INITIAL IDEA
To help transform your ideas into 3D products, we start with reference samples or create mock up images to help visualise how the final item will look, evaluate potential materials and work out the most suitable size for budget.
SPECIFICATION: Brief: Mini rubber duck. Size: 25 x 25 x 20mm. 1 colour plastic. 3 colour paint
3D DESIGN
For bespoke products, we can use 3D design to help develop the idea and visualise the product from different angles. Once the 3D drawing file has been produced we can create: Dimensional Drawings, Rendered Visuals and STL Files for 3D Printing.
3D PRINTING
As soon as you are happy with the design, we can 3D print the idea in-house. The STL file is imported into the 3D print software, Cura. Here the settings can be adjusted such as resolution, wall thickness, speed and support structure. The file can easily be scaled up or down within the software and duplicates of the same design can also be added.
The printer is most effective at producing small items but can go up to 23 x 22.5 x 20.5cm in some instances.
3D SAMPLE
Once the .STL file is loaded into the 3D printer, the Ultimaker 2, your creation starts to print layer by layer using FFF (Fused Filiament Fabrication) print technology.
The plastic material, PLA (Polylactic acid) filament is fed into the extruder, heated and forced through the nozzle onto the heated platform, printing a layer at a time.
The final 3D model will help the approval process and help the manufacturer to understand new ideas and speed up the mould making process.