Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is needed in order to create a model?

In order to create a model on a 3D printer or to build it using Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), a three-dimensional file is needed. This file can be created using virtually any (solid-state) 3D modeling software. Once the 3D model is created, it must be saved one of the following file types: *.STL, *.WRL, *.PLY, *.MAX, *.SLDPRT


2. What errors should be avoided when creating an .STL file?



Gaps between cells, Inverted normals, Intersection of triangles, Internal walls


3. What is Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)?

Using SLS , powdered material is sintered layer by layer using laser beams. In the process chamber, the powder is heated to just below its melting temperature of the low-melting phasse. On a PC, the model to be synthesized is broken down into cross-sections according to the data contained in the .stl file. After the the powder is levelled using a roller on the surface of the processing zone, a CO2 laser beam sinters the necessary contours. After this process is completed, a new layer of powder is applied and levelled and the process is repeated. When the sintering is completed, the model is removed from the chamber and excess powder is removed shaking it, or using a special spatula-like tool.




4. What is 3D printing?

During this process, the machine distributes a layer of powder on the surface of the process chamber. Special powder is used as a building material. Water based liquid adhesive is applied using a 128-jet printing head. This adhesive binds the powder particles, forming the contours of one cross-section of the model. The work container is lowered by the thickness of one layer, and a new layer of powder is applied to the entire process chamber, including the previously formed layer. The injection head outlines the contours of the next cross-section, and this process continues until the model is completed. Once the construction is finished, excess powder is removed. In order to strengthen the model, all cavities can be filled with liquid wax.

The 3D printing process is the following:

1. The platform is raised to a height appropriate for applying a layer of powder of the necessary thinckness.
2. The applied layer of powder is selectively scanned by the printing head. Which applies the liquig binding material, thus binding the powdered particles together. This scanning by the printing head creates the necessary contours for the layer being created.
3. The platform is lowered by the thickness of one layer of powder, which allows the next layer of powder to be applied.
4. The new layer is scanned, forming the next cross-section and is bonded to the precious layer.
5. Steps 3 and 4 are repeated until the top layer is completed.
6. Thermal treatment is used to harden the model.

What can these models be used for:
• Work with focus groups
• Demonstration of prototype model construction and design
• Verification of assembly and compatiblility of components.
• Pre-sales demonstrations of models

QUICK AND AFFORDABLE MODELS ALLOW DESIGNERS TO CONDUCT ERGONOMIC TESTS AND TO INTRODUCE THE RESARCH RESULTS RECEIVED IN PRODUCTION.