Prototyping

Prototyping & Printing

In order to gain a complete understanding of your product and its features and benefits, a prototype has to be developed. At LUMA we offer a cost-effective 3D printing service that works in conjunction with your prototype development, enabling you to streamline the product until it reaches end-user requirements.

Depending on the needs of the project, our team utilise a variety of 3D prototyping & printing techniques to translate your idea from paper into physical form. We are seen as one of the leading providers of prototyping in London thanks to our implementation of tools such as SLS, SLA, FMA and Polyjet printing.

SLS PRINTING

SLS printing 

SLA PRINTING

SLA Printing

Applications: Working prototypes, part strengthening, architectural models, complex scale models and medical parts

✓    Detailed and high-quality print

✓    Smooth surface finish

✓    No need for additional support when print overhangs

SLS printing uses a print bed covered with a white nylon powder. Certain areas of the print bed are melted by a laser to ‘colour in’ the areas required for printing. The layer drops by 0.1mm before being re-coated for another layer of print. This creates far fewer visible layer lines compared to other print types. The surface can be polished to create a smooth texture and the white nylon can also be dyed or painted, if required.

ApplicationsAna tomical models, large investment cast patterns, lightweight concept models, urethane casting patterns

✓    High resolution parts with a smooth surface finish

✓    Offers great design flexibility

✓    Creates accurate moulds ideal for mass production

Commonly used for additive manufacturing, SLA printing creates the desired 3D shape via a laser that hardens liquid resin inside of a reservoir. Layer-by-layer, photosensitive liquid is turned into solid plastic through use of a low-power laser and photo-polymerisation. If you are looking for prototyping in London talk to our team to see if this is the solution for you.

FDM PRINTING

FDM Printing

POLYJET PRINTING

polyjet printing

ApplicationsManufacturing aids, low volume production parts, Jigs and fixtures, functional prototypes

✓    Cost-effective and high quality

✓    Range of colours and materials available

✓    Able to withstand heat, chemicals and mechanical stress

When FDM printing is used, it forces out a thermoplastic material once it reaches melting point, which allows it to create a layered 3D shape. Once each layer is completed, the printer nozzle is lowered to allow the next plastic layer to be added. It also uses a ‘scaffolding’ material during the process to help with stabilisation and once the prototype has been created, the supporting materials can be removed.

ApplicationsPresentation models, flexible rubber-like models, prototypes for fittings, valves and parts with complex interior features

✓    Creates complex shape and details

✓    Prints a variety of material properties and colours

✓    Allows for production of flexible buttons and grips

Polyjet printing works by solidifying thousands of photopolymer droplets that have been jetted onto a build platform via a UV light. The process is partially comparable to standard ink jet printing and is widely regarded as one of the fastest and most accurate 3D printing technologies available today, making it perfect for prototype development.

 

CONTACT US ABOUT YOUR 3D PROTOTYPNG REQUIREMENTS

    Phone 

    +44 (0) 20 8692 2873

    Office Hours

    Weekdays: 9am – 5pm

    Weekends: Closed