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If you cannot produce .stl files for 3D printed parts we suggest STEP or IGES data as we can convert to .stl ourselves. Using step or iges is what we need for CNC machining, so if you have a mix of requirements this can be the best way to go. When you create your .stl, please make sure that you set the correct angular & cordial tolerances to ensure you don’t send us faceted stl’s.
The use of industrial grade materials and equipment which is regularly tested for accuracy and the investment in high-end 3D printing equipment is what separates Ogle’s industrial 3D printing from home purchased machines or the office-based machines that are available now. Depending on which process you choose, parts can be used for fit and form testing, prototype parts and end-use products, with materials unrivalled in thermal, mechanical and chemical strength.
If we guarantee your space in a 3D print build we will require your commitment to cover the cost regardless of whether you send the data in time. This is due to the fact that we will be turning other paying work away.
Delivery lead times entirely depend on the geometry, size and the process used. SLAs, FDMs and CNC parts/components could be with you the next day, SLSs from two working days and vacuum castings could take as little as six working days.
Each process is different and depends on part size and finishing requirements. Timescales range anything from one day to a couple of weeks (or even months for large complex projects). If you require your parts by a certain date, let us know and we will take this into account when quoting.
There are a number of factors in ensuring Ogle maintain accuracy on large parts. Depending on the process, this can be extended cool down procedures, correct orientation of build and, of course, careful hand finishing from our skilled model makers. The fact that our machines are on strict service schedules and maintained correctly, along with the use of manufacturer recommended materials, allows us to achieve consistent high tolerances all of the time.
This depends on the size and geometry of the part you would like made as well as post-processing requirements. We will always aim to deliver your parts as quickly as possible. Depending on the process used, part size and current capacity, you can have parts the very next day. Just let us know when you need your parts by and we will always be open with what we can achieve.
If you require the part as one piece, then yes, there are size restrictions depending on the machine build envelopes of the process you are using. Otherwise, if you are willing to split your part into pieces, then structural integrity is the limiting factor, and models may need external support or change of process to accommodate. (Link to machine capability data sheet).
Yes, our PA2210 FR (SLS), ClearVue (SLA), PC-ISO (FDM) and Ultem 9085 (FDM) materials have their own respective certifications. Our team will recommend processes to ensure that these are met within a build. We also only use manufacturer recommended materials and our datasheets are based on their tested results.
We do provide Flame Retardant (FR) materials to use for our SLS and FDM processes. These are PA2210FR and ULTEM 9085. Both have UL94 V-0 capabilities (dependant on thickness). Alternatively, we can also machine FR materials and have a fire retardant vacuum casting resin.
Straight off the machine, an SLS part has a slightly grainy surface texture. A cost-effective method of alleviating this is tumbling; whereby the part is tumbled with specially shaped abrasive ceramic media, smoothing the surface of an SLS part. Part geometry is key, we will advise if the part is not suitable for tumbling.
Traditional hand skills cannot be learned overnight. At Ogle we have a team of highly-trained modelmakers, utilising these skills on a day-to-day basis. With the investment in a wide variety of state-of-the-art machines, it is still the skill of our team which take your models and prototypes to the next level, when a high quality finish is required.
The right process for you will depend on a few factors. These could be timescale, cost, performance, aesthetic or material requirements. Once you have decided what you are wanting to get from the prototype, talk to one of our team who can discuss the pros and cons of each process. As a general rule, SLA’s are great for aesthetic prototypes, with crisp and accurate details and can be easily rubbed down for painting. SLS’s are great for a more robust prototype, and production parts with FDM being suitable for end-use parts in production grade materials. Talk to our team who will assist you in getting the very best from your parts.
A model tends to lend itself to the aesthetics side of things, used to demonstrate look and feel. A Prototype is more geared towards testing to see if the final piece will work as intended. Whether that is it’s physical size, geometry or function. When issues are found and resolved at a prototyping stage, it can save thousands on tooling and production costs, if these issues were not discovered.
Talk to us. As each process has its own benefits and materials, the more information we know about the project, the better we can understand and make recommendations. Ask yourself what do you want to get from the part: aesthetic representation, form and fit testing, end use part? We have datasheets for our materials and can provide you with these to ensure that any materials we use have physical properties as close as possible to your requirements. A summary can be found here. Speak to our team to find out more.
Yes we can. As part of a prototyping and development project we can recommend a designer to best fit your requirement and who have a great knowledge of working with our processes. This ensures that the models and prototypes you receive are fit for purpose.
An .STL file is a standard file format used by most additive manufacturing systems. The file contains the surface geometry of a 3D part as triangles, which in turn communicates with a 3D slicer and the 3D printer. As .STL flies are made up of triangles, if the file resolution is too low, faceting occurs and rounds may not appear round on your physical part. At Ogle we will catch this at an early stage and advise you to re-export the file, so you get an accurate part, true to your expectations.
We can make basic modifications to existing designs, however, due to capacity, we do not design from scratch or make more complex modifications. What we do is look at your design and the outcome you wish to achieve and make recommendations to ensure the prototype builds and assembles as intended. Speak to a member of our team about your particular project and how we can use our expertise to contribute.
