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SLA

Type	Uses	Finish Level
Water Clear	For lenses, clear or translucent parts.	Pattern level finish with wet sanding and application of clear acrylic using SLA material 11122XC.
Dyed	For simulating tinted lenses and opaque materials.	Pattern level finish with wet sanding and application of color dye. Depending on the application, a clear acrylic may be applied. This finish level applies to 11122XC.
Painted	For a presentation model with production-quality appearance.	Primed finish level with color coats and various surface finishes (texture, gloss, etc.) applied based on customer specifications.
Primed	For paint ready prototypes.	Pattern finish level with primer applied and all specified surfaces set for painting.
Pattern	For tooling patterns or show pieces, when appearance is critical.	Functional level finish with sanding using an ultra fine media. Adding to the final appearance, an ultra fine bead blast is applied to all surfaces. Customer approval is obtained before molding.
Pattern/Functional	For parts requiring multiple finish levels.	When appearance is critical for some surfaces, a portion of the part is finished to a pattern level and other surfaces are finished to a functional level. For instance, some parts may require a pattern level finish on outside surfaces (to enhance appearance), while a functional finish may be suitable for the inside.
Functional	For parts where fit and functionality are the primary concerns.	Basic level finish with removal of layer lines that occur during SLA process. For the final appearance, a bead blast is applied to all surfaces.
Basic	For parts where time (delivery) and cost are the primary concerns.	Light sanding on supported surfaces. Mating parts are fitted together with a first-level bead blasting. This finish is choice of many customers performing their own secondary operations.

 

Polyjet

Type	Uses	Finish Level
Pattern	For tooling patterns or show pieces, when appearance is critical.	In addition to the standard finish the parts are hand finished to presentation quality. All layer lines are removed and the part surfaces are pattern ready for secondary molding processes. Customer approval is obtained before molding.
Standard	For parts where time (delivery) and cost are the primary concerns.	All support materials removed and the part is water blasted The smooth surfaces and fine details inherent in the polyjet process typically minimize the need for additional finishing except in the most demanding show pieces. Mating parts are fitted together.

 

SLS

SLS parts can be finished to a pattern level finish by priming and painting.

Type	Uses	Finish Level
Painted	For a presentation model with production-quality appearance.	SLS part is primed, appearance surfaces are sanded smooth, and color coats applied based on customer specification.
Impregnated/Sealed	When additional strength or the ability to hold air or fluid pressure is required.	Basic level finish plus impregnation and sealing for added strength and to remove porosity.
Basic	For parts where time (delivery) and cost are the primary concerns.	Part cleaned, mating parts fitted together, plus bead blasting.

 

URETHANE CASTING

Clear parts can be produced using a highly polished SLA pattern.

Custom color urethanes can be produced. Just supply a PMS number or a color sample and the cast urethane parts will be cast in that color.

 

INJECTION MOLDING

We will do our best to approximate the product texture using prototyping methods. Contact your project engineer for more information.