The 3D printing process has been in existence since the early 1990s and now provides modern businesses with a fast, cost effective, and sustainable option for product development and low volume batch manufacturing.
The 3D Printing Suite at University of Suffolk is based in the University’s Innovation Labs (iLabs) and is offered as a resource to businesses of any size who require 3D printing at any stage from design to production across healthcare, creative or manufacture.
Medical and Healthcare: Our printer can print multiple materials within a single print job, offering a variety of possibilities. For example we are able to print complex parts or models to promote innovations in radiology for clinical applications , treatment planning , simulation of procedures and medical and patient education. In addition, our state-of-the-art printers can also handle biocompatible materials for dentistry and other applications.
Creative and Design: A 3D printed object makes your designs more tangible. A scale model of the final project can be a valuable way of communicating design ideas to colleagues and clients. With Polyjet technology, parts can be printed with a variety of textures, smooth three colour gradients, or sleek transparencies.
Product prototyping and low volume manufacture: Fine tune designs in a matter of weeks rather than months, and at greatly reduced cost. Mitigate the cost of making expensive metal injection moulds for low volume batch manufacturing by making limited use prototype injection moulds to ensure mould quality.
The 3D Printing Suite at University of Suffolk is based in the University’s Innovation Labs (ILOUS) and will benefit those involved in any form of product design, prototyping and manufacture who require the efficiencies brought by 3D printing expertise. Our services include:-
File Checking
Prior to any printing taking place, we ensure that the 3D file provided (.stl, .obj, .step) meets your expectations of the part, and is suitable for 3D Printing.
High Quality Printing
Two high specification STRATSYS 3D printers are supported by ancillary equipment and specialist software for printing single objects for prototype development or small batch manufacturing projects.
- The Objet500 Connex3 can print multiple materials within a single print job enabling you to print parts that require incorporation of a range of mechanical, optical or thermal properties like non-slip grips, transparent windows or flexible hinges.
Printing with a layer height down to 0.016mm
Typical deviation from STL dimensions ±0.2mm or ±0.06% of part length, whichever is greater
Fast, flexible colours can be printed directly from the colour information in your original CAD file. No assembly is required for parts 3D printed with multiple materials, so you can create custom jigs, assembly fixtures and tools with ultra-fine accuracy and smooth surfaces.
- The F370 printer supports a range of capabilities and budgets for every stage of prototyping. Offering a cost effective solution while at the same time being able to handle significantly more complicated designs when compared to hobby level printers.
Print with layer heights between 0.333mm – 0.127mm
Parts are produced with an accuracy of ±0.02mm or ±0.200mm whichever is greater
Post Print Finishing
Our printers use a fully dissolvable support material to ensure the highest quality possible for the print job. All print jobs undergo a finishing step as part of the process to dissolve away support materials. We apply particular care at this stage to ensure our print jobs undergo careful finishing that meet our rigorous standards for the best finish possible.
1) Send your 3D file (be that .stl, .obj, .step or other 3D file type) to 3Dprinting@uos.ac.uk
2) Once received we will verify the file prior to print to ensure client's needs are fully met
3) Before starting the print we will advise how long the job will take and submit a fixed price quotation based on the following:-
- Assessment of the print material required
- Any fixes required to the file
- Post print finishing
We can also arrange delivery if required at an extra cost.
Pricing is specific to individual projects – please complete the online form with your initial enquiry. (3Dprinting@uos.ac.uk). All prices exclude VAT.
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