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SLA
SLS
Vacuum Casting

About SLA

Stereolithography (SLA) is the most popular resin based 3D printing process. It stands out due to its ability to produce accurate, isotropic, water-tight and smooth prototypes and end use parts.

In this process, liquid resin is hardened into plastic using laser source to create solid objects. A thin layer of resin over the build platform is cured to the cross section of the parts to be manufactured. The platform is then lowered one layer and the process continues. This process is repeated until the complete part is built.

Due to its benefits, almost all industries use parts made through SLA technology and the most common material is ABS - like resin.

Advantages

Parts made through SLA technology have several advantages:

Parts have a high dimensional accuracy as compared to other 3D printing processes.
Intricate details can be achieved.
Parts have a smooth surface, almost like injection moulded parts.
Various material options are available like ABS, clear, flexible, etc.
Minimal warpage and shrinkage.
High resolution and uniform quality.

When to choose SLA

SLA is best suited when you require detailed, smooth and accurate parts for prototyping - concept models, functional prototype, validation testing.

Apart from prototyping, SLA can be used for:

Master patterns for casting and moulding.
Jigs & fixtures.
Low volume manufacturing.
Custom parts.
Models.

Machine Details

Make: E Plus
Model: A800
Build Size: 800 x 800 x 550mm
Print Layer Thickness: 100 um

Material Details

This resin has enhanced strength and dimensional stability under humidity with great temperature resistance.

Applications: Master patterns, conceptual models, common parts or functional prototypes for various industries.
Typical part properties:
Hardness: 77 - 88 Shore D
Flexural strength: 70-74 MPa
Tensile strength: 40 - 58 MPa
HDT @ 66 PSI: 55 - 68 deg C
Glass transition temperature: 60 - 75 deg C
Density: 1.12 - 1.18
Colour: Milky white

About SLS

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a type of powder bed fusion, one of the oldest and most respected 3D printing technologies.

In this process, a thin layer of polymer powder is placed over the build platform and a CO2 laser traces the cross section of the parts to be manufactured, on the powder layer. Then the powder is fused together at high temperature. The platform is then lowered one layer and the process continues. This process is repeated until the complete part is built.

This is an industrial 3D printing technology that produces accurate, functional parts that are used in almost every industry.

Primarily, this process uses nylon material, although other material options do exist.

SLS 3D printing is extremely appealing to designers, engineers, and industrial companies of all sizes.

Advantages of SLS

SLS is an excellent technology to manufacture complex structures. SLS can be used to manufacture parts that have moving or interlocking structures and is a versatile choice for industrial use parts, be it prototypes, end use parts or jigs & fixtures.

This technology can be used to manufacture structures that were previously impossible via traditional manufacturing methods or even via other 3D printing technologies. It is possible to manufacture hundreds or even thousands of parts at once, as long as the parts fit inside the build space.

Perfect technology for high volume, functional and repeatable parts.

Nylon offers durability, strength and resistance.
Parts can be shipped in as low as 1-2 days, speeding up the design to market process.
End use parts can be made faster than ever before.
Allows for complex geometry.
Multiple parts can be manufactured at once.
High precision parts having low tolerances.

When to choose SLS

SLS is perfect when you need prototypes or functional end use parts that have good mechanical properties like durability, strength and resistance to environmental factors. Nylon material, while flexible and resistant to breakage, offers these coveted qualities.

Parts with fitments, locking mechanisms, moving parts, etc. can be perfectly made.

Machine Details

Make: EOS (Germany)
Model: P396E
Build Size: 340 x 340 x 600mm
Print Layer Thickness: 120 um

Material Details

PA-12 Nylon

Nylon 12 is a strong, multipurpose material renowned for its use in industrial products.

Applications: General manufacturing for prototypes, jigs & fixtures, end use parts.
Typical part properties:
Tensile modulus: 1650 MPa
Tensile strength: 48 MPa
Nominal strain at break: 18%
Deflection temperature @ 0.45 MPa: 157 deg C
Density: 0.93 g/cm3

PA-12 30% Glass Filled Nylon

Highly rigid parts with high abrasion resistance.

Applications: Machine components, heavily used parts, forming tools, etc.
Typical part properties:
Tensile modulus: 3200 MPa
Tensile strength: 51 MPa
Nominal strain at break: 9%
Deflection temperature @ 0.45 MPa: 157 deg C
Density: 1.22 g/cm3

PA-11 Nylon (Black)

Parts manufactured using PA-11 have high impact resistance and elongation at break. Parts do not splinter even at high mechanical loads.

Applications: Impact resistant, functional parts
Typical part properties:
Tensile modulus: 1560 MPa
Tensile strength: 48 MPa
Nominal strain at break: 30%
Density: 0.99 g/cm3

About Vacuum Casting

Vacuum Casting / Silicon Molding is a manufacturing process in which a silicone mold is used to cast polymer or rubber parts, generally for prototyping or low-volume production. In this process, liquid resin in poured into the mold within a vacuum chamber to ensure a high quality final product.

This technology produces aesthetic parts with good mechanical properties.

Parts made through this process are used in industries like automotive, consumer products, electrical & electronics, equipments, and many others. Small or large parts, functional or aesthetic, can be feasibly produced through VC.

This process is ideal for production of parts before going into mass production with appearance and performance similar to injection molded parts.

Process

A master pattern in created using 3D Printing.
Silicon mold is made using the master part.
Liquid resin is poured in the mould cavity inside a vacuum chamber.
The part is cured in an oven under right conditions.
The mould is then opened and the part is removed.
Finishing and painting as required is done.

Advantages

Cost effective: There is no need for expensive upfront tooling.
Versatility: Parts having complex geometries can be made.
Good surface finish: Parts have smooth surface.
Materials: Various materials are available, mimicking the properties of mass production materials.

When to choose VC

Low volume production: Most suitable process for upto 100 parts, although more can be produced.
Time constraints: As there is no need for tooling, casting can start within a week and product can reach your market even before the tool for injection moulding is ready.
Frequent design changes: Absence of investment in metal tooling allows for frequent design modifications.
Product validation, marketing or pilot production: Possibility of fast iterations, quick deliveries, at low upfront cost.

Material Details

We have various material choices, all from globally reputed manufacturers. You can choose from:

ABS
PP
Nylon
PC Transparent
FR Grade
Rubber
And many others

Machine Details

Parts within the size of 1000 x 700 x 650mm can fit in our machine. Larger parts are casted outside of the vacuum machine.