Low Cost Prototype Development

Developing a great design is only the beginning of what it takes to see a production product come to life.  We take your designs and put them in your hand!

How are we different?
We produce quality prototypes at competitive prices because we are a small company and we utilize the latest equipment for low cost 3D models.

Material Choices?
ZCorp 3D Prints- ZCorp 3D prints are constructed out of a plaster or starch based material to create detailed models capable of 300dpi on the x and y axis and .0035″ vertical resolution on the z axis.  These models are seen in about 70% of all prototypes we construct because of its low price, full color option, and rapid build times.
Tolerance-+/- .005″

ABS / Poly-jet-3D printers using ABS or poly-jet plastic produces tough models at a higher price per cubic inch in a few color options.  Natural, blue, black, red, green, or gray are usually the standard colors. Depending on the application we can 3D print down to 42 microns of detail.  This 3D printing method definitely has it place.  If you want semi-flexible models that are tough enough to be used as a replacement part then 3D printing with ABS or poly-jet may be what you’ll want.
Tolerance- .0016″ to .003″ depending on requirement

Metal-I know what you’re thinking, “How can you 3D print metal?”.  Through advanced processes the capability of printing metal parts or even medical grade implants is now possible.  Let us know if this is something you are interested in we would be glad to discuss your material options for your application.

Finish Options:

1. Standard Light Sand (220 grit)
2. Gloss- (sand to 220 grit with clear coat)
3. Primed- (sand to 220 grit with lines removed and multiple coats)
4. Painted (sand to 220 grit, lines removed, prime, paint)
5. Plating (sand to 320 grit, lines removed, paint with conductive paint, electroplate of choice, adding about 3mm to final thickness)
6. Powder coated (sand to 320 grit, lines removed, paint with conductive paint, smooth powder coat to finish adding about 3mm to final thickness)

Accepted file formats:
(from SolidWorks, Inventor, Rhino, AutoCAD, I-DEAS, IronCAD, Mechanical Desktop, ProE, SolidDesigner, SolidEdge, Think3, Unigraphics, and more..)

1. STL (most supported format, call us with the design software you are using and we can walk you through how to export as a STL)
2. .3ds, .vrml, .wrl, .obj, .dxf

Feel free to call us or send us any project you have and we’ll be glad to quote it, or follow us on Twitter for the latest on 3D printing.

2 Responses to “Low Cost Prototype Development”

1. brittany jackson says:

   October 19, 2009 at 8:55 pm

   I was hoping to receive a reply on the usual or about time for a turnaround for a 3d print. Is there a set turnaround time or does it vary from project to project??

   Thanks a bunch!

   Brittany
2. admin says:

   October 20, 2009 at 7:29 am

   Brittany,
   The turnaround time does vary per project. For models that are print ready we can usually get the model out within a 24-48 hrs. (common files are .3ds, .stl, .vrml, .wrl) We really recommend that you upload your project or call us with the details and we can give you firm quote with turnaround times.
   -Michael