What is Figure 4?
Figure 4 is a 3D-printing technology which is ideal for functional prototyping and very low volume production. It delivers an ultra-high print speed along with quality and accuracy meaning we can print your prototypes quickly while maintaining quality and accuracy.
When to use Figure 4 technology
It is ideal for:
- Functional prototyping and concept models
- Investment casting jewellery patterns
- End-use durable plastic parts
- Jigs and fixtures
- Moulds and master patterns
Specification
The technology is most suited to small prototype parts:
| Feature | Specification |
| Build Area | 124.8 x 70.2 x 196 mm |
| XY Pixel Pitch (Resolution) | 65 microns |
| Layer Thickness | 10 – 100 microns (material dependent) |
| Light Wavelength | 405 nm |
Material options
We stock the following materials as standard:
The HI TEMP 300-AMB material is amber coloured. Key applications include:
- High-temperature components testing and general use parts including HVAC, consumer appliances, motor enclosures, stators, etc
- Low pressure moulding/tooling: expanding foams, rubbers, etc
- Overmoulding
Properties include:
- Shore hardness: ~89D
- Elongation: ~2.6% elongation
- Thermal resistance: over 300°C at both low and high stress
- Rigid and translucent
- High tensile modulus for use in moulds (4000 MPa)
MED-AMB 10 is a rigid, translucent amber coloured material for applications requiring biocompatibility, translucency and/or thermal resistance.
MED-WHT 10 is a rigid, white material. Key applications include:
- General medical applications requiring biocompatibility, sterilisation and/or thermal resistance
- Surgical drill guides, splints
- Bone models
- Parts requiring rigidity with high temperature and/or water resistance
- Parts with high definition details
Properties include:
- Shore hardness: ~84D
- Elongation: ~3% elongation
- Thermal resistance: 102°C
- Capable of meeting ISO 10993-5 and -10 standards
- Excellent humidity/moisture resistance
The PRO-BLK 10 materials is black. Key applications include:
- Tool-less, same day production
- Direct production of small black plastic parts. Examples include: motor housings, connectors, snap-fits, automotive interior and other general-use parts
- Digital production to replace injection moulding or soft tooling processes
Properties include:
- Shore hardness: ~79D
- Elongation: ~12% elongation
- Thermal resistance: 70°C
Rigid heat resistance - Excellent surface quality and repeatability
Visit our Resources area to download the material datasheets for Figure 4.
Other materials
In addition to the materials we stock, the following are available upon request.
EGGSHELL-AMB 10 is an amber-coloured material which is process-optimised for the production of sacrificial tooling for casting silicone parts of any durometer.
The ELAST-BLK 10 material is black. Key applications include:
- Functional assemblies and prototypes
- Automotive styling parts
- Consumer goods and electronic components
- Snap fit assemblies
- Containers and enclosures
- Product design
- Master patterns for RTV/silicone moulding
- Replacement of short-run cast urethane production parts
- Concept and marketing models
- Suited for indoor production applications
Properties include:
- Shore hardness: ~60A
- Elongation: ~80% elongation
- Tear strength: ~5-10kN/m
- Rapid shape recovery after deformation
- Look and feel of moulded polypropylene
The FLEX-BLK 10 material is black and flexible. Key applications include:
- Functional assemblies and prototypes
- Automotive styling parts
- Consumer goods and electronic components
- Snap-fit assemblies
- Containers and enclosures
- Product design
- Master patterns for RTV/silicone moulding
- Replacement of short-run cast urethane production parts
- Concept and marketing models
Properties include:
- Shore hardness: ~76D
- Elongation: ~104% elongation
- Exceptional durability and flexibility
- Excellent mechanical properties and accuracy
- Beautiful polypropylene-like parts
FLEX-BLK 20 is a fatigue-resistant black material with the look and feel of production polypropylene. It is a durable, flexible and high impact-resistant material with long-term environmental stability.
The JCAST-GRN material is green and is ideal for jewellery as it is castable. It offers clean and easy burnout with gypsum investments and has amazing surface quality for high-quality metal parts.
RGD-GRY 10 has a high build speed. It is rigid and grey in colour. Properties include:
- Flex Modulus: ~2200MPa
- Elongation at break: ~20%
- Impact strength: ~30 J/m
RGD-GRY 15 is a durable and rigid material which is grey. Properties include:
- Notched impact strength: ~30 J/m
- Flex Modulus: ~2300MPa
- Elongation at break: ~20%
- HDT: 60°C
RUBBER-BLK 10 is a high tear strength, malleable material for hard rubber-like parts. It is engineered for long-term environmental stability.
TOUGH-BLK 20 is a strong material with long-term UV stability for the production of black ABS-like parts. Ideal for strong functional parts.
Please note: because these materials would need to be ordered in, we cannot offer our Express or Standard delivery service. Instead, parts will be dispatched using our Economy (in 5 days) or Super-Economy (in 10 days) service level.
Benefits of Figure 4
Figure 4 is ideal for low volume production. Benefits include:
- Fast printing times (see dispatch below)
- Elimination of tooling
- Range of materials
Figure 4 in action
Watch our Figure 4 machine in action…
Take the tour
We encourage our customers to visit our prototyping bureau in Royston so we can show our full range of services and answer any questions you may have about your next project. If you would like to arrange a tour, please contact us.
Finishing options
We offer a range of finishing options on 3D printed parts. Please visit our Finishing page for more information.
Service levels
Our service levels are designed to help you meet tight timescales or economy budgets.
Ready to start your next prototype project?
Prototype Projects is a UK-based prototyping bureau delivering high-quality prototype parts in fast turnaround times.
We offer a next day dispatch service for SLA, SLS, FDM, Polyjet and Figure 4 3D printed parts. Use our My 3D AM service for online SLS and SLA 3D printing instant quoting and ordering for additive manufacturing. We also offer CNC machining and milling, Vacuum Casting and laser cutting services.
Contact us on 01763 249760 to discuss your next prototype project.
