3D PRINTING SERVICE

The 3D printing service allows you to create real objects from a digital model which is created using specific software.
This software allows you to customize the various parameters required for printing in order to create an object according to defined characteristics.
The creation process is called "additive manufacturing" (as opposed to "subtractive manufacturing") and allows you to add one by one all the layers that make up the model to be created. 3D printing is also called "rapid prototyping", precisely because it allows you to obtain very accurate prototypes far more quickly than traditional techniques.

What types of components

A variety of components can be made with 3D printers, and they are differentiated according to the type of material.
We have, for example:

• Rigid-opaque materials: (for example PLA or PLA+, ABS or ABS+ and nylon) these products can be treated at a later time via finishing, polishing or painting operations;
• Materials which are resistant to high temperatures: the components made guarantee excellent performance even when subjected to significant temperature changes.
• Transparent materials: ideal for making prototypes in materials that, as far as possible, resemble glass for their transparency and consistency.
• Elastic materials: elasticity and resistance to mechanical tensions are also an important feature, which may be required for a prototype in particular conditions. In this case, elastic resins suitable for the purpose are usually used.
• Biocompatible materials: these components are indispensable especially in the field of medical products and food, where precise safety standards must be adhered to.
• Metallic materials: with 3D printers it is in fact possible to obtain components made thanks to the use of a particular powder, which acts as a basis for the prototyping of finished products made of metal.

Benefits of Prototyping with 3D Printing

The advantages of using 3D prints are numerous, but the most significant are certainly:

• aaccuracy and precision in creating prototypes of all sizes, a useful feature especially in the case of products with particularly minute dimensions, which would be difficult to make by hand or with other technologies;
• relatively short lead times and reduction in processing costs;
• relative ease of use of machinery.

For all these reasons, 3D printing is increasingly used in a huge number of sectors. Consequently, the number of specialists dedicated to carrying out this type of processing is growing, and the process itself is constantly being updated with changes and innovations aimed at optimising the precision and performance of the components it produces.

Examples of use

Producing products by 3D printing offers numerous advantages and opportunities compared to creating prototypes according to traditional methodologies. Prototypes and 3D models are used in a great many fields, not only for designer or custom-made objects, and, consequently, wiring for 3D prints is also in high demand.
Some areas of use include:

• biomedical sector: prostheses and specific tissues
• robotic and/or automotive sector: prototypes or components to be used inside machinery or equipment;
• architectural sector: creation of 3D plans of buildings, constructions or portions of them.
• artistic sector: in the case of contemporary sculptures or installations.

How we oversee prototyping

Managing the prototyping of a 3D printer is not very complicated, but it requires a lot of attention, precision and above all a thorough knowledge of each processing step. Leaving one out or not doing it precisely enough could compromise the final result. Here, in broad terms, is the way in which prototyping is managed: the first phase is design. In this phase the digital model to be printed is created on a computer. For the realization of the model, a specific program such as Cad 3D is usually used. The computer is then connected to the machine and the file is then transferred to the printing software. The software accesses the details and characteristics of the digital model and can thus ensure the correct and accurate printing of the prototype. At this point the actual printing process begins: each 3D printer usually has 3 axes along which to move, with the extruder depositing the material on the printing plate layer by layer. The duration of this process is variable, according to the complexity of the prototype and the material used.