International 3D printing on-line ecosystem Jellypipe has added a large-scale 3D printing service supplier to its platform.
The use of the Jellypipe platform is made possible by some extremely complex and intricate software which facilitates exchanges between all stakeholders of the 3D printing ecosystem. Users of Jellypipe can easily access a huge resource of knowledge, advice, and consultation to ensure that the correct materials, 3D printing technology, and finishing is selected, and then receive quotes from the most extensive network of 3D printing service providers based on speed of delivery or lowest cost.
Just joining the ecosystem is Plastech Additive Manufacturing based in Norwich, U.K. Plastech AM uses “The Box” 3D printing equipment from Swedish vendor BLB Industries on behalf of its clients. The company uses a Box Medium system producing high-end, large-scale parts, and boasting a build envelope of 1500 x 1500 x 1500 mm. The machine comes with two extruders and a variety of nozzle sizes and uses the Fused Granular Fabrication (FGF) method of production using industry standard granules. The use of granules means that material choice is greatly increased, and costs can be significantly rationalised for prototype or full mass production.
Stephen Rundle, Director at Plastech AM says, “We can offer everything from single prints to a short production run, we also have companies close by that can offer finishing services including milling, spray filling, sanding and painting. All we need from the client is an .STL or OBJ file that is approved for print. In some cases, the file may need some modifications in order to print in which case we would request an .STP which we can then modify before the client approves. Finally, a finishing specification would also be of benefit stating expected finishes and application. There is no real typical application except large! We have had applications from construction, oil & gas, marine, furniture, automotive, and displays & events to name a few, everything from composite moulds, foul drain pipework to giant theme park figures.”
When compared with traditional production technologies, the Plastech AM Box Medium System has numerous benefits, but in nearly all instances the technology wins through on speed of manufacture and price. It uses some standard materials like ABS or PP both filled or unfilled, PLA, TPU, TPE and even a special PP with 50% wood fibre, but the real advantage of the FGF technology is that Plastech AM can work with almost any plastic pellet, all that is required first is a print trial to test suitability.
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