 3d printing.
We sure can. Whether is a scaled down model for a trade show or for a sales meeting, our 3d printed models can’t be beat! There are some very important things you should quick read first though to better understand what you need to know about 3d printing and your scaled down model. Learn more here
Our 3D Printing Services
We were the first 3D printing service bureau in Canada to offer FDM 3D printing technology in 1996, and continued to upgrade with the latest and improved technology. Our years of experience and focus solely on 3D printing is what allows us to provide you with exceptional quality and service.
SLS nylon or rubber-like parts can be used in place of parts made from traditional methods such as injection molding. SLA and PolyJet have limitations and should be primarily used for visual applications.
We often recommend a few steps prior to arranging a visit to our offices such as starting with a phone consultation and obtaining a quote for your CAD files.
Yes and no. The question should be “Do you offer parts that function like ABS?” FDM is the only technology that offers ABS material, however this isn’t the best option if you want it to function like an injection-molded ABS part.
As the first company in Canada to own and operate FDM technology, we found the quality both visually and functionally of ABS parts to be poor in comparison to SLS nylon, so we upgraded.
Here’s the thing, SLS nylon parts, while built in nylon actually represent more accurately an ABS injection molded part than one made in ABS with the FDM process. The reason being is that SLS melts one layer of powder to the next making a solid piece, whereas FDM extrudes the material laying one layer on top of the next. If you were to force break the part, it would likely break on a layer, versus SLS which would break randomly. In addition, the ABS part is also not as flexible as the nylon and does not create proper functioning hinges or springs with sufficient flex.
Still uncertain? Give us a call and we can discuss your requirements further.
What 3D Printing Can and Cannot Do
Replacing a toaster knob will cost too much, might not look right and may not function the same. Automotive companies spend hundreds of thousands of dollars designing, testing and manufacturing parts. Should you design and use your own you could be risking your safety.
Invention Help
3D Scanning
Scaled down models
Our 3D Rapid Prototyping process works off of a three-dimensional CAD (Computer Aided design) file in order to correctly render and produce our prototypes, which means that if a fairly large prototype design is scaled [...]
3D Printed K’nex ‘Digger’ in nylon, final production quality and function!
The new year had me reflecting on some of our past projects and accomplishments and I felt this one was worth sharing again! (this time showing you a direct comparison of the actual K'nex model [...]
3D Printed Baby Yoda from Star’s Wars spin-off Mandalorian
3D Printed Baby Yoda ornament on Jon Favreau's tree as posted on instagram! (we even commented on his feed). Disney's Star Wars spin off show, Mandalorian, introduced the world to the cutest thing ever... Baby [...]
SLA vs. 3D Printing… there’s a big difference some don’t realize
Many people commonly use the term SLA (Sterolithography) in place of the broad term 3D Printing/3D Printed. For example, “I need to have an SLA part made in nylon”, when what they really need is [...]
3D Printing on the Moon… finally someone is talking sense!
3D Printing on the Moon... finally someone is talking sense! Up until this time I have found the media promoting stories about 3d printing on Mars, how limitless it would be and grand visions of [...]
3D Printing or Rapid Prototyping? Potato/Po-taa-toe?
3D Printing or Rapid Prototyping? For any old school engineers or fellow 3d printing cohorts that have been around the block (like myself), you may recall back in the day that today's now common term [...]