We provide this list not to patronise those of you who are familiar with this complex technology but to help those of you who are, understandably, bamboozled by it. Definitions can differ, depending on who you talk to but this should serve as a layman’s list. The technology is changing on an almost weekly basis, so don’t be at all surprised to see the glossary altering or growing from time to time.

POLY JET
The polyjet process creates hard and flexible parts with a build size of 258x250x205mm.The CAD data (STL file) is split into layers 16 microns thick wich are then printed via the print heads 1,536 nozzles so creating the 3D shape in incredible accuracy,giving a surface reqiring very little finishing.This is the latest development in the rapid prototyping field and creates the most accurate parts in the fastest time.The material used is an acrylic photopolymer with good mechanical properties,i,e, live clips, making it suitable for working prototypes,master models and prototypes finished to a very high level of detail.

Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Three Axis
CNC milling is a process where a block of material is held on the mill and material is machined away to create the shape from the CAD file. When the part is hollow the part will need to be turned over and machined again. We can machine metals, plastics and wood, the typical max part size would be 1000 x 550x550mm. This is the most accurate of all the rapid prototyping processes. This process makes working prototypes in the correct material, and also hard moulds for casting rigid and flexible parts.

Stereolithography (SLA)
Stereolithography is a process to make ridged parts normally no larger than approx 350x350x400 mm. A laser hardens a layer of liquid 0.1 mm thick and builds up the layers to create the shape from the CAD data. The VIPER machine creates the most accurate SLA parts which have a layer thickness 0.05mm thick with a laser diameter off 0.12mm, the size of the part would be approx 125x125x125mm.If this resolution is needed then a high resolution STL file is required. The time to make an average SLA is approx 1 to 3 days and cost will vary according to resolution.SLA parts are not as strong as CNC machined parts SLS or Vacuum cast parts, but are fine for master models or visual prototypes.

Selective Laser Sintering(SLS)
Selective Laser Sintering is a process to make prototypes in metals, Nylon or glass filled nylon, having a strength 80% of the injection moulded equivalent part. The typical build size of the part would be approx 300x350x280mm. The process works by a laser welding a layer of powder to subsequent layers building up the shape on the CAD file. This is a good process for proof of function models, where fine detail is not important. The surface will be ribbed and takes allot of work to make a smooth surface.

Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
This is similar to SLS but the parts are 100% dense metals, 316 stainless steal, Cobalt Chrome, or Medical grade Titanium.

Thermojet 3D Wax Printer
Thermojet 3D wax is a process where a layer of wax is printed much like an ink jet printer building up the part in layers. The part built will have a smooth top surface with the under surface being rough textured. The process is designed for creating a quick visual model. The parts are very fragile and probably the least accurate of all the types illustrated here. The typical build size of the part would be 250x190x200mm.

Deposition 3D printer
This process extrudes a bead of ABS plastic, which is deposited in layers to build the part. The finish is very ridged and thin walls are weak, but the parts are in ABS and the process is quite fast.

Vacuum Casting
This is a process to make small batch productions of parts that look and feel like injection moulded parts. The master model is normally an SLA or CNC part that gets encapsulated in silicone rubber then the block of rubber is cut in half creating a two-part mould. This mould is then put in a vacuum chamber where the casting resin is poured into the mould under vacuum. The typical maximum size of a casting would be approx 550x550x450mm.The Polyurethane resins we cast can copy the properties of most plastics and rubbers, and can be tinted to any colour reference supplied. We can make translucent castings that are AO fire rated and FDA food rated in different shore hardness's.