3D printing process

3D printing is just one step in the process of creating a final product. You need to clearly specify and define your needs for 3D printing. If you don't have your own design in digital format, 3D scanning will help. Without a good 3D model as input, you will not get a quality physical model as output from a 3D printer. Sometimes it is necessary for post-processing the surface of your prints. Click on the individual icons below for more information, or simple ask us for advice.

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Introduction

INTRODUCTION TO 3D PRINTING - HOW TO UTILISE ITS BENEFITS

It is well worth considering the following points if you are interested in 3D printing of your model:

Think about the intended us of the part and what will be the workload up it. Is it a presentation piece, a functional prototype or a final part?

Have a specific 3D model ready. This is the basis on which we will print the parts and how the order is priced. Ideal 3D model formats are .stl or .3mf. Alternatively, we can work with .obj, .step and .iges formats.

If you do not have a 3D model, browse the databases of freely downloadable 3D models (eg Thingiverse or GrabCad) and note the link to the model that most closely matches your 3D printing needs.

If a suitable 3D model is not available for download, send a set of images of the part taken from different angles with indication of scale. A 3D model can also be obtained by 3D scanning an existing object and subsequent adjustment using 3D modelling.

We provide reverse engineering services in cooperation with design partner offices.

There is no universal answer to the cost of 3D printing. Each part has its own specific characteristics that require a certain 3D printing technology and material. If you have a 3D model, send it to us and we will arrange a cost calculation for you immediately!

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Scanning

3D SCANNING

3D scanning digitizes a physical object into a computer 3D model. For scanning a specific object, a suitable technology is selected according to the requirements of the resulting model (surface scanning with or without textures, scanning of external or internal cavities, etc.). The required accuracy and resolution of the resulting 3D model is also a very important parameter when choosing a suitable 3D scanning technology. Very often, the scanned data needs to be edited on a computer to obtain a 3D model that can be further worked with.

 

Both the geometry of the models and colour texture can be scanned, so digital 3D models can be used, for example, for visualizations. 3D scanners are often mobile devices, so you can scan both on-site and in the field.

 

We can provide all the above for you with our technologies. And in cooperation with design partner offices, we can arrange reverse engineering services.

 

If you decide on your own 3D scanning technology, we will advise you on which 3D scanner to purchase and how to finance it.

I AM INTERESTED IN 3D SCANNING

WHICH TECHNOLOGIES DO WE OFFER?

We always choose a 3D scanner according to its intended use. The basic parameters for selection are:

  • required scanning accuracy
  • surface of the scanned object
  • need to capture colour of the object
  • size of the scanned object

For scanning we use:

Handheld optical scanner - 0.5 mm resolution, ideal for larger objects, can scan colour

Portable laser scanner - resolution 0.1 mm, high accuracy, suitable for medium-sized objects

Optical scanner - 0.01 mm resolution, suitable for dimensionally accurate scanning, quality control and reverse engineering

CT scanner - for detailed information about this service, please contact us

Thanks to our range of equipment and close cooperation with the manufacturers, we can peform the scanning of virtually any object.

 

OUR TECHNOLOGIES

At 3Dees, we work with laser scanners and portable optical scanners. With our equipment, we can also capture colour and texture. We use laser scanners when high accuracy is required. For the needs of reverse engineering and extremely high accuracy, we provide scanning of objects on stationary 3D scanners or 3D X-ray scanning in a computed tomography.
I AM INTERESTED IN 3D SCANNING

WHAT ARE THE OUTPUTS FROM 3D SCANNING?

The output of 3D scanners is a digital 3D model in .stl or .obj format.

These are always polygonal 3D models. They can be opened in a wide range of software and can be imported into most CAD suites. Just keep in mind that polygon models will behave like "dead" objects in CAD modelling software.

If you need to convert the scanned data to CAD format (.step, .iges) it is necessary to apply reverse engineering techniques. The 3D scan is taken as a modelling guide and according to this, the technician creates a "pure" CAD model.

If required, we will also provide a measurement report. For this we use a scanner meeting ISO 10360-12: 2016 and 10360-8: 2013 D standards.

 

WHAT IS THE COST OF 3D SCANNING?

The price of 3D scanning depends on the requirements for accuracy, surface (textured or without), output data and whether we at our premises or on-site.

 

INTERESTED IN PURCHASING A SCANNER?

We offer proven scanners for a wide range of uses from GOM and ZEISS - both respected manufacturers in their field. We will be happy to help you choose a scanner that suits your needs.

Interested in purchasing your own scanner? Read more.

I AM INTERESTED IN PURCHASING A SCANNER
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3D MODELING

3D MODELING

Having a good 3D model is a key prerequisite for accurate and high-quality 3D printing. With the advent of generative design and topological optimization, 3D modelling is becoming the most important factor in the 3D printing process. The latest additive technologies, such as HP Jet Fusion, can already print almost anything, but only an optimised 3D model can get the most out of 3D printing technologies. Modelling for 3D printing requires software solutions that incorporates and leverages the benefits of 3D printing.

 

Our main task here is to review data from the client with suitable 3D modelling tools, to uncover possible shortcomings that would have a negative impact on the quality of the 3D printed result. Subsequently, we will advise on how to make any necessary adjustments or we will correct the data ourselves. We use Rhinoceros, Netfabb or Materialize Magics software for 3D modelling, pre-print control and editing.

 

With our specialists or external partners, we also provide industrial design services and 3D model creation for 3D printing. We focus primarily on 3D modelling:

  • plastic components and elements
  • production or assembly aids
  • electronics cases, etc.
  • product design

 

We are also able to provide reverse engineering services using our 3D scanners.

 

When required, an experienced 3D modeller will produce colour 3D models for suitable for printing full-colour parts.

 

The cost of 3D modelling and design are calculated case-by-case and are derived from the time required for the project. If you are interested in the price for which you can print the final model, send us your model and we will prepare a calculation!

 

I AM INTERESTED IN 3D MODELING

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION FOR 3D MODELING

I only have a photograph or drawing of an object that I would like to produce using 3D printing. Can you tell me the price of 3D modelling and subsequent 3D printing?

Unfortunately, this is a circular question. We are only able to determine the cost of 3D printing on the basis of already prepared 3D models. Each 3D model has a different geometry, a different material volume and physical volume in a print job. All these parameters affect the price of 3D printing.

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3D PRINTING

3D PRINTING AND 3D DIGITAL MANUFACTURING

At 3Dees Industries you have a unique opportunity to realize 3D digital production within your organisation. With the help of our application engineers, you can validate the application of 3D printing for your needs. With us, you can explore concrete examples of the successful application of additive technologies for prototyping and production within Czech and international companies.

3D printing generates great interest, opens tremendous opportunities and sometimes yields unexpected benefits. At 3Dees Industries, we show how and where 3D printing can be realistically integrated within your environment. Thanks to the most modern industrial 3D printers at our disposal, we can open the door to new production processes which have yet to be realised in many fields.

We constantly seek the latest information from various professional trade fairs and exhibitions, at which new technologies and applications of 3D printing are first presented. We are in contact with the pioneers of 3D digital production.

 

TECHNOLOGY AND THE COST OF 3D PRINTING

Want advice on 3D printing? Visit our Prague showroom, where you will get acquainted with the installation of high-precision industrial 3D printers using Multijet Fusion technology. We will be also happy to visit your organisation.

At our partners, we also provide 3D printing on other technologies such as Polyjet, Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) metal. If you want to purchase 3D printing technology, we will help you with the selection and provide advice on financing options.

We will also recommend the most suitable technology in terms of production costs. There is no universal answer to the cost of 3D printing. Each design has its own specific needs, requiring a different 3D printing technology and a different material. We will be happy to advise you.
I AM INTERESTED IN 3D PRINTING

DO YOU HAVE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS?

LET US KNOW YOU

CONTACT US

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3D POST PROCESSING

3D POST PROCESSING - TREATMENT OF PARTS AFTER 3D PRINTING

Post processing is a term used to describe subsequent modification and treatment of parts printed on a 3D printer. Usually done to improve or change the surface of the prints. Sandblasting, sanding, painting and varnishing are the most common examples.

In addition to 3D printing, we offer basic modifications of printed models:

  • Bonding split parts into larger units.
  • Clamping and regrinding of joints
  • Polishing clear prints from Polyjet technology into full transparency
  • Sandblasting parts with a fine mixture of plastic and metal powder.
  • Painting with clear lacquer. We arrange colour-coating through an external partner.
CONTACT US

In addition to post processing, we offer industrial post processing equipment for serial production, as well as simple and cost-effective solutions for entry into additive production. Take a look at post-process solutions.

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