As an Industrial Designer I have been using 3D Printing since 80s. The first part I received was produce by US company 3D Systems. They pioneered the process known as stereolithography (SLA). The SLA produces very accurate parts to size. Ideal for products containing electronics. Great for verification the parts fit together. But the resins are soft and typically brittle. This can be problem to the Product / Mechanical Designer wanting to check functional usage, durability and strength.
Some 30 years later, there are now many 3D Printing bureaus in Auckland and Tauranga that Crawley Design use. Processes SLS, SLA, FDM (ABS) and ink jet printing. PTC have incorporated into Pro-Engineer / CREO printing software to allow direct printing from CAD.
For production 3D printing has been to slow. Some technology companies are using this process for small volume production.
This new Carbon process is for production printing. Has a variety materials available,
· Medical Polyurethane.
· Elastomeric Polyurethane.
· Silicone.
· Ridge Polyurethane
· Flexible Polyurethane
· Cyanate Ester
· Epoxy
· Urethane Methacrylate
· Dental / Surgical grade.
The Carbon process is very fast (See video). Their motto is “Stop Prototyping – Start Producing”. Next Blog I will discuss material properties compare injection moulded plastic grades.
The Carbon process is very fast (See video). Their motto is “Stop Prototyping – Start Producing”.