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FAQs	What is Rapid Product Development?
	Where does 3T fit into this cycle?
	What is SLS?
	What is 3T’s SLS capability
	What materials can my SLS prototypes be made in?
	How can I send my data to you?
	What’s the largest data file size you can accept by e-mail?
	How quickly can I have my prototype?
	How can I have my prototype finished?
	What colour can I have my prototype?
	What is SLA?
	What’s the difference between an SLS and an SLA prototype?
	How much will my prototype cost?
	What does “3T RPD” stand for?
	Who do I talk to if I need specific information?

What is Rapid Product Development?

Quite simply, Rapid Product Development (RPD) is a process whereby a company utilises techniques and technologies to allow them to develop their product in the shortest timescales possible, whilst reducing development budgets.

Initial design concepts and ideas (quite often just a scribble on a napkin!).		Design created in 3D CAD and then translated into 3D data.
			Prototypes produced for form, fit and functional testing. Further modifications made to the design as required. Read More>>
Product launch and release into the market place... ahead of the competition!		Final design now agreed, full production tooling and manufacture can proceed.

Where does 3T fit into this cycle?

3T delivers prototypes using the most up to date Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology. Focussing on the high levels of functionality and aesthetics required for the various stages of testing, assembling and marketing when developing a new product and bringing it to the market place.

What is SLS?

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a very commonly used RP technique, developed by DTM and EOS. The process uses plastic powder to create a 3D model with a laser, thereby skipping the tooling step. The powder is sintered (melted), layer by layer, by a computer-directed heat laser. Additional powder is deposited on top of each solidified layer and again sintered. There is a vast range of materials available for the production of prototypes, and the SLS process provides the most functional rapid prototype available.

Full details of the process are in Our Services.

See the SLS process in action and watch a short presentation explaining the process in our Video Gallery.

What is 3T’s SLS capability?

We currently have two of the world’s largest laser sintering machines, the EOS P700, as well as two EOS P360’s and a DTM 2500 Plus, which not only puts us in the enviable position of having total sintering capacity exceeding that found anywhere else in the UK, but also puts in the top 3 worldwide! With capacity to build small batches, an extensive range of finishing techniques and the ability to colour the SLS parts, we can offer a superior alternative to the more traditional routes, in previously unachievable timeframes.

Full specifications of our suite of machinery is available on our SLS Machines page.

What materials can my SLS prototypes be made in?

The most common materials available are Polyamide PA2200 (Nylon 12), Glass Filled Polyamide PA3200 (Nylon 12), Primecast 100 (Polystyrene) and Alumide. Each has their own benefits and attributes, and full technical specifications are available on our SLS Materials page.

How can I send my data to you?

The best way to send your data is by e-mail to post@3trpd.co.uk.

We have various CAD/CAM systems in use including PTC Pro/Engineer 2000i2, Delcam PowerMill and ArtCam, Materialise Magics RP and Communicator and Adobe Photoshop 5.0.

We can read many different file types, the most common being .STL and .IGES.

File compression types used include EXE, ZIP, SIT and MGX. If using e-mail to send data, using a compression format reduces the file size by up to 80%.

Full details are available on our data interchange page.

What’s the largest data file size you can accept by e-mail?

It is important that your data files are compacted to allow them to be successfully e-mailed and quickly downloaded through our server. Files should be zipped before sending. We can accept files up to a size of 10MB. If your files are larger than this, please telephone us first to make appropriate arrangements for them to be accepted through the server.

How quickly can I have my prototype?

Generally, from receipt of usable data, we can produce and ship your prototype within 3-5 days. However, we have the capability to turn parts around in 1-2 days, and over the weekend, subject to current workloads and prior agreement, although a premium price may be payable for this service.

How can I have my prototype finished?

The SLS process utilises layer based construction techniques which, whilst offering significant benefits in terms of build speed, have the disadvantage that the surface finish of the component is stepped. From the purely functional aspect this is seldom a problem, however from the aesthetic perspective this frequently requires hand dressing and texturing.

Full details are available on our Finishing page.

What colour can I have my prototype?

Your prototype can either be supplied in its raw state, ie. white, or we can produce it with a permanent surface colouring from a standard range of colours.

Full details are available on our Colour page.

What is SLA?

Stereolithography (SLA) is another commonly used RP techniques, developed by 3D Systems. The SLA process translates CAD designs into solid objects through a combination of laser, photochemistry and software technologies. A computer-driven laser solidifies a vat of liquid resin, layer by layer, into a 3-dimensional epoxy prototype part. Currently, 3T do not offer the SLA process.

What’s the difference between an SLS and an SLA prototype?

Customers wanting high levels of functionality would normally seek an SLS part, as the strength, modulus and stiffness exceeds that normally achieved by SLA resins. Those seeking a high level of very fine detail (sub 1mm) would normally use SLA, as this is better at achieving this. Whilst both SLS and SLA can be dressed to provide a good aesthetic finish, is it generally accepted that SLA is the easier to work.

How much will my prototype cost?

As with any new technique, prospective customers are keen to understand the component pricing structure. This is complex with RP systems, as multiple parts of dissimilar design are built together.

Costs are generally linked to the overall product size (max X, Y, Z) and the material content of the part (Volume). Complexity is not a factor.

In the case of SLS, parts can vary from £35 through to several thousand, although economics of scale come into effect making batches of 10, 20, 50 or even 100 parts, attractive.

The company name is derived from the disciplines in which it operates ... Technology; Techniques; Training (ie. 3T)
and the market it supports; Rapid Product Development (ie, RPD).

Hence, 3T RPD!

Who do I talk to if I need specific information?

There are various people you can talk to, as follows:

• Ian Halliday – CEO
• Stuart Offer – Sales Manager
• Richard Bruce – Technical Sales Engineer
• Graham Scott – CAD Engineer
• Martyn Harris – CAD Engineer
• Matt Smith – Financial Controller
• Sue Oram – Marketing Executive

They can all be contacted by dialling the main switchboard number: +44 (0)1635 580284 or by e-mail at post@3trpd.co.uk

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3T RPD LTD
Fulton Court, Wofford Way, New Greenham Park, Newbury, Berkshire, RG19 6HD, UK
Telephone: +44 (0)1635 580284 | Fax: +44 (0)1635 569857 | E-mail: post@3trpd.co.uk