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ProtoCAM: Additive Manufacturing, 3D Printing and Rapid Prototyping.

Stereolithography: A Featured Service

October 7, 2014
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  • Testimonials

    • "The Carbon [Digital Light Synthesis] 3D printing process was the perfect half step between late-stage functional prototyping and production. Aesthetics were crucial, and unless told otherwise, no one was able to identify the product was 3D-printed. [The process] accelerated business development and helped reduce risk as we approached tooling." — Michael DiCanzio, independent
    • "As an emerging 3D modeling student at DeSales University, it was an incredibly valuable opportunity to learn more about the new innovations in 3D printing technology and how ProtoCAM couples its technical expertise with artistic value such as custom finishing to deliver a final product that exceeds the client's expectations." — Austin Kaplan, Desales University
    • “ProtoCAM's best attribute is their attention to detail and customer service. Their willingness and desire to keep in touch with me is impressive, and physical walkthroughs ensure quality standards are being met.” — Todd Frick, Versatek
    • "Our first experience with ProtoCAM last month was excellent. Quoting was prompt, engineering emailed and we spoke on the phone about a potential issue with the geometry of the parts so there were no surprises, the service was fast and delivery quick, the printed parts were of excellent quality, and all of the staff I dealt with were courteous and professional. You guys knocked it out of the park!" — Chris Davenport, RPC
    • “ProtoCAM's turnaround times are exceptional, and their prices compared to others are always better. There's a lot more value added in working with ProtoCAM.” — Matthew Bellenoit, B. Braun Medical
    • "ProtoCAM has been most helpful in responding to our needs. Their knowledge of stereolithography and CAD, and their application of these technologies has helped us reshape our ideas to reality in the shortest possible time frame." — Kenneth Raines, B. Braun Medical

Stereolithography (SLA) is the heart of ProtoCAM’s rapid prototyping service. The technique can be used to create a final prototype or part, or a master pattern for RTV urethane molding, blow molding, and various metal casting processes.

SLA is one of the more versatile rapid prototyping technologies and turns out prototypes in as little as 1 to 2 days, with larger projects typically completed in less than five.

Presentation and Performance

When finishing options and aesthetics are important, SLA is almost always the best choice. Finishes range from inexpensive natural parts to fully smoothed and painted showpieces. SLA is also the best option for clear parts. Using proprietary post-processing techniques, ProtoCAM engineers can even create bottle prototypes with a near-glass-like appearance. ProtoCAM has a number of SLA machines that use a variety of photosensitive epoxy polymer resins that can be dyed or painted in virtually any color. Accura 25 is a white polypropylene-like resin designed for flexibility and snap fits. Accura 60 is a tough general-purpose resin that can make translucent parts.

Specs

ProtoCAM’s largest machine has a build envelope of 25.6” x 29.5” x 21.65”; however, multiple SLA prototypes can be glued together to create larger prototypes. In standard resolution, the smallest feature that can be produced is 0.010″ in the X-Y plane and 0.016″ in the Z axis. In high resolution, the 0.003″ laser beam spot enables smaller features. ProtoCAM recommends a minimum wall thickness of 0.020″ for prototype support. Published tolerances of the models are +/-0.005″ (0.127mm) for the initial inch, plus an additional 0.002″ for each additional inch.

Results

The accuracy and surface finish of SLA are miles ahead of many other additive manufacturing technologies, such as selective laser sintering (SLS), and can be drilled, tapped, milled or put on a lathe for machining. A typical order of prototypes is shipped out two days after receipt of order and most parts build in less than 12 hours.

Stereolithography is …

Quick: ProtoCAM can fabricate your SLA prototype in less than two days
Cost effective: ProtoCAM prices SLA projects competitively
Test-ready: Epoxy resin is resilient enough to be used for testing
Good for tight tolerances
Suited to small lot manufacturing