3D printing Standard Service – what is included?

Most customers who use our 3D printing bureau are already aware that we offer different Service Levels to suit the need for speed or economy. As you might expect, the majority opt for our middle-of-the-road Standard Service, with shipping in three working days, so let’s take a closer look at what this service includes and what the options are.

3D printing technologies

All five of our 3D printing technologies are available with Standard delivery. Customers can therefore choose from SLA, SLS, DLP, PolyJet and PµSL.

The last of these (Projection Micro Stereolithography) is the most recent addition to our portfolio. It builds parts with unprecedented accuracy and extremely smooth surfaces but the process is slower than other 3D printing technologies. Consequently, we do not offer Express delivery but PµSL parts can be ordered with Standard delivery for shipping in three working days.

Materials

If we hold a particular material in stock, we can 3D print parts with it as part of our Standard service. In summary, the materials we run with each 3D printing technology for the Standard service are as follows:

• SLA: Accura ClearVue, Accura 25 and Accura Xtreme
• SLS: PA2200 Nylon (base PA12)
• DLP: HI TEMP 300-AMB, HI TEMP 150C FR BLACK, PRO-BLK 10, Tough 60C White and Tough Clear
• PolyJet: Vero White, Agilus30, Vero Clear
• PµSL: HTL resin, BIO resin and RG resin

In addition, we can order specialist material grades for DLP but cannot guarantee parts will be shipped in three working days because of the material lead time. We will advise the soonest delivery date when quoting for the part.

Detailed information about our 3D printing materials is provided on our Materials Datasheets page.

Finishing options for the Standard service

While our Express 3D printing service is very quick, we have to restrict the range of finishes customers can specify for their parts. However, one of the major advantages of our Standard service is that we offer a far wider choice of finishing options. Indeed, the only finishes that are not available with the Standard service are overmoulding using our in-house vacuum casting process, and outsourced specialist finishes such as vacuum metallisation.

The choice of finishes depends on the 3D printing technology and material, as well as the application requirements. Broadly speaking, the finishes available with our Standard service are as follows:

• Washing/cleaning
• UV hardening
• Removal of support witness marks
• Light bead blasting
• Removal of build lines
• Clear lacquering to seal surfaces
• Polishing and clear lacquering to maximise the clarity of clear parts
• Single coat of paint
• Priming and painting
• Rubberised soft-feel plastic coating on ‘A’ surfaces
• SLS colouring
• Blackout/RFI/EMC coating on internal ‘B’ surfaces
• Assembly with threaded inserts
• Application of graphics
• See our 3D printing finishing page for more information.

If you require any other finish not listed above or described on our 3D printing finishing page, contact us and we will endeavour to outsource it with one of our trusted partners.

Workflow

Projects usually start with the customer completing our online form to request a quote, but enquiries by phone or email are also welcome. Unless the part is particularly complex, we aim to respond the same day to requests for quotes received by 4.00 pm.

Part data can be uploaded as a STEP file (preferred) or as an IGES, XT or STL file. We do not need 2D drawing files unless there are specific requirements relating to tolerances, threads or other details.

We start by checking the part file and, if necessary, resolving any queries with the customer. This is also the point at which we might discuss build orientation, tolerances or concessions that would, for example, improve the printability of particular features or reduce material usage and costs. Once everything has been finalised, we will schedule the part to be built on an appropriate 3D printer.

Each part is washed/cleaned, inspected and any secondary finishing processes carried out before it is packed ready for delivery.

Dispatch

We deliver for free within a 15-mile radius of our Royston premises using our own vehicles. Alternatively, customers are welcome to collect their parts as soon as they are ready. Otherwise, we ship parts at cost using Royal Mail or DPD Local, depending on the size and how urgently you need them.

Talk to us

If you need 3D printed parts for prototyping or end-use applications, talk to our experts on 01763 249760, or complete the enquiry form below to request a quote.