Expansion of Our 3D Printing Team

To keep pace with advancements in additive manufacturing technologies, at Moldblade, we have renewed and expanded our 3D printing machinery this month. We now have equipment for rapid prototyping using FDM (filament spools) as well as SLS (laser sintering) methods. These new capabilities not only allow us to increase our prototype production but also expand the range of materials we can work with, including technical materials with reinforcements.

With FDM printers, the thermoplastic material is melted and extruded through a nozzle, depositing it layer by layer to build the desired object. This method is ideal for creating robust and functional prototypes that can be subjected to mechanical and thermal stress tests. On the other hand, SLS technology employs a high-power laser to fuse plastic powder particles into the specific desired shape. With the integration of these technologies, we can now handle advanced materials with glass fiber or carbon fiber reinforcements that significantly improve the mechanical and thermal properties of the prototypes. These advanced composites offer greater wear and deformation resistance, which is essential for components that will experience high loads or extreme temperatures in their final application.

3D Printing for Prototyping and Low-Volume Production

3D printing has established itself as an invaluable tool in the industry for rapid prototype development and small series production. The ability to quickly iterate designs, adjust functionalities, and validate concepts without the need to invest in expensive molding tools is a radical change that allows for significant reductions in development time and costs. We have an extensive selection of materials for 3D printing, ranging from standard polymers to specialized composites designed to meet specific mechanical requirements. Additionally, the finishes we can now offer include surfaces that can be post-processed to obtain specific textures or surface properties, as well as high-quality finishes that are ready to use immediately after printing. This is crucial for applications where the aesthetic appearance of the component is as important as its functionality. At Moldblade, we can offer prototyping solutions before mold manufacturing to anticipate potential issues.