Offered Technologies and Functional Information

• What 3D printing technologies (processes) does RedEye use?

• What is Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)™?

• What is PolyJet?

• How does PolyJet compare with stereolithography (SLA)?

• How large of parts can RedEye create?

• What is the dimensional accuracy of these parts?

• What's the finest detail that RedEye can provide?

• Can I finish or paint the parts?

• How do I finish these parts?

• Do you have guides available on finishing parts?

• What adhesives can I use if I need to fix or join pieces?
  

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What 3D printing technologies (processes) does RedEye use?
RedEye uses the patented FDM™ (Fused Deposition Modeling) process developed by Stratasys, Inc. The FDM process extrudes a thermoplastic material and deposits it layer-by-layer by fusing it to the layer beneath it, to form a 3D model.

RedEye also utilizes PolyJet™ technology developed by Objet, which precisely jets UV plastic in super fine layers down to 16 microns. This process allows us to build parts faster and at finer resolution than older stereolithography technologies.
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What is Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)™?
The FDM process works be extruding a thermoplastic material and depositing it layer-by-layer by fusing it to the layer beneath it, to form a 3D model. FDM prototyping and rapid manufacturing systems create accurate, functional prototypes using a variety of high-performance engineering materials like ABS, polycarbonate and polyphenylsulfone.
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What is PolyJet?
The PolyJet process provides fine detail and surface finish in prototypes and manufactured parts. In a process similar to ink jetting, liquid photo polymer resin is jetted out in fine layers to build a model. The layers measure only 16 microns (0.0006 in.) which results in a superior surface finish smoothness.
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How does PolyJet compare with stereolithography (SLA)?
A fast processing speed is a benefit of PolyJet technology. As compared to an older prototyping method known as stereolithography, it requires virtually no time beyond the modeling process itself and a quick hand wash to remove support material. Unlike SLA, PolyJet does not need draining, resin stripping, curing, benching or extensive time for manual support removal.
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How large of parts can RedEye create?
Models built in ABS or ABSi material are run on our FDM Maxum™ systems with an envelope size of (23.6x19.7x23.6 inches) (600x500x600 mm).

Models built in ABS-M30, ABS-M30i, PC, PC-ISO, or PC/ABS material are run on our FDM Titan™ systems with an envelope size of (16x14x16 inches) (406x355x406 mm).

Models built in PolyJet are run on our Eden333™ systems with an envelope size of (12x12x7 inches) (305x305x178 mm).

Models built in TangoPlus, TangoGray and TangoBlack PolyJet Resin are run on our Eden333™. Models with this material are limited to an envelope of 12x12x4 inches (305x305x102 mm). Parts also require a wall thickness of 0.02 inch (.508 mm) or greater.

Larger prototypes can be built in pieces and bonded back together, resulting in unlimited size capability. RedEye will section the STL files appropriately. Note that longer lead-times are required due to curing time of bonded parts.
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What is the dimensional accuracy of these parts?
FDM Models are produced within an accuracy of ± 0.005 inches ( ± 0.127mm) up to 5 inches (127 mm). Accuracy on models greater than 5 inches (127 mm) is ± 0.0015 inch per inch (± 0.0015 mm/mm).

PolyJet models have a build resolution of: X axis 600 dpi, Y axis 300 dpi, Z axis 1600 dpi.
Part Accuracy: (Note, Objet does not provide part accuracy data only build resolution, so the accuracies defined below are based on our best judgment)
± 0.005 < 4 inches is typical
± 0.008 is generally the worse case but it is geometry dependant

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What's the finest detail that RedEye can provide?

PolyJet:

Prototypes made in this material offer the finest detail and surface finish with a layer resolution of 16 microns (0.0006 inch).

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Models:

Ideal Wall Thickness- ABS, ABSi, ABS-M30, ABS-M30i, PC and PC-ISO: 0.04 inches (1.016mm)
Minimum Wall Thickness- ABS and ABSi: 0.020 inches (0.508mm)
Minimum Wall Thickness- ABS-M30, ABS-M30i, PC and PC-ISO: 0.028 inches (0.7112mm)
We recommend that parts with fine detail be run in ABS or ABSi material due to the use of the soluble support material.
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Can I finish or paint the parts?
Yes. Models from any of these materials can be sanded, primed and painted for use as a production part. Our finishing brief section has step-by-step guides on how to best finish your part.  These processes include sanding, electroplating, painting, penetrating dye, investment casting, creating clear and translucent models, thermoforming, and silicon molding.
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How do I finish these parts?
Surfaces can be smoothed using sand paper and files. If the goal is to paint or coat the part such as electroplating, the parts will need to be finished to a higher level of surface smoothness. This can be done by using filling primers, two-part polyester fillers and finish coats. The parts can then be primed and painted as needed, as well as used for other post processing operations such as vacuum metallization or silicone molding.

A good acrylic-based automotive primer works well. Applying the primer in thick coats also helps fill in any gaps left due to the layering process. Once the primer is thoroughly dried, it can be fine sanded until you begin to see the color of the ABS or PC through the primer. Wet sanding is recommended to ease sanding operations and prolong sand paper life. Progressively moving to finer grit sand papers will increase the level of surface smoothness. A range of 320 - 1200 grit sand papers are typically utilized. Repeat these steps until the model has the desired surface finish.

Automotive putty such as "Evercoat Polyester Glazing Putty" also works well. Wet sanding works best when using a plastic filler and/or body filler.

Visit our finishing briefs section for more information or choose from the list below.
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Do you have guides available on finishing parts?
Fully detailed processes on how to finish parts are located in our finishing briefs section. These finishing guides include:

• Penetrating Dye for Translucent Colors

• Silicon Molding for Urethane Casting

• Sand Casting

• Investment Casting for Prototypes and Low Volume Production

• Painting Show Quality Models

• Thermoforming for Prototypes and Short Run Applications

• Creating Clear and Translucent Molds

• Electroplating Model Preparation

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What adhesives can I use if I need to fix or join pieces?
For the ABS materials super glues work well such as Hot Stuff original (Red) and Hot Stuff gap filling glues. Isocyanite glue, commonly referred to as "super glue" works well for quick bonding operations. The use of solvents, such as the one listed below, generally provide a stronger bond as it bonds the plastic to itself. Solvent bonds will take longer to fully cure.

Ambroid Pro Weld also works well, especially on small detail regions.

For adhering larger regions, we recommend Weld-On products from the IPS Corporation. Weld-On 4 or 2354 work well with ABS.

Weld-On 3 works best with polycarbonate.
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