Rapid Prototyping

Producing ABS models from your CAD data and shipping the part to you in a matter of days. This technology can reduce your 'time to market' dramatically, by providing a part that can be assembled or used in pre-production trials weeks before the real parts would normally be ready.

Call 07957 249 043 or e-mail Ian@red-arete.co.uk for a prototype quote.

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)

This is a rapid prototyping method that extrudes ABS in thin layers to build a model from an STL file layer by layer, most 3D CAD software systems support STL data exchange.

The ABS models are very tough and in some cases have been used as a working part in pre-production trials.

Post Processing

The rapid prototype models are made from ABS which can be easily treated to give a smooth production part like surface which can even painted or chromed.

Parts can be bonded together with cyanoacrylate to create even larger and more complex parts.

Dimension FDM machine

Potential Uses

Successful product design requires review and input from many sources. Dimension 3D models have proven time and time again to be great marketing tools. ABS prototype models can be sanded, painted, and chrome plated. Take a look at the wheel-loader to the right. This model was printed in multiple pieces using two colors. Imagine showing this quality model to a new prospect. You are able to place a real-life product into someone's hands in a day. Now that's impressive!

Wheel-Loader

Benefits

The benefits of this technology have been used by major companies world wide to great effect:

Functional testing with robust ABS models,
Cost reduction and time compression,
Parallel development of assembly tools or packaging.
Better product development,
Marketing and product mock ups,
Vacuum forming moulds
Medical models
Sand casting patterns

Vacuum forming

Costs

The costs of our FDM rapid prototype models are based on the time taken to produce the model.

So to give you an idea this typical coffee mug 100mm tall and having a volume of around 180cm³ it would cost £160 and we could have it in the post for you today!

Coffee Mug