FAQs
If your new to the exciting world of 3D Printing there is a minefield of technical terms, materials and processes to consider. We have set our FAQ section to answer most questions.
If you have a question that isn’t covered on our FAQ’s please get in touch.
We would recommend a 0.1mm clearance in the design for assemblies. If you are wishing to combine parts together for building, then leave at least a 1mm gap.
The considered “safe” range for materials (between Conductive and Dissipative) is 100k Ohms – 35M Ohms. We have measured Graphite-SLS to be within this range at 280k – 485k Ohms. (Carbon-SLS is 20k – 100k).
No, the materials have not been certified and therefore we would recommend avoiding contact with food or drink.
Yes, this is extremely important to us. We understand that the majority of parts we see are a new product design or prototype. Confidentiality for our customers is critical. We have industry standard security on site, and we will not release images or any data without customer approval.
If you pre-orientate the part as you would like it built, it would normally be kept in this orientation. However, we may change the orientation for nesting optimisation.
The prices on 3D Print Direct are already heavily discounted and close to cost price. The only way we can keep part price so low is to be able to 100% pack our machines with parts and having a semi automated ordering process. By having longer lead times we can more efficiently pack many orders together. Shorter turnaround times and technical support are what we offer through Graphite Additive Manufacturing but costs are higher. There is a comparison chart on our homepage.
Yes you can with this service, but in some cases it can increase the cost. We may choose to build and ship the parts contained in a sinterbox (cage). This may restrict our ability to clean powder from the parts compared with cleaning components individually. For merged parts, leave at least a 1mm gap on SLS and 5mm gap for MJF.
This is only necessary for MJF Pa12 as the material produces defects at thicknesses above 10mm. Therefore, we will hollow MJF Pa12 that are thicker than 10mm to a wall thickness of 3mm. We will also add a honeycomb lattice structure inside the void to retain the strength of a solid part. Unsintered powder will be left inside the part so your part will weigh as much as a solid piece, this does mean that cutting into the part will release this powder.
For short holes that are open both ends, around 2mm.
All geometry should be at least 0.8mm thick to build. Ideally though, we’d recommend 1.2mm to give stronger parts.
STL files and we’d recommend a resolution set to 0.01mm. (Set to Binary rather than ASCII if you have the option)
We can 3D print parts up to 300mm long in one piece. If your part is larger, we may cut it and ship in sections. We would aim to cut the part in a sensible location and add features to aid gluing for you where possible.
MJF Typical Tolerances: ±0.30% (min ±0.20mm)
SLS Typical Tolerances: ±0.13% (min ±0.15mm)
SLA Typical Tolerances: ±0.10% (min ±0.13mm)
Typically 7-21 working days depending on material and service selected.
No, as we are not using cheaper filament type machines, we cannot offer multi materials.
Graphite-SLS is a reinforced material with excellent performance to price ratio. The Carbon-SLS has the best stiffness to weight ratio of any 3D printed plastic. Both materials are slightly conductive. More information can be found at our other site here: Graphite-AM
Please contact us on 01296 488122 and we will do what we can to help.
3D Printing To Your Door
We pride ourselves on the quality of our carefully selected materials and beautifully engineered parts. We have worked hard to select the finest materials and employ the best industry practises. Sit back upload your files and let us bring your ideas and creations to life.