Laser Sintering is another "additive" process that sinters (fuses) a variety of materials, including nylon, glass-filled nylon, and steel, to "grow" 3D objects layer-by-layer from 3D CAD data. It can also be used to fabricate metal and ceramic objects and tools. Because this is an additive process, highly complex geometries can be built without issue, and because the powder used in the process help to support the parts as they are grown, no additional support structures have to be added and removed. The key advantage of LS is its ability to rapidly produce durable, functional objects for a wide variety of applications.

The DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) process is additive prototyping and manufacturing for metals. In this process, powdered metal is sintered at 20-micron layers, which are traced in the X and Y-axes before the build tray lowers 20 microns. The recoater then sweeps over a new layer of powder 20 microns thin, allowing a new layer to be sintered on the already built layer.  Though layers are sintered, it actually requires support structures, a requirement also found in the SLA ® process. Support material is the actual sintered metal. Parts require a variety of post processes, including heat treating, support removal, shot peening and more.

3D Printing, especially Polyjet Technologies, is excellent at reproducing very fine surface detail and texturing. The technology is also capable of using two different materials during the same build. Some common applications are producing over molds on parts and medical models used in planning surgery.

Our prototypes are made either by the plaster or air-set sand process. The type of casting dictates the method that we use, unless specified by our customer.

The plaster process is used when fine detail and finish are essential.

Rubber patterns can be used when making plaster molds. When using rubber patterns, minimal or no draft is needed, facilitating a cast to print part.

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment utilizes a process that is known as subtractive manufacturing. This process can produce parts out of a wide range of materials. It can also hold tolerances that are typically less than +/-.005". For more information on these capabilities, click to download the PDF below.

CNC - PDF

Applying Metal Plating to a SLA ® part will improved the model's mechanical properties. The metal plating will provide an increased resistance to chemicals, improve heat deflection, help waterproof the model, and improve impact strength (up to 3x). Plating needs to be analyzed on a per project basis. For additional information, please contact your project manager.