FAQ

3D drawings are created in a CAD (computer aided drafting) program such as Rhino or 3D MAX. These drawings/models are required in order to create a wax/resin rapid prototype.

CAD (Computer-aided design) is the use of computer systems to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design.

We can provide you with numerous experienced 3D CAD Designers.

Customer confidentially is essential to the prototyping process, and we take it very seriously. Please do not hesitate to ask for a non-disclosure agreement.

Rapid prototyping is a group of techniques used to quickly fabricate a scale model of a physical part using three-dimensional computer aided design (CAD) data.

3D printing builds a three-dimensional object from computer-aided design (CAD) model by successively adding material layer by layer. Objects can be of almost any shape or geometry. The most common technique is 3D printing or also called “additive layer manufacturing” technology.

3D scanning is a method to analyse a real-world object or environment to collect data on its shape and possibly its appearance.The collected data can then be used to construct digital three-dimensional models.

Collected 3D data is useful for a wide variety of applications including industrial design, orthotics and prosthetics, reverse engineering and prototyping, quality control/inspection and documentation of cultural artifacts.

We work with STL files so to save you time and to help with generating an STL. Please see below the process specific to your CAD system.

Note: You should be able to adjust the resolution of the STL file prior to saving/exporting. If so then make sure that the triangle size/tolerance is set at fine or 0.005. Next is a diagram of what a Low Resolution STL file looks like compared to a High Resolution one.

Low Resolution

High Resolution

Rhino
  1. File > Save As
  2. Select File Type > STL
  3. Enter a name for the STL file .
  4. Save
  5. Select Binary STL File
SolidWorks
  1. File > Save As
  2. Set Save As Type to STL
  3. Options > Fine > OK
  4. Save
Think3
  1. File > Save As
  2. Set Save As Type to STL
  3. Save
3D studio Max

First check for errors:

An STL object must define a complete and closed surface. Use STL-Check modifier to test your geometry before export your object to STL.

  1. Select an object.
  2. Click
  3. Click
  4. Select “STL-Check” under Object-Space Modifiers
  5. Select

If there are no errors, continue to export the STL file by:

  1. Select “StereoLitho [*.STL]” in
  2. Select location in
  3. Enter a name in

Export To STL dialog:

  1. Object Name: Enter a name for the object you want to save in STL format.
  2. Binary/ASCII: Choose whether the STL output file will be binary or ASCII (character) data. ASCII STL files are much larger than binary STL files.
  3. Selected Only: Exports only objects that you selected in the 3D Studio scene.

One of the main areas to consider for a successful printing and casting of your models is the right position of the sprue. Sprues are typically added by hand, but when working with wax especially with delicate parts, there is a greater risk of breakages.

Lead Sprue: The main sprue that is attached to the investment casting tree

Runner: A connection added to give support to an object. These runs off the lead sprue and don’t have to be as large.

Below are examples of the types of sprues required.

RESIN / WAX FEATURE SIZE

Text Sizing:

Note: These are the minimum recommended sizes when building in Resin or Wax.

If your questions are still not answered please call or E-mail us! We will gladly help you. Our mission is to give you a worry free service, so you can concentrate all your efforts to service the consumer’s needs.