3D Printing Services for Swansea Heads

With 3D Printing we can provide rapid prototyping or final solutions for you ideas, or products. 3D Printing is the future of product development for all plastic shapes, which can be assembled together to more complex (possible moving) prototype or product. To learn more about 3D Printing please see Wikipedia.

To get more information and pricing, please email us your 3D computer model. We accept most file types, however we would prefer a STL (.stl), OBJ (.obj), STEP (.stp) or IGES (.igs).

3D Printing via Stereolithography (SLA)

We can provide you with 3D prints via Stereolithography (SLA). From our experience SLA 3D Printing is the best 3D Printing technology. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D prints are high precision, but are weak and generally not suitable for function testing. In the past we have used FDM 3D Printing for function testing, due to its high strength. However SLA is just as strong as FDM, if not stronger with some resins. The only issue with SLA is it is more costly.

In summary SLA 3D Printing is high resolution, high strength & precision, and outstanding surface finish!

SLA Printing Areas

• Form-2 - 145 L x 145 W x 175 H mm

NOTE: We can create bigger parts, via splitting and gluing.

SLA Resolution

0.05mm or 0.025mm (however we generally do flexible at 0.1mm).

NOTE: We can do higher resolutions, if you would like to save on time and machine-hour costs.

Tech Specs / Resin Datasheets

https://formlabs.com/3d-printers/tech-specs/

SLA Material / Resin

Standard Resin - Delivers the highest-quality output, captures astonishing detail without sacrificing durability and toughness.

Heat Deflection Temp:

@ ~65 psi	73°C
@ ~260 psi	58°C

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High Temp Resin - Has an HDT of 289°C @ 0.45 MPa—the highest on the 3D Printing materials market. This material is great for static applications that will undergo higher temperatures. High Temp can also be used for production processes such as casting and thermoforming.

Heat Deflection Temp:

@ ~65 psi	289°C
@ ~260 psi	130°C

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Tough Resin - Designed to simulate ABS plastic, with comparable tensile strength and modulus. Perfect for functional prototyping, this sturdy, shatter-resistant material has been developed to withstand high stress and strain.

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Flexible Resin - Simulates an 80A durometer rubber. Use this versatile material to produce parts that need to bend and compress. Flexible is excellent for simulating soft-touch materials and adding ergonomic features to multi-material assemblies. Printing is a quicker process then FDM flexible and with a much smaller layer resolution (0.1mm), resulting in a very nice finished compared to FDM flexible printing however, the material is more expensive.

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Durable Resin - Designed to simulate polypropylene (PP) plastic, with comparable low modulus and high-impact strength. Use this wear-resistant, ductile material when parts require deformation and a smooth, glossy finish.

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Castable Resin - Formulated to capture breathtaking detail, allowing you to prototype jewelry cost effectively. Designed to capture precise details and smooth surfaces. It burns out cleanly without ash or residue, allowing jewelers and casting houses to go straight from digital design to a 3D print suitable for direct investment casting.

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Dental Model Resin - Designed for crown and bridge models with removable dies, Dental Model Resin is a high-precision, high-accuracy resin. Print crisp margins and contacts within ± 35 microns, and removable dies with consistently tight fit. A smooth, matte surface finish and color similar to gypsum make it easy to switch from analog to digital model production.

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Dental SG Resin - An autoclavable, Class 1 biocompatible resin, Dental SG is designed for printing precise surgical guides and similar devices. Read our white paper to learn how we verified the performance of Dental SG, now trusted by clinicians for thousands of implant surgeries.

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Dental LT Clear Resin - A Class IIa biocompatible resin, the high fracture and wear resistance of Dental LT Clear make it ideal for splints, retainers, and other direct-printed orthodontic devices. With a clear color, it polishes to high optical transparency for beautiful final products. Dental LT Clear will be availble for purchase soon, sign up below for updates.

3D Printing via Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

We can also provide you with 3D prints via Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers, which is great for quick validation of your physical design. The primary issue with these prints is shrinkage and warpage can occur on models and is purely geometry dependent.

FDM Printing Areas

• UP BOX+ - 255 L x 255 W x 205 H mm
  (ideal for high quality/precision)
• Replicator Z18 - 305 L x 305 W x 457 H mm
  (ideal for large prints)
• Replicator 2X - 246 L x 152 W x 155 H mm
  (ideal for filament experimentation)

NOTE: We can create bigger parts, via splitting and plastic welding or gluing.

FDM Resolution

0.1mm (however we generally do flexible at 0.25mm).

NOTE: We can do higher resolutions, if you would like to save on time and machine-hour costs.

FDM Material / Filament

Other materials/colours are possible, but adds lead time.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) Filament - A copolymer which is made of styrene, acryl and butadiene. It is impact resistant and tough. Suitable for most prototypes, expect long thin objects. Can shrink when cooling down. Suffers from thermal contraction issues (up to +/- 1mm on large parts).

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PLA (Polylactic Acid) Filament - A degradable bioplastic derived from plants. Suitable for long thin objects. Crystallise when cooling down, so can do bigger shapes.

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PET (Strongest) Filament - Stronger than many ABS filaments and has the higher print success rates of PLA. Ideal for anything functional that needs toughness with some flex.

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Primalloy (Flexible) Filament - Pliable rubber material with outstanding heat, oil and abrasion resistance as well as superior mechanical strength.

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NinjaFlex (Flexible) Filament - Uniquely flexible, strong prints ideal for direct-drive extruders. Suitable for seals, gaskets, plugs, leveling feet, protective applications. Needs to be printed at slower speeds with a larger layer resolution (0.25mm), which may result in showing visible layer lines.

To 3D print an object, a 3D computer model is required. You have three options:

1. Email us your 3D computer model - we accept most file types, however we would prefer a STL (.stl), OBJ (.obj), STEP (.stp) or IGES (.igs).
2. Ask us to create your 3D computer model.
3. 3D scanning and post-processing.

Our capacity: 1x SLA 3D printer and 3x FDM 3D printers.

Our printing prices are based on three factors:

1. Man-hours: Includes print setup, part removal, support material removal, hand finishing where required, assembly if required, and in some large part cases gluing or plastic welding. This is done at our typical mechanical engineers hourly rate.
2. Machine-hours: Rate based on type of machine (e.g. SLA or FDM). This is a low hourly rate.
3. Materials: The cost of the filament or resin used for the print. The material includes the actual part and the support material. Generally a negligible cost.

Our minimum order is $180 + GST, mostly due to the labour involved for support material removal and hand finishing if/where required.

Are you looking for a one-off part to replace something that is broken, or no longer on the market? Unfortunately, we are confident that in most cases 3D Printing services is not financially feasible.

Generally 3D Printing is used for new product development prototyping. And therefore is a cheaper alternative to production methods such as plastic injection moulding, blow moulding, etc.

Finding Success in Swansea Heads, East Lake Maquarie: COLETEK's Local Expertise at Your Service

As a thriving coastal community nestled between the shores of East Lake Maquarie and the Tasman Sea, Swansea Heads is a place where life's rhythms are dictated by the ocean's pulse. For local businesses and residents alike, navigating the complexities of modern life can be as challenging as charting a course through unpredictable waters. That's why it's essential to have trusted navigators like COLETEK in your corner.

Located in heartland Australia, our company has spent decades honing its expertise in supporting innovative local businesses, just like those that call Swansea Heads home. With years of experience under our belt, we've earned a reputation as a reliable partner for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium-sized enterprises looking to make their mark on the region.

As a true-blue Australian company, COLETEK is uniquely positioned to understand the nuances and challenges facing local businesses in Swansea Heads and beyond. Our team of experts has developed deep connections within our community, allowing us to provide tailored support that cuts through red tape and gets results. Whether you're looking to expand your customer base, streamline operations, or simply find new ways to stay ahead of the competition, we have the knowledge and know-how to help you achieve your goals.

Innovative thinking often calls for bold action, but it's equally important to stand firm on the foundation of trust. At COLETEK, we believe that long-term success is built upon strong relationships, transparency, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism. By working with us, you can rest assured that your business will be in capable hands – hands deeply rooted in local soil.

Swansea Heads, East Lake Maquarie, New South Wales, Australia: we know this region intimately and are dedicated to helping businesses like yours thrive here. Whether you're a startup or an established player in the market, COLETEK is your partner of choice for all things related to your local success.