rapid prototyping

[2ms1]

Sorry this isn't a Pro/E specific question, but I don't know any other
forums to go to and everyone here is so knowledgeable:

I need to rapid prototype (in nylon or plastic, etc) a bunch of parts I've
made. We have an in-house SST Dimension ABS plastic machine that has
too low resolution and layer thickness (.01").

I see that SLS plastic machines general do .004" layer thickness and at
least look like they blend the edges of the layers more smoothly.

I contacted Morris Technologies for a quote on a part but they only have
SLA machines in house.

Can anyone tell me about the general differences in results one and
pricing one can expect from SLA vs SLS machines? Additionally, could
someone recommend any more companies for me to seek quotes from on
this kind of work? Right now I only have this one company, but my
budget is tight and would like to see what some other companies could
do. I'm located in the Mid-west of USA, though I suppose it doesn't
matter much where I'm located since everything just gets shipped
anyway.

thanks
Edited by: 2ms1

 

[mgnt8]

What's most important, the material or resolution? Viper SLA will get you .002" layer thickness and they now have some pretty heavy dutymaterials that compare to engineering resins. How about urethane castings? Advantage is no layers.

 

[2ms1]

My parts are hollow so I figured "growing"/layer-based rapid prototyping
was the only way. You seem to know a lot. Can you recommend any
companies for doing this rapid prototyping I need?

 

[dr_gallup]

ProtoCAM has given me very good SLA parts at a good price. Much cheaper than the companies you see advertising all the time. They have a lot of different processes but I always need the highest accuracy SLA available. SLS is not quite as accurate but you do get stronger parts.

 

[dgs]

We deal with two here in Columbus OH:



<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">


Laser Reproductions
950 Taylor Station Road, Suite E
Gahanna, OH 43230


Phone: 614.552.6905
Fax: 614.552.6907
E-mail: [email protected]


<A href="http://www.aerosportmodeling.com/" target="_blank">Aerosport Modeling and Design
</A>8090 Howe Industrial Parkway
Canal Winchester, OH 43110

614.834.5227
614.834.5230

President: <A class=body href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank">
[email protected]</A></BLOCKQUOTE>


Both have several rapid prototyping machines as well as the ability to make cast urethanes. I've had good luck with both companies and use each fairly often. Tell them I sent you if you call.


The thing to do is tell them exactly what you expect out of the prototypes, then they can recommend the best process for getting there.

 

[mgnt8]

<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">


Laser Reproductions</BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree they do a good job. They built me some parts last month on their Viper in DMX-SL 100. I've got one on my desk right now it looks & feels like a molded part plus its solid as a rock. The trade-off is cost - the higher the resolution, the higher the price. If price is an issue & your parts are not so big, there are a couple places now offeringhi resmultijet models off an HR Invision 3D printer. Layer thickness is about .0015", 1/3 the price of hi res SLA.
Edited by: mgnt8

 

[csusie]

We have an Invision SR 3D printer, its z res is .0016", x and y are .003".


The HR has a build height limitation of 2" where the SR can go up to 8".


2ms1, If you want details you can PM me or email me at [email protected]

 

[2ms1]

With SLS/DMLS there is an issue of powder being trapped inside my hollow parts. Same thing with the in-house ABS plastic printer we have -- there's no way to get the support material out.


Is this the case with all forms of rapid prototyping or are there any that don't really on support material or other things that get trapped inside as soon as the part becomes complete?


I wasthinking that SLA is perfect for my application, but now I'm worried. DOes SLA have this same "problem"?