Finishing with high quality aesthetics for rapid and permanent surface colouring to improve visual impact of prototypes offered by 3T RPD

3T RPD offer quick finishing services for rapid prototyping and sls prototype models, 3D model appearance can be enhanced by 3T RPD with colour applications

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SLS prototype model

Fully painted model

The layer based construction techniques of SLS offer significant benefits in terms of build speed, however it can sometimes give a stepped surface finish. From a purely functional aspect this is seldom a problem, however from the aesthetic perspective they may require additional finishing.

Our skilled team of finishers combine the functionality of SLS parts with high quality aesthetics, with minimal time added to the delivery. Providing a range of finishing techniques from simply adding a colour or highlighting certain areas, to fully finished marketing models, a finished prototype can play a vital role in functionality testing, securing tender bids, design verification and marketing photography.

Our modelmakers ensure every last detail is taken care of and our bespoke finishing services enable the inclusion of mechanical components, inserts or screw threads, generating a model that is comparable to the final manufactured item.

Finishing Grades

Varying finishes can be achieved and we offer 4 standard grades, from a light blasting over or a dusting of paint on identified surfaces, to the majority of the layering removed from the external surfaces and paint or a permanent surface colouring applied.

Grade 4	Parts direct from the machine, therefore exhibiting the manufacturing layer thickness, lightly blasted over.
Grade 3	As Grade 4 but with a dusting of paint on the identified surfaces. This can dramatically change the visual appearance whilst being quick to achieve.
Grade 2	The majority of the layering removed from the external surfaces and paint applied.
Grade 1	As Grade 2 but with the addition of a texture to the painted surface.

As the level of finishing is directly related to component cost it is important not to over specify the requirement. Frequently the optimum is to select different parts to different grades of finish. For example, a batch of 50 parts could be split into 2 for assembly and aesthetic review (Grade 1), 5 for general assembly and review (Grade 2) and 43 for trials (Grade 3 or 4). This approach minimises cost and maximises speed of response.

Other specific options are available, including a fully finished marketing model or assembly with inserts and mechanical components. Please Contact Us to discuss your project in more detail, and we will be pleased to provide you with a quotation for your specific finishing requirements.

Permanent Surface Colouring

We have pioneered a low cost method of improving the visual impact of our prototype components with a revolutionary colouring process. Requiring no surface dressing, functionality and lead time remain unaffected. This post-process is usually covered by a flat charge irrespective of parts count.

With SLS components finding themselves in a vast range of applications, they can be transformed by the application of a single colour. Assemblies become clearer and resilience to handling discolouration is enhanced, giving a far better communication of design intent.

Single parts or large batches can be supplied in a range of standard colours, including RED, BLUE, GREEN, ORANGE, PURPLE, YELLOW and, most popular, BLACK. Additional colours may be available – please Contact Us if you have specific colouring requirements.

NB. Unless otherwise stated on our quotation, a permanent surface colouring is applied directly to a Grade 4 finish, ie. the part is coloured, but 'undressed'.

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