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Dear All, The Set has Moved! Badgers Barn, the home to Plunkett Associates since 2005, has been vacated. Now operating from 'The Old Coach House', service continues unabated, but now with space to swing the proverbial cat! The move was swift and went without a hiccup, all that remains is to ensure you know where we have gone! Web and email remain unaltered but the telephone number has had to change. We can now be found at: Plunkett Associates Ltd Telephone: 01452 386608 Email: tim@plunkettassociates.co.uk As always we are ready and keen to assist you in all your prototyping and low volume requirements and remain at your service.
Christmas, again! Whilst many UK based and European based operations shutdown across the two weeks for Christmas and New Year, Plunkett Associates’ international supply base will be up and running! Worst case 24/25 December may see some closures and shipping will need to be watched, but apart from this, most SLA, SLS, and all CNC (Far East) operations will be unaffected. We look forward to the opportunity to help and ensure that you have a peaceful holiday!! |
December 2009
But I need metal… Firstly, that is not a problem! Secondly, it would help to know why? This is because in most instances a metal prototype is going to cost more than the equivalent plastic part, and we need to be confident that the application warrants the additional cost. This is not to say that I don’t trust your specification, more that there could be some interesting RP applications/materials out there that could deliver an alternative! (eg metal coated Stereolithography) The other reason to know why is to understand whether it is a specific material being sought, or whether any generic metallic will meet the requirement. Thirdly we need to talk quantities and shipment schedules. And fourthly I need to see the data. This is usually a good indication of the sophistication of the requirement. For example an stl file is usually fine to quote from but contains no surface finish, threads or tolerance information. As such the quote will not specify this information either, or at best give a blanket overall accuracy of form. In most instances going to metal will warrant a toleranced drawing with all the associated call outs and it is imperative that this is available at the time of quotation as it impacts both process selection and cost. Now we are off and running! …read on
Should I use SLS or SLA for a functional prototype? One of those idle conversations highlighted some interesting figures the other day. Looking at material properties of Duraform (standard nylon for laser sintering) in comparison to Stereolithography resins, in this case Xtreme, showed how far these resins have developed. That said, all might not be what it appears to be! …read on
Should I be concerned about the latest SLA hardware? With all equipment it's not just the original capability that is an issue but how it is installed, maintained, and run. Even the latest technology can build parts that are not fit for purpose, if badly looked after. …read on |
