Vacuum Casting

Rapid Prototyping Explained

Rapid Prototyping Online SLA Quote

Launch your ideas!

Use RP technologies to develop your project

Rapid Prototyping Stereolithography (SLA) Models

Stereolithography (SLA) parts are produced by laser curing of an epoxy resin based photopolymer. The parts created are generally very crisp and rigid, but can be prone to breaking if overstressed.

Our preferred resins are XC11122 and NeXt, a water resistant clear resin, for masters used for making vacuum casting moulds.

High resolution builds are generally more expensive but necessary for intricate, thin-walled parts and features.The expected tolerances for SLA parts are .1% - .2% or 0.1 - 0.2mm, whichever is the greater. SLA and SLS models are created from 3D .stl part files. It is important to generate good resolution .stl files with enough triangles to prevent flatting over curved surfaces. Each CAD package has different settings to adjust when you generate your .stl file, however, generally, look to set the chord height deviation / absolute faceting to 0.01mm. You can check your .stl files using a free .stl file viewer which you can download here. Alternatively, send us your CAD files in .iges/.STEP/.x_t format and we will generate the .stls ourselves.

Due to their good accuracy and definition, SLA models are our preferred RP masters for the manufacture of vacuum cast polyurethane resin prototypes. Up to 50 durable plastic prototype parts with excellent cosmetic finish can be produced from one low cost silicone rubber mould. Go to our Vacuum Casting page for more information.

Rapid Prototyping Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) models

For one-off functional prototypes, SLS is a cost effective solution, providing more durable parts than SLA, albeit with not as smooth a surface and not as sharp edges. SLS is also appropriate for producing small batches of functional production parts, provided their natural colour is acceptable and they are not required to have a cosmetic finish. Parts produced in NeXt as SLA's are also suitable for small series production. SLS parts can be black or natural and are suitable for many applications such as complex thin-walled ductwork, living hinges and snap-fit designs. The material is appropriate for low to mid-volume production or prototypes that need to display functional end-use performance properties.

Download technical datasheet Duraform Pa

Schneider Prototyping UK
10 Birch Copse
Technology Road
Poole
BH17 7FH

Tel: 01202 606576
Fax: 01202 606577

E-mail: info@schneider-prototyping.co.uk

HOME THIN-RIM CNC MACHINING VACUUM CASTING RAPID PROTOTYPING MARTELLO CONTACT NEWS LINKS