Which file formats are supported by the online quotation system?

Streamlining your path from digital design to physical part, our online quotation system is designed for convenience and speed. A critical first step is submitting your 3D model in a compatible file format. This ensures our system can accurately read your design's geometry, resulting in a precise and instantaneous cost estimate. Using the correct format prevents errors, avoids delays, and gets your project off to a strong start.

Essential File Formats for a Seamless Quotation

For the most accurate and automated quotation experience, we strongly recommend uploading your designs in STEP (.step or .stp) or IGES (.iges or .igs) formats. These are neutral, boundary-representation CAD formats that preserve the solid geometry and assembly structure of your model without being tied to a specific software vendor. This allows our system to precisely calculate the part's volume, dimensions, and other critical factors for manufacturing.

While the above formats are ideal, our system also accepts other common 3D file types:

• Parasolid (X_T, X_B): Another robust, kernel-based format excellent for data exchange.

• Stereolithography (.stl): The de facto standard for 3D printing, representing geometry with a mesh of triangles. While widely accepted, it can sometimes lack the design intent and precision of a CAD file.

• Wavefront (.obj): A common polygon mesh file format, often used in graphics and 3D scanning.

For a comprehensive overview of the digital design process, you can explore our guide on Stereolithography (SLA).

From Digital File to Physical Part: The Manufacturing Journey

Once your quote is approved, your design enters our digital manufacturing workflow. The file format you provided is used to prepare the model for one of our advanced manufacturing processes.

Core 3D Printing Technologies

We utilize a suite of cutting-edge additive technologies to bring your design to life. The choice depends on your material, performance, and budgetary requirements.

• Material Extrusion: This process, including FDM, builds parts layer-by-layer by heating and extruding thermoplastic filaments.

• Vat Photopolymerization: Technologies like SLA utilize a laser to cure liquid resin in a vat, resulting in high-resolution parts.

• Powder Bed Fusion: This category includes Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) for plastics and Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) for metals, using a laser to fuse powder particles.

• Binder Jetting: This process utilizes a liquid binding agent to join powder particles, making it suitable for metals, sand molds, and ceramics.

• Directed Energy Deposition: Often used for large metal parts or repairs, this technology melts material as it is deposited.

Enhancing Part Performance with Surface Treatments

After a part is built, secondary operations can significantly improve its properties and appearance. Our online system can factor in these requirements upon request.

• Sandblasting: A crucial technique for cleaning and achieving a uniform, matte finish.

• Heat Treatment: A vital process for strengthening and enhancing the performance of metal parts by altering their microstructure.

Material Selection for Your Application

The compatibility of your file format is the first step; the next is selecting the right material. Our system supports a vast range of engineering-grade materials for your project.

• Titanium Alloy: Ideal for high-strength, lightweight aerospace and medical applications, with grades like Ti-6Al-4V.

• Stainless Steel: Offers excellent strength and corrosion resistance, with options like SUS316L for various industrial uses.

• Aluminum Alloys: Such as AlSi10Mg, provide a great strength-to-weight ratio for automotive and consumer electronics.

• Plastics: From prototyping materials like ABS to high-performance thermoplastics like PEEK.

• Superalloy: Materials like Inconel 718, perfect for withstanding extreme temperatures and corrosive environments in energy and aerospace sectors.

Industry-Specific Solutions

Our online quotation system and manufacturing services cater to a broad spectrum of industries, enabling rapid innovation and production.

• Aerospace and Aviation: Producing lightweight, robust components that meet stringent industry standards.

• Medical and Healthcare: Creating custom surgical guides, implants, and devices using biocompatible materials.

• Automotive: From functional prototypes to end-use parts, accelerating design and production cycles.