3D PRINTING
Over the past years 3D printing has developed radically. 3D printers have developed from complex tools mainly suited for rapid prototyping to true assets in small scale production. Printing quality has gone up radically, as has the range of available materials.
At 8TrackDesign we have our own 3D printer for these exact purposes. Many engineering and design projects go through several iterations before a final verdict can be given on the form or function of a design. 3D printing enables us to rapidly try out different designs. Keeping simple prints in-house allows us to provide quality control and quickly react to customer requests.
To be able to provide the print quality that is expected of a final product, yet keep print times short, our main 3D printer uses a CoreXY setup to be able to achieve high printing speeds while keeping print quality high. The direct drive Orbiter extruder and heated print bed ensure that we can print in a wide variety of materials if required.
Specifications for our current printer are:
- Layer height: 0.08mm Detail - 0.28mm Draft
- Max. Print Speed: 350mm/s
- Max. Printing Volume (XYZ): 225x225x280mm
If you are already interested in the possibilities for your specific application or have any questions regarding 3D printing or the available materials, we are more than happy to help you out. Please don't hesitate to contact us.
Just want something printed? Not a problem! Request a print here and we'll get in touch!
3D Printing for functional part (re)production
Utilising 3D printing for the (re)production of functional parts is something that has become more and more prevalent as 3D printing technology and materials have advanced.
Due to its flexibility, 3D printing is extremely well suited to small batch production of parts at a relatively low cost compared to other manufacturing methods.
For example; both parts shown here were 3D printed. Although they serve completely different purposes, the designs are not at all alike and the materials are different, both were succesfully produced using 3D printing.
For small, simple parts like the clips, 3D printing also offers the advantage of very short lead times. These specific parts were produced and on their way to the client within a day.
3D Printing for decorative purposes
The fact that a 3D printer deposits material instead of removing it to create the desired shape means that 3D printing can also be used to create all kinds of shapes which were previously not possible. This enables us to create interesting decorative items as well.
The little Volvo 480 displayed here is a nice example. When viewed from one side it is a silhouette of the car itself. But when it is viewed from the other side it becomes a Volvo logo!
This possibility for all kinds of new geometry can also be combined with new and interesting materials.
The frame for the infinity mirror lamp in the images was printed out of a fusion of PLA plastic and bronze powder. This means that the final product ages and feels similar to bronze, while still being able to keep the ribs hollow, saving weight and employ a snap fit for the mirror panels.