WHAT IS 3D PRINTING ?
Glad you asked.
Additive Manufacturing aka 3D Printing is a method of manufacturing physical parts as an additive process, as opposed to traditional Subtractive Manufacturing using Mills, Routers, Lathes etc.
With 3D Printing successive layers of build material are placed on top of each other to build a physical part from a digital 3D CAD file. It’s a similar process to how a sea shell will grow over time (minus the digital file) and can leave a very similar effect.
Additive manufacturing has several different processes of producing a prototype. Each method has its own advantages, though all use the same principle of adding material layer by layer. The same idea of building up, rather than cutting away applies no matter which method of additive manufacturing you choose to use.
FIRST STEP
First off, you’ll need an STL file to upload to us. This file is the digital model that you want transformed into a physical printed object. Don’t worry it isn’t as scary as it sounds. There are several ways to obtain 3d models:
- 3D Scan your object: 3D Scanning is not an easy process and generally requires a professional.
- CAD Software: Computer Aided Design has come a long way and is much easier for your everyday person to use.
- Download free designs: Search from over two hundred thousand designs that you can simply download as an STL and 3D print.
- Hire an expert designer: If you require your design to be taken to the next level, choose from one of expert designers to CAD up your model ready for 3D Printing.
SECOND STEP
Upload the file to our system. Choose the printing technology that matches the application of your details. Select material and finishing, if necessary.
THIRD STEP
Confirm our offer and that’s it. We will do the rest. Your details will be with you without any more conditionalities or hidden costs.