Do any UK users have any experience of rapid prototyping companies?

I am working on a new controller housing and will be wanting some pre-production housings made for checking aesthetics and fit/function.

If anybody has used rapid proyotyping companies I would appreciate any feedback.

Cheers

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Nick

So long and thanks for all the fish

I haven't used any rapid prototype services. I have heard good things about Protomold. And they do have a UK branch. If I recall, their tools are pretty cool. You upload your model and they generate an automated quote based off the 3D model.

Here is a link to their UK website http://www.protomold.co.uk/

what sort of RP? 3d printing or "cheapo" silicone-rubber moulds?

It's kinda hard to suggest as different technologies are good for different purposes (not to mention the size of the object plays an impact in the choice).

I've used (and would again):
concepts - colour 3d print (ZPrint) http://www.stephaniewooddesign.co.uk/
prototype before ordering tooling (Object) http://www.ipfl.co.uk/3d-printing

In the past have used Materialise for SLA, SLS and FDM but have moved to the Object printer as I find the results better - especially the rubber parts where the flexible SLA have been a nightmare (heat of the laser curing the part actually distorting the model during build and losing any detail) but flexible parts from the Object printers seem far more dimensionally-stable. Give Gary @ IPFL a bell and ask for some sample parts - he sent me a few parts to give an idea of the material-choice plus an incredibly detailed Jack Sparrow head (only about 20mm tall) but with far more detail that I've seen from any SLA.

For large parts a colleague has used Martello for a RIM.

I've explored Protomould and seem reasonable, if your design is suitable. My last few projects had parts which were too large for them and/or had sliding-cores, so ruled them out and didn't proceed any further.

As for silicone-rubber tools from a SLA for a low quantity run (for pre-production testing while the "proper" tooling was being made) I have had a few discussions with Paragon but our sales quantities aren't sufficient to justify the costs so haven't explored any further.

Hope it helps anyway, Sam

You might try contacting a local university to see whether they have the technology. I know one of our suppliers has gone that route to have pre-production samples made at a reasonable cost.

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The sooner we fall behind, the more time we'll have to catch up

If you know Al or Martyn from Develop 3D I'm sure they give you plenty of options. In fact I'll post this one to Twitter and see if they can help.

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Sean Dotson, PE
RND Automation & Engineering
Free 30 day trial of iPropWiz v5
Follow @seandotson & @mcadforums & @rndautomationon Twitter

Sent you a PM with an email contact

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Sean Dotson, PE
RND Automation & Engineering
Free 30 day trial of iPropWiz v5
Follow @seandotson & @mcadforums & @rndautomationon Twitter