|
FAQ Main: The Frequent of the Frequent
|
| Q. |
I only have a blueprint. Our company does not have a CAD system such as Pro/E or Unigraphics. Can I still use stereolithography? |
| A. |
Absolutely! We can make a blue print work. For an additional fee, we can have your drawing converted to 3D CAD and then to an STL. file which is the format we need for the SLA process |
| |
|
| Q. |
What are your limitations? I have a large part - I've heard you can only make parts that are less than 10 inches. |
| A. |
Actually, our large SLA-500 and SLA-5000 machines haves a build envelope that is 20x20x24 but we really have no size limitations. We can make the part in several sections and use the liquid polymer as a bonding agent. The part looks and functions just like it was built in one piece. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Our Company had the most important trade show of the year coming up.We were going to introduce a new cellular phone. We ran behind schedule and 2 weeks before the show,we realized we weren't going to have the part to show. How could Protogenic help out in this situation? |
| A. |
If you send us the 3-dimensional solid file, we can have an SLA master made within 48 hours- typically. We would then use the SLA master and make an RTV Mold, which in turn would produce a urethane cast part from the materials we offer. We can custom color match and put the finish on your part so that is looks just like a production part (sometimes, even better). Depending on the geometry and size, you could have your conceptual model in as little as one week. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Sometimes we need model parts to use in a photo shoot to get a head start on our New Product Introduction campaign. Do your models look good enough to use in a high resolution photo where the parts would be used in a brochure or flyer? |
| A. |
Our models will look great for the camera, and we have made prototypes especially for this type of application and they look terrific. Your models are handcrafted to look exactly how you want them to. With few exceptions, we can provide the finish you need to give you the best models possible for the high quality photos you need to promote your product. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What if we need to make design changes after the prototype has been made? |
| A. |
One of the advantages of using this process is exactly that reason. Sometimes you need to check for fit or function. This will give you a chance to do a detailed design evaluation before you get to the hard tooling stage (which, as you know, is very expensive). If you need to make slight modifications we can often do that to the original SLA master. If you are making major changes we may need to produce a new master, but it will still be much quicker and less expensive than modifying the hard tool. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What type of industries do you make parts for? |
| A. |
Just about any industry you can think of... We are not limited to any one industry but typically any company that manufactures parts can use prototyping. We have made medical components, computer housings and bezels, smoke detectors, telephones, impellers, cameras, sports equipment, automotive parts, mechanical assemblies, and many, many, other types of parts. For a short list of Customers, please see our testimonials page. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What are the material properties of SLA parts? |
| A. |
If you treat them without a lot of abuse, most are pretty durable. (Click here to see SLA Resin Properties Sheet). All can be lightly sanded and filed, some even drilled and tapped. Normal temperatures will not affect the parts, but some may start to distort in temperatures over 120 degrees F. The epoxy resins used in Stereolithography are hygroscopic, and parts may grow if subjected to humidity and moisture. |
| |
|
| Q. |
We need parts for functional testing, can you help? |
| A. |
We provide a variety of Shore A and Shore D polyurethanes, and we can supply the available properties for these resins. We can also provide you with sintered nylon parts. Let us know what you have in mind and we will help you determine if the product can withstand the test or if there are any precautions you need to be aware of. |
