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The Express Print program is the quickest way to get something printed! We have dedicated a printer to handle quick demands. It is a Zcorp 310.We chose this industrial printer because it is quick and it has the ability to make very affordable parts out of powder.
With Express Print, you simply have to fill the short form above and send us your file(s). If there is a problem, we will get in touch with you before printing. You will also find more information on the printer, the material, and the finishing levels below.
Don't forget to look at how to make your parts even more affodable!
The 3D Printer used for Express Print is a modified version of the Zcorp 310 Plus. We have modified it with Express Print in mind so it is truely adapted to this application
It is an industrial 3D printer that uses powder and a bonding agent to make parts.
Why did we pick this one?
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It makes afordable parts
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It is fast
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It can stack parts in height
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It has a large volume of 8" X 10" X 8"
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Parts can easily be finished
You can see more product details in the files below
The process we chose for Express Print uses powder and a bonding agent. The powder is specifically engineered for this printer and is very very fine to allow great precision. This high performance composite has been mixed here at Troadey. We have raised the performance of the standard powder of the powder with our special blend.
The bonding agent has also been slightly altered to be less damaging to the print heads, for more consistent prints.
Parts printed with Express Print are white, and have a rough finish because it is made from a powder process. Right out of the printer, the parts are quite fragile. the parts are also suprisingly massive (heavier than what an FDM 3D printed part, for example).
With our finishing methods, parts can acheive better strenght and surface finish. See below for more information about our finish levels.
As Is
Like the title says, we can leave your part "as is", which means we will not do anything to it.
Your part will be quite fragile but if you want to do your own processing, this is the best way.
For example, spraying +90% alcool on the part will make it soft. Great if you want to do small adjustments.
Fragility level: Can be handheld but will break if dropped. Small features can break when manipulated
We have a very basic solution in which most parts go after being printed (unless you want "as is" finish).
This solution cures the part and ends the chemical reaction. It also adds a little bit of strenght but the part will still be quite fragile.
Ingredients of this solution include water, salt, detergent and other catalysing chemicals
Fragility level: Can be handheld but will break if dropped. Small features can break when manipulated
You may want to add a heat treatment to your part. This is important if we ship the part quickly. For dense parts, the heat treatment helps the bonding set deep in the part.
We adjust the heat treatments according to the volume of your part but typical settings are 200F for 2 hours in a humidity-controled environment.
This will add a bit of strenght to the part but the main objective is to cure the binding agent inside dense parts to help prevent deformations.
Fragility level: Can be handheld but will break if dropped. Small features can break when manipulated
Strengthening infiltrant
Smooth and durable coating
Because the printed parts are porous, ​we can infiltrate a liquid in them to change the properties. The liquid is similar to Cyanoacrylate but it is engineered to go deep in dense parts and react in seconds.
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An infiltration finish will greatly improve the strenght of your print.
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It is great for small features.
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Infiltration does not add a layer on your part so dimensions will not increase.
Infiltration can be done in critical areas and small, detailed features. Excellent for out-of-reach holes. Infiltration does not require waiting time and can only be done once.
Hint: Works better on smaller parts.
Fragility level: Strong parts that can be used for testing and manipulated without concern. Small features are strong but breakable if too thin.
To make parts stronger, more durable and smoother to the touch, we can add a special coating on them. The epoxy-like coating os great for larger parts and parts that need to be used. Advantages of this coating include:
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Strenght
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Smoothness
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Durability
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Protection against the environment
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Better water resistance
We also have choc absorbing coatings to improve impact resistance.
Hint: Works better on larger parts
Fragility level: Strong enough for manipulation. Areas of interest can be coated thicker to improve strenght. Small features can also be strenghened. Most parts are strong enough to be manipulated, used and even droped.
Here is a couple ways to optimize your parts for Express print depending on your goals.
How to save money
The price we charge for Express Printing is mainly based on the volume of your part. More precisely, the volume of material it is going to require. We calculate this in dollars per cubic inch.
So how do you save money? By reducing the volume!
the first and easiest way to do so is by scaling down your model. Unfortunately this is not always possible so this brings us to the next thing you can do - hollowing the part!
Make your model hollow in 4 easy steps
1
Download Meshmixer
Visit http://www.123dapp.com/meshmixer to download and install Meshmixer. Mesh mixer is a powerful and free tool.
3
Verify the units and size
If you want to check the units, go in the "Analysis" tab and click on the "Units" section. You can then select the right units and convert if needed. Make sure to click "Done"
2
Import your file
To import your file, simply click "Import" and select your model. Supported formats include: .obj .stl .ply .amf
4
Hollow and export!
The Hollow tool is in the "Edit" tab on the left. Once you select it, the software will run analysis on the part. This can take a long time if you have a complex shape. When it is done, you can modify the settings in the panel. You will need to put an "Offset Distance" of at least 0.25 inch. When done click update. Wait and click "Accept" when done.
Best orientation for strenght and layers
The diagram on the right explains how the part has to be oriented if you want to improve strenght. Also, if you worry about the orientation of the layers, keep in mind they are on the Z-axis.
In general we pick the orientation ourselves according to what we think is best. normally the lower the part, the stronger it will be.
If you have a specific orientation you want for your part, don't hesitate to tell us! Fees may apply if the part is higher.
Estimate the price of your 3D print
It is quite easy to estimate the price of your 3D printed part. The final price of Express Print has 3 components: Volume, Finish Level and shipping. Since the finishing and the shipping are flat rate, the only hard thing to calculate is the volume.
How to calculate the volume of your part
1
Download Meshmixer
Visit http://www.123dapp.com/meshmixer to download and install Meshmixer. Mesh mixer is a powerful and free tool.
3
If you want to check the units, go in the "Analysis" tab and click on the "Units" section. Make sure the units are correct and convert them in inches if they are not.
Verify the units and size
2
Import your file
To import your file, simply click "Import" and select your model. Supported formats include: .obj .stl .ply .amf
4
To get the actual volume, stay into the "Analysis" tab and click on "Stability". You will instantly get the volume in cubic inches
Get the volume
Please note that if there is an error with your file, the volume will not be trustworthy. Meshmixer gives a good estimate of the volume but in the end, it is our printing software that has the final word.
Final price estimate for Express Print
(Volume (in³) X 10-15$/in³) + Finish level + Shipping
Please note that there is a minimum order quantity of 30$. Troadey has the right to adjust the prices. Make sure your parts respect the specifications of the printer. File quality is the responsibility of the client.