rapid prototyping

Laser Sintering (SLS)

SLS is a 3D manufacturing process using an Argon laser to draw your part, one slice at a time, onto finely powdered nylon 12 whilst melting the layers together (sintering) to form a solid component.

Because the process is fully self supporting, it allows for parts to be built within other parts with complex geometry that simply could not be made any other way.

Sterolithography (SLA)

SLA is a 3D process using a solid state laser to draw your model, one slice at a time, onto a UV Photopolymer. This technique allows an impressive level of accuracy and detailing to within +/-0.1 per 100mm.

Once constructed, your model will be hand finished by practiced model makers to retain design precision and product quality. A range of surface paint finishes are available to highlight the distinguishing features of the model and make it look like the real thing.

Thermojet

Thermojet allows you to test your concepts faster, for less. With our Thermojet printer, we can create initial wax models that help eliminate problems that occur from hard to interpret drawings. These waxes can also be used as master models in the lost wax casting process.

Vacuum Casting

Vacuum casting is a way of producing multiple models from a single master model, that is usually made using SLA, cost effectively. The tool or mould is made from silicon rubber. The casting is made by pouring PU resin, chosen from our range, into the tool/mould in the vacuum chamber to ensure a bubble free casting.

All parts are then finished by one of our model makers to the same exceptional standard as all of our one-off models.

The casting itself can be self colour finished as required or paint finished, for ultimate consistency.

Reaction Injection Moulding (RIM)

We have developed a sophisticated method of bypassing the production of master models by going straight into rapid production of a mould, which proves to be quick and time efficient. Low volume production runs can be achieved in this way.

RIM uses dispensing equipment to inject a fast reacting PU (polyurethane) resin, at low pressure, into a mould. Typically, RIM is mainly used for larger or simpler parts with a wall thickness of 2-3mm or more. For example, automotive trim parts, dash, bumpers, motor cycle fairings and covers for production machinery.