What is 3D printing?

3D printing is a relatively new manufacturing technique.  It allows the creation of physical objects from Computer Aided Design (CAD) models without the need for conventional machining techniques like turning or milling.  The process is described below.
PictureCAD model ready to be 3D printed




A part is designed in a CAD software package and saved as an .STL file.  This is a non proprietary format that all major CAD software packages can output.

The file is transferred into the 3D printer software where additional supports are added to allow the part to be printed.  Here each individual layer can be viewed as shown in the animation.  This particular part is 3D printed at a layer thickness of 100 microns and has over 1400 layers.  This increases to almost 5600 layers if a layer thickness of 25 microns is desired.
Picture3D printing in action
The individual layers are uploaded to the 3D printer.  We support several methods of 3D printing.

The model then undergoes a number of post processing stages depending on your requirements.
Disclaimer - Please note that all 3D printed models created by PlastiPrint 3D Ltd are not designed to be used in any service application.  This includes but is not limited to load bearing, safety critical or pressure containing applications.