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Frequently Asked Questions

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Plastic

  • What is the difference between SLA and SLS?

    When choosing a 3D printing or additive manufacturing process there is a lot to consider – here we revisit SLA and SLS. Tim wasn’t wrong in his last article on SLA vs SLS when he said it’s all about trade offs!

  • Should I use SLA or SLS for my prototype?

    You need a prototype, and are thinking Additive manufacturing, but just not sure whether to go Stereolithography (SLA) or Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)?

    Our simple to follow, light hearted step by step guide should help give you the basics…

  • I want my prototype in ABS, like the production part. What can you do?

    An ABS prototype can be produced by injection moulding, CNC machining or FDM (additively). Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the aim is a functional, desirable and cost effective part.

    When designing a plastic part, material choice is critical. If you are looking for a cost effective, strong material that produces a good surface finish then ABS may be the one for you.

  • When is Stereolithography the better option?

    Many years ago, Stereolithography was the rapid prototyping solution, accurate, fast, relatively stable unless you can remember the acrylic based resins, and easy to paint.

  • What are my options if I need to manufacture Custom Electronic Enclosures?

    Bringing a new product to market is challenging at the best of times. Generally the more technology involved, the longer it can take. Hence sorting out the ‘box’ to house the device frequently gets pushed down the list to "sort later”!

  • Is it viable to convert my part material from metal to plastic?

    When assessing plastic as a substitute for metal there are many factors to take into consideration. Not all are strictly design based, other factors can be desirability, finishing options, production cost, or sustainability to name a few.

  • How do I achieve tougher or more flexible SLS parts?

    Whilst the standard SLS materials (Nylon or Glass Filled Nylon) are white and provide durable, rigid and stable parts, sometimes you might need something a little bit tougher or a little bit more flexible – or even in black. The good news is Ex Black and Flex offer impact resistant and flexible options and Plunkett Associates can deliver both!

  • What are my options for prototyping in glass reinforced nylon?

    There are a number of options when it comes to increasing the stiffness of polymer parts. The most common method is to use glass fillers. 

  • With 3D Printing readily available, why should I consider CNC machining?

    With all the hype around 3D printing, the initial impression is that it is a panacea for everything! As usual, life is not that straightforward. 3D Printing or Additive Manufacture can achieve some great results, especially if time is very limited. However, to assume that other technologies are now redundant is a leap too far.

  • The Volume Curve - what if quantities of parts are uncertain?

    If you are looking for production plastic parts, then Plunkett Associates has already demonstrated how injection moulding is a very cost effective solution for quantities down to and even below 100. However, if your quantities are uncertain or the design not frozen, then CNC machining (computer numerical control) could offer a very economic alternative and comes with the added advantage that quality of finish and accuracy are far superior to alternative prototyping options.

  • Thinking about prototyping?

    The word ‘prototype’ is confusing! We used to think this would mean only 1 or 2 parts and could only be achieved economically through Additive Manufacturing processes. Today, however, that is not the case. 

  • How can prototyping help make my product a success?

    There are several different approaches to prototyping and the decision of which one may be right for you will depend on the expectations or requirements from the prototype. 

  • Should I use SLS or SLA for a functional prototype?

    The immediate reaction to a question of this sort is to say Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) - after all, a large part of the growth in laser sintering applications is due to the functionality offered by nylon. However, if we look at the material properties of Duraform (standard nylon for laser sintering) in comparison to Stereolithography (SLA) resins (in this case Xtreme), we can see how far SLA resins have developed. 

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