Our Simple Answer:

 The Technical Answer:

Our Simple Answer:

It’s a bit like icing a cake, or making a 3D jigsaw…
The object* is made up of Layers, like Geography…
Each layer of material is put down as an outline and then filled in, for every layer ( there can be thousands of these layers :-O)

The Technical Answer:

There are many 3D Printing manufacturing processes, but we will look at the ones available at 3D Printing LEEDS.

*FDM 3D Printing

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printing is one of the most popular and widely used 3D printing technologies. Here’s an overview of how it works:

1. Preparation:
   • A digital 3D model is created or obtained using CAD software or downloaded from online libraries.
   • The model is then converted into a file format (typically STL or OBJ) that the 3D printer software can understand.
   • This file is imported into slicing software, which slices the model into thin horizontal layers. The software also sets parameters like layer height, print speed, and infill density.
2. Material Loading:
   • FDM printers use thermoplastic filaments (e.g., PLA, ABS, PETG). The filament spool is loaded into the printer and fed into a heated extruder.
3. Heating and Extrusion:
   • The extruder heats the filament to a semi-liquid state, typically between 180-260°C, depending on the material.
   • The printer’s nozzle, controlled by motors, moves across the print bed according to the sliced model’s instructions.
   • As the nozzle moves, it extrudes melted filament layer by layer onto the print bed, starting from the bottom and building up each layer until the model is complete.
4. Layer-by-Layer Building:
   • Each layer bonds to the layer below as the filament cools and solidifies. The print bed may move up or down between layers, depending on the printer’s design.
   • Supports or structures may be added if the design has overhangs or complex shapes to prevent collapsing during printing.
5. Cooling and Finishing:
   • Once printing is complete, the object is allowed to cool and solidify fully.
   • If supports were used, they are removed, and any rough areas or imperfections may be sanded, polished, or otherwise finished.

FDM printing is widely used due to its affordability, availability of materials, and ease of use. However, it does have some limitations in terms of print resolution and strength compared to other 3D printing methods.

SLA 3D Printing

SLA (Stereolithography) 3D printing is an additive manufacturing process that uses light to cure liquid resin into solid objects. Here’s a breakdown of how SLA 3D printing works:

1. Preparation:
   • Similar to FDM, a 3D digital model is created in CAD software or downloaded.
   • The model is sliced into thin horizontal layers using slicing software. The software also defines parameters such as layer height, exposure time, and supports.
   • The sliced file is then uploaded to the SLA 3D printer.
2. Resin Tank and Build Platform Setup:
   • SLA printers use a tank filled with liquid photopolymer resin that hardens (cures) when exposed to a specific wavelength of light.
   • The build platform is positioned just above the resin tank and can move up and down to build each layer.
3. Layer Curing with Light:
   • A UV laser (or a digital light projector, in some cases) is directed at the bottom or surface of the resin tank. The laser follows the pattern for each layer of the sliced model.
   • As the laser moves over the resin in precise patterns, it cures (solidifies) the resin in those areas to form a solid layer.
   • SLA printers typically build the object upside down, with the build platform lifting gradually out of the resin tank after each layer is cured.
4. Layer-by-Layer Building:
   • After each layer is cured, the build platform moves slightly upward or downward (depending on the SLA printer’s configuration) to allow a new layer of liquid resin to flow beneath or above the previous one.
   • The process repeats as each new layer is cured onto the previous one until the object is fully formed.
5. Post-Processing:
   • When printing is complete, the object is removed from the build platform.
   • The print typically requires a cleaning step, often involving an alcohol bath, to remove any uncured resin residue.
   • Some prints may need additional curing in a UV chamber to reach their final strength and stability.
   • Supports are then removed, and any surface finishing can be done as needed.

SLA printing is popular for its high level of detail, smooth surface finish, and suitability for intricate designs. It’s widely used in industries like dental, jewelry, and product prototyping. However, it has limitations such as needing specific resins and requiring post-processing to achieve the best results.

OUR Simple Answer:

We use the 3D file to calculate the time and amount of material it takes to 3D Printing an object.
Every objects is different.

The Technical Answer:

STL files are commonly used in 3D printing because they efficiently represent the surface geometry of 3D objects in a way that 3D printers can interpret and build layer by layer. Here’s why STL files are essential in 3D printing:

1. Simplicity and Compatibility:
   • STL (Standard Tessellation Language or Stereolithography) files break down a 3D model’s surface into a collection of small, flat triangles (a mesh). This tessellated mesh represents the shape of the object without any internal details.
   • Most 3D printing software and slicing programs are compatible with STL files, making it a universal format for 3D printing.

1. Precision and Control:
   • The triangular facets in an STL file allow for precise representation of a 3D model’s surface. By adjusting the density of triangles, designers can control the smoothness and accuracy of curves and complex geometries.
   • STL files offer enough detail for most 3D printing applications, balancing file size and quality.

1. Easy to Slice into Layers:
   • Slicing software interprets the STL file’s mesh structure and translates it into layers for printing. The simple, triangulated surface makes it easier for the software to calculate each layer’s cross-section.
   • This format is essential for the additive layer-by-layer nature of 3D printing, where each layer is based on a “slice” of the 3D model.

1. File Size Efficiency:
   • STL files typically contain only surface geometry data and no colour, texture, or internal volume information, which keeps the file size manageable.
   • This makes STL files quicker to process and transfer between software and hardware compared to more complex 3D file formats (like OBJ or 3MF).

1. Longstanding Industry Standard:
   • STL files have been used since the early days of 3D printing and have become a well-established industry standard.
   • As a result, a wide range of software tools and 3D printers support STL files, making it the go-to format in 3D printing workflows.

In summary, STL files offer a practical balance of simplicity, precision, and compatibility, making them the ideal format for preparing 3D models for most 3D printing applications.

Our Simple Answer:

Every company charges based on their (or their equipments use) time. and materials.
Every 3D Item to print is different in its size, pieces, complexity, surface detail, finish.

We need a 3D File/Model of the item, if not it takes time to create that, because…
We cost directly from the 3D File for it’s volume (space) so we can calculate time and material(s) used.

Quotes are FREE, so EMAIL US. Our minimum cost (from a file) starts at £75.

The Technical Answer:

3D printing services typically charge based on a variety of factors, including material costs, print time, labor, and any post-processing required. Here’s a breakdown of the main components that affect 3D printing pricing:

1. Material Costs:
   • The type and amount of material used have a significant impact on the cost. Basic materials like PLA and ABS are relatively affordable, while specialised materials (e.g., resin, metal, or carbon fiber composites) can be more expensive.
   • Material is often charged per gram or per cubic centimeter of filament or resin used in the print.
2. Print Time:
   • Printing time is often one of the largest factors in pricing. Longer print times consume more power, increase wear on the printer, and require more monitoring.
   • Print time is determined by factors such as model size, layer height, print speed, and infill density. High-resolution prints with fine layers or complex structures will take longer and cost more.
3. Machine and Overhead Costs:
   • 3D printing services typically factor in the cost of maintaining and operating the 3D printers, including depreciation, power consumption, and upkeep.
   • Specialized machines (e.g., SLA, SLS, or metal printers) can have higher operational costs, which may increase the price compared to more common FDM printers.
4. Labor and Setup:
   • Labor costs cover tasks like model preparation, print setup, and post-processing. For example, SLA prints require resin handling, cleaning, and additional curing steps, which add to the labor cost.
   • For more complex jobs, such as custom 3D scanning, modelling, or file repair, labor charges may be higher due to the additional skill and time required.
5. Post-Processing:
   • Many prints require post-processing, such as support removal, sanding, polishing, painting, or assembly. Some services offer these as add-ons, which can increase the final cost.
   • Resin and metal prints often require extensive post-processing, making them more expensive in this area compared to basic FDM prints.
6. Pricing Models:
   • Per-gram/cubic-centimeter pricing: Often used for FDM printing, charging based on the material volume used.
   • Hourly rates: Pricing based on estimated print time, usually used for more complex or time-consuming prints.
   • Flat-rate pricing: Common for standardized prints or small objects, where a fixed price is set based on object size and material type.
   • Custom quoting: Used for unique or large projects that require additional setup or post-processing.
7. Additional Services:
   • Some providers offer extra services such as file repair, design assistance, or expedited printing. These can come with additional fees.

The cost of a 3D print job can vary widely, depending on these factors and the level of complexity or customisation required.