London 3d Printing can produce a solution quickly, reliably and to a very high standard.
We guide you though our services so you can achieve the most suitable product for your needs and we go the extra mile with our finishing.
Each piece is inspected, quality checked and, when required, finished by our very experienced detailers.
We have over 20 years experience in producing 3D works and are market leaders in SLS Nylon Printing. Turning nylon powder into works of art using the latest laser technology. For more about SLS Nylon printing, please click below.
WHAT DO WE NEED FROM YOU?
To produce your 3D print, we require your files in a 3D format, this can include, but is not limited to .stl .obj .step .iges or rhino formats.
We also need details of any finishes you may be thinking of and, of course, your lead times.
3D files can be quite tricky if you don’t quite know what you are doing. So we have a page dedicated to how 3D printing works and the tasks required by yourself, before your task arrives with us to produce. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any queries you may have.
Even if you are experienced in 3D design, please have a good scan through our pages to make sure that any questions that may arise do so early in the process.
Use Our Online Pricing Tool to Get a Quote
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The Process
1.
DESIGN
(CAD)
To begin with, you need a file which usually comes from one of 2 sources. Either created from scratch using a Computer Aided Design package or 3D scanning of an existing object/person/plant etc.
The files need to be in a 3D format as additive printers can not read 2D graphics or photographical material. Once the design is ready its usually converted to STL format ready to print from.
2.
FILE
fixing
The STL now needs to be checked for errors and it is amazing how many there are, even from extremely experienced designers.
The file needs to be read through a certain set of procedures to work and it's not as simple as sending lots of layers to the printer. The machines need to know how these layers interconnect and how they should behave with each other so it knows exactly what to do next.
3.
SLICING
the item
Now we have our print ready STL file, we have to hack it to pieces. All that work just to split it into a load of layers. We do this for you and believe us, we take no pleasure in cutting up all your hard work- Trust us though it's going to come together in the end.
We determine the layer size, which in turn effects not only the coarseness of the finished print, but of course the time it takes to print (worth noting if faster time outweighs the need for a tighter finish).
4.
PRINTING
the item
Hooray!!!! Now it's actually time to use that massive box of a printer over there. The printer now simply does it's thing and we keep one eye very closely on it. We make sure it stays on the straight and narrow, doesn't run out of material, and ensure that no-one unplugs a power cord or suchlike. We won't bore you with the tech at this point (that's on us), but rest assured, our machines are like family, we laugh, cry and kick each other all day long.
5.
POST
process
Due to a little thing called architecture, there is usually some form of cleaning up to do. Be it, removal of a base in most 3D printers, or taking an incredibly heavy box of powder out of our SLS and literally finding the pieces in the powder. There is always something to do & also, remember there is heat involved, so before we even get to sticking our hands in there, the machines have to cool down & the products need to get to room temperature. This can take as long as the print process itself.
6.
FINISHING
the item
So, we have our pieces. Next thing to do is to finish the surfaces depending on the purpose. Remember that 3D printing is done in layers, so the surface has to be checked or finished to be fit for purpose.
After this, of course, chroming, painting, polishing all takes place, then, at last, through a gentle sigh, your product is ready for the world to see and we've accomplished another day at the office.