The most important factor in selecting an appropriate technology is the intended use of the part or parts.
The primary attribute requirements to consider include dimensional precision, surface finish, durability, flexibility, opacity, and color. Speed and cost are also essential variables that can influence not only which method is best, but which method is possible.
While each project and part must be evaluated individually, ProtoCAM’s breadth of production offerings and depth of engineering expertise can help customers define and accommodate nearly any combination of the above requirements.
Click here for additional details on selecting an additive manufacturing technology for a prototype or part or contact us for our advice. ProtoCAM excels at providing recommendations that best satisfy the requirements and specifications, while keeping the project cost-competitive.
ProtoCAM offers and uses the most advanced processes and materials to best meet your rapid prototyping and 3D printing needs.
The column headers below link to more detailed information on the materials used for each process. Please contact us for additional or special materials or processes for your rapid prototyping application.
Stereolithography | Laser Sintering | PolyJet 3D Printing | FDM | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Short Description | Laser cured resin | Laser cured powder | Jetted material | Extruded material |
Accuracy | Great | Good | Good | Great |
Color | Clear or white, can be dyed or painted | White, can be dyed or painted | 46 colors | Multiple |
Clarity | Opaque to clear | Opaque | Opaque to translucent | Opaque to translucent |
Surface Finish | Smooth, can be sanded | Somewhat coarse | Smooth to rubber-like | Mild build lines |
Durability | Fair | Good | Good | Excellent |
Water Resistance | Watertight | Porous | Watertight | Porous |
USP | Available | N/A | N/A | Available |
ProtoCAM provides our customers engineering assistance on selecting the best prototyping processes and materials. The above listing is not comprehensive; ProtoCAM uses many other prototyping processes, materials, and resins based on your needs. Please contact us for assistance with your rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing method and material selection, or click here to request a quote.