Reflections on 2023 from Prototype Projects
Justin Pringle, MD of Prototype Projects, shares his reflections on 2023, a year focused on people and progress.
Larger billets for Express CNC machining
Prototype Projects now offer two larger sizes of billet for Express CNC machining using their five-axis vertical machining centres (VMCs). After extensive trials, they are satisfied that their robots, Rocky and Apollo, can handle these billets reliably and efficiently while tending the VMCs.
An update on new 5-axis CNC machining centres and robots from Prototype Projects
Prototype Projects writes...We’re pleased to formally announce that our new 5-axis machining centres and robots are now fully functional within our CNC department.
Professional model making – how is it done?
Professional model making is a core activity for us. In fact, Prototype Projects started in model making before expanding to provide CNC machining, 3D printing, vacuum casting and laser cutting. While these other services are self-explanatory, customers can view model making as something of a ‘black art’. In this article, therefore, we will explain how we go about making models – and how it is,…
Learning about CNC machining prototype parts
When it comes to making prototypes, the two manufacturing technologies most likely to be used are CNC machining and 3D printing. Everyone has their own understanding of what a prototype is, and this can vary significantly from one person to the next. For a word commonly used by engineers and designers, it is surprisingly ambiguous! In this article, we explore what's meant by 'prototype' and how…
What is Selective Laser Sintering?
Selective Laser Sintering, more commonly known as SLS, is one of the most popular technologies for 3D printing. We have three SLS 3D printers that are kept busy building prototype and end-use parts. In this article we take a detailed look at SLS technology, the material properties of SLS parts, advantages compared with other 3D printing technologies, and some typical applications.
Why and when to combine SLA and PµSL?
SLA (stereolithography apparatus) and PµSL (projection micro-stereolithography) both use high-powered laser light to cure a photopolymer resin – but that is where the similarity ends. These 3D printing technologies are excellent at what they do, yet each has its limitations. When you combine the two, you can benefit from the advantages of both. In this article, we look at why and when you might…
How big is your 3D Printing Wasteland?
Prototype Projects writes...if you work in product design and development, you most likely have a keen interest in seeing inventions come to life. It doesn’t make any difference if the inventions are your own or those of a client, there’s a real buzz to product development.
3D printing technologies compared: SLA vs DLP vs PµSL
Prototype Projects Ltd writes...unlike most rapid prototyping bureaux, we have five different 3D printing technologies. You might think this is excessive but the logic behind this is that no single technology can meet every part’s requirements. Three of the technologies we have, namely SLA, DLP and PµSL, use light to cure liquid photopolymer resins, referred to as photopolymerization. Although…
What do we mean by additive manufacturing?
Within the mainstream media there tends to be no differentiation between additive prototyping and additive manufacturing. Instead, journalists resort to the catch-all term 3D printing because non-technical audiences can visualise ‘printing’ parts in three dimensions. But, what is the difference? What do we mean by additive manufacturing?
What do we mean by additive prototyping?
Engineers and designers are careful with their choice of words. For example, to us, the terms ‘tolerance’ and ‘redundancy’ do not mean the same as they would for the average person. By using the correct language when communicating with each other, engineers and designers avoid ambiguity and confusion. However, technology evolves over time, and language is equally fluid. In this article, Prototype…
What is model making?
Model making means different things to different people and it is just one aspect of what we do now but it is where we started in 1980. In essence, model making is a fusion of technologies, techniques and, above all, skills.
What are the differences between CNC machining and 3D printing?
CNC machining and 3D printing are both rapid, versatile and cost-effective technologies for making prototype and end-use parts. However, if you study the two in detail, there are many small but important differences. When it comes to the question of which to use for a particular part, the answer usually starts with ‘It depends…’.
What are the material choices for SLA 3D printing?
SLA remains the best 3D printing technologies for many applications, despite being one of the first to be commercialised in the late 1980s. With SLA (stereolithography apparatus), a computer-controlled UV laser traces a path on the surface of a photopolymer (light-curing liquid resin). After the laser has cured each ‘slice’ of the part, the bed descends by a distance equal to the layer thickness…
When is SLS your best option for 3D printing?
If one 3D printing technology was ideal for every application, we would use it all the time. In reality, each technology has its own advantages and limitations, which is why we have invested in five different 3D printing technologies. One of these is Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), so when is SLS your best option for 3D printing?
What do Prototype Projects mean by ‘Precision’ ‘Micro’ Stereolithography?
You may have read something on Prototype Projects' website about Precision Micro Stereolithography (PµSL for short, pronounced ‘puzzle’), or they may have mentioned it to you in conversation.
The beginner’s guide to 3D printing
3D printing first started to become a practical proposition in the late 1980s, with various technologies being developed through the ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s. New innovations are still coming to market today, proving that this technology, although relatively mature, still has scope for further enhancements.
Improved surface finish for CNC machined parts
Prototype Projects' CNC machined parts now benefit from an improved surface finish thanks to their recent investment in a vapour honing system. They use vapour honing on most parts ordered via their Express, Standard and Economy CNC machining services. The only exceptions are where vapour honing is not suitable for technical reasons or if customers specify that vapour honing should not be used.
When is CNC milling better than 3D printing?
CNC milling may seem unglamorous compared with 3D printing but the more traditional manufacturing technology still has much to offer. In fact, CNC milling is often considerably better for prototyping than 3D printing. In this article, Prototype Projects explore how and when CNC milling provides advantages over 3D printing.
What does CNC Turning offer for prototyping?
Prototype Projects Ltd writes: you might think it odd that a company offering 3D printing services is eager to promote the use of CNC machining. As prototyping specialists, however, we understand 3D printing is not a panacea, it cannot do everything. Successful prototyping is all about using the optimum technology for every part. For some parts, CNC turning is the optimum production technology,…
Case study: 3D printing restoration for Porsche 911 Targa
A classic car enthusiast with a 1979 Porsche 911 Targa, had an issue with a broken handbrake cover. Unable to buy a replacement, the owner sought an alternative solution in the form of 3D Printing.
Model Making: an insider’s guide (part 2)
Project roadmap
The term ‘model making’ covers many different things, as models can be required to perform a wide variety of roles.
Model Making: an insider’s guide (part 1)
Prototype Projects Ltd says: This article is the first of a two-part series in which we will tell you everything you need to know about model making. While this first part explains what professional model making is, when it is useful and what it can achieve, the second part delves into the nitty-gritty of the workflow and technologies.
Introducing Projection Micro Stereolithography (PµSL)
Prototype Projects says - we're really excited to make a BIG announcement about a new 3D Printing process that makes teeny tiny parts which are incredibly accurate. Introducing... Projection Micro Stereolithography, or PµSL, an exciting additive manufacturing technology for building parts that cannot be produced using other technologies such as conventional SLA, DLP, SLS or PolyJet.
What are the finishing options for vacuum cast parts?
Vacuum casting is used for concept models, functional prototypes, jigs and fixtures, and end-use parts, so the finish(es) must be selected carefully to suit the application. So, what are the finishing options?