Rapid prototyping, also referred to as additive manufacturing or 3D printing, is a process in which a three-dimensional polymer object is created in layers with data from a CAD file.
FASTER LEADTIME, MORE ACCURATE PARTS
Rapid prototyping in house reduces the standard lead time of 3-5 days to roughly 24 hours. Some parts can be printed as quickly as just a few hours. Priority Designs uses both fused deposition modeling (FDM) and stereolithography (SLA) rapid prototyping machines. This allows us to create a wide range parts that can be used for printing master parts for silicone molds, proof-of-concept parts and expedite the development process to more durable parts to test mechanism function.
DIGITAL TO MATERIAL IN NO TIME
Rapid prototyping machine reads a CAD file and translates the data into digital slices. Each machine then builds the part on the build trays in those slices. The SLA machines lay down each layer and is then cured by a UV light or laser. The FDM machines lay down each slice in layers of heated filament. After printing is complete any support material can be removed, and the parts are ready to be used.
Priority Designs takes care to print each part with whatever technology makes sense for the desired end goal. Larger parts can be created by gluing multiple pieces together.
Our machine specs:
Formlabs Form 2 (x3)
- Technology = Stereolithography (SLA)
- Build Volume = 5.7″ W x 5.7″ L x 6.9″ H (145 x 145 x 175mm)
- Layer thickness = 25-100 microns (0.001-0.004″)
- Benefit = Wide range of materials, high resolution.
Formlabs Form 3 (x1)
- Technology = Stereolithography (SLA)
- Build Volume = 5.7″ W x 5.7″ L x 7.3″ H (145 x 145 x 185.42mm)
- Layer thickness = 25-100 microns (0.001-0.004″)
- Benefit = Wide range of materials, high resolution.
Ultimaker s5 (x3)
- Technology = Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)
- Build Volume = 13″ W x 9.4″ L x 11.8″ H (330 x 240 x 300mm)
- Layer thickness = 20-600 microns (0.0007-0.024″)
- Benefit = Strong production materials for engineering, inexpensive.
Stratasys J55 (x1)
- Technology = PolyJet
- Build Volume = 1174 sq cm
- Layer thickness = 17.78 microns (0.0007″)
- Benefit = CMF color, full texture, & graphics.
HP 540 (x1)
- Technology = Multi Jet Fusion
- Build Volume = 13.1” W X 7.5” L X 9.8” H (332.74mm X 190.5mm x 248.92mm)
- Layer thickness = 76.2 microns (0.003″)
- Benefit = Nylon 12 material, strength, fast.
