3D Printing
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing is the process of translating digital (CAD) designs into 3D objects by printing layer after layer of plastic, resin, metal, or other materials. The quick turnaround and high accuracy of 3D printing makes it an ideal process for prototyping, manufacturing, and innovation across a wide spectrum of industries.
Why use Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)?
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a type of 3D printing, in which thermoplastics filaments are melted, fed through specially designed extrusion heads, and laid down in very thin layers to build up three dimensional forms. Because of the wide range of available thermoplastics, FDM is a suitable for applications in an array of commercial, medical, and scientific industries. FDM technology also has one of the shortest lead times in 3D printing, and can be among the most cost-effective methods, enabling faster and more efficiently development and innovation, and allowing businesses and individuals alike to harness the benefits of rapid prototyping with exacting manufacturing standards and reduced costs.
Why IPC for 3D Printing?
With the latest FDM technology, a dedicated staff of experts, and decades of experience in manufacturing for the most demanding industries, IPC is ideally set up to help individuals and businesses experience the advantages of 3D printing.
3D PRINTING – PROCESS GUIDELINES
Our maximum build size is 16in x 14in x 16in.
As soon as same day depending on scope of project.
13. See below for data sheets and more information regarding materials.
.005in – .013in depending on material.
± .005in *
* Accuracy: Parts are produced within an accuracy of ± .127 mm (± .005 in.) or ± .0015 mm/mm (± .0015 in/in), whichever is greater). Z part accuracy includes an additional tolerance of -0.000/+slice height. Note: Accuracy is geometry dependent. Achievable accuracy specification derived from statistical data at 95% dimensional yield.
Our 3D Printer
The latest 3D Printing technology for advanced prototyping and production.
With the addition of a Stratasys 450mc, Indy Performance Composites can offer the speed, agility, and design freedom of advanced additive manufacturing, with the latest advances in FDM technology.
Our larger build envelope (16in x 14in x 16in) and ability to run high-performance thermoplastics for specialized production provides our customers with high-requirement prototypes, rugged jigs, fixtures and tooling, and custom production parts.
AVAILABLE MATERIALS FOR 3D PRINTING
Material
Properties
Static dissipative material
Applications
Makes great assembly tools for electronic and static sensitive products. Widely used for functional prototypes of cases, enclosures, and packaging.
Cost
$$
Versatile & durable material: good for form, fit, and functional applications.
Familiar production material for accurate prototyping. Legos are made from ABS.
$
Bio-compatible (ISO 10993 USP Class VI) material. Sterilization using gamma radiation or ethylene oxide (C2H4O) sterilization method.
Best fit for applications requiring strength and sterilization – surgical planning models, tools, & fixtures.
$
Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) based thermoplastic. Excellent mechanical properties that include high strength, high heat resistance, toughness and wear resistance.
Chemical resistance and minimal outgassing provide suitability for aerospace applications.
$$$$$
UV-stable parts with the best aesthetics of any FDM material
Ideal for end-use parts for outdoor & automotive functional prototyping. Ideal material for sparse interior builds.
$
Fatigue resistant, high elongation at break, and impact/vibration resistant
Excellent for repetitive snap fits and press fit inserts applications. Simple and clean process.
$
Highest tensile strength, highest specific stiffness
Strong but lightweight tooling applications and functional prototypes. Allows for the replacement of metal tooling for applications such as forming and end-of-arm tooling.
$$$
Most widely used industrial thermoplastic with superior mechanical properties and heat resistance.
Accurate, durable, and stable for strong parts/patterns for metal bending and composite work. Great for demanding prototyping needs, tooling and fixtures.
$
Superior mechanical and thermal properties of PC with the excellent feature definition and surface appeal of ABS. Highest impact strength.
Great material for functional prototyping and tooling.
$$
Biocompatible (ISO 10993 USP Class VI)1 material. Sterilizable using gamma radiation or ethylene oxide (C2H4O) sterilization methods.
Applications requiring higher strength and sterilization – surgical planning models, tools, fixtures, and food packaging.
$
FST (flame, smoke, toxicity)-certified thermoplastic. High heat and chemical resistance; highest tensile and flexural strength.
Ideal for commercial transportation applications such as airplanes, buses, trains and boats.
$$$
Highest strength, heat, chemical resistance. Bio-compatible and food safe.
Large custom tools for metal, plastic or composite parts fabrication. Aerospace and Automotive components including housings, ducts and semi-structural components.
$$
Withstands autoclave operations and simplifies hollow composite construction by dissolving after cure, leaving only the finished part.
Create hollow composites with temporary lay-up tools.
$
Proud partner of 3D Natives
