Celebrating 13 years in business!
All meetings are by appointment only. We deal with a lot of confidential patent work and have client meetings on and off site
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Unfortunately, if you show up without an appointment, we won’t be able to see you.
SERVICES
Since 2012, our primary focus has been prototyping new ideas, reverse engineering parts no longer being manufactured, and small scale manufacturing for businesses and residents. We can create 3D files for you, print your files on our industrial-grade 3d printers, scan tiny objects as small as jewelry, as large as cars, and people at high-resolution. We can also laser cut your project out of wood, acrylic, leather and other materials.
3D Printing
Concepts for prototypes, candy dispensers, cookie cutters, hard to find plastic replacement parts, replica movie props, toys, home decor, 3D puzzles, jewelry, and more! We can also convert most medical images to a 3D print.
3D Design
Computer-aided drafting (CAD) is the use of software to create, modify, analyze, or optimize a prototype or reverse engineered part. We charge $75/hour for CAD work.
3D Scanning
A 3D scanner is a device that collects data on an object’s shape and dimensions as a mesh file. With our high-resolution scanning equipment, we can scan objects as large as a house down to an object smaller than gaming miniatures. We also offer reverse engineering services which is used to convert a 3d scan into an editable CAD file. Read More
Laser Cutting & Engraving
Our CO2 laser can cut and engrave, wood, acrylic, leather, paper, cardboard and more! We can also engrave or mark glass, tile and some metals. Our MOPA Fiber laser can engrave and mark most metals and mark in color on Titanium and Stainless Steel.
Waterjet Cutting
A waterjet uses water and an abrasive material to cut material with computer controlled precision. Materials cut include aluminum, steel, copper, glass, carbon fiber, and tile up to a half inch thick. Maximum size we can cut is 19″ x 13″
Vacuum Forming
Vacuum Forming creates a form or mold from an object from a plastic sheet. The molds are food safe, so it’s a great way to make custom shaped edible treats as well as plaster molds. Maximum object size we can vacuum form is 6″ x 6″ x 6″.
Molds – Injection Molding
We can produce high-detailed 3d printed molds for injection molding! These molds can withstand temperatures necessary for LDPE, PP, TPE, PLA, ABS, HDPE, EVA and PS plastics. Max size of mold block is: 5.7″ x 5.7″ x 6.875″. Prices start at $500. Contact us for more details and design parameters.
Molds – Vacuum Form
Vacuum formed molds are a great for food items, silicone, plastics, plaster, wax, even concrete. Max. size of object to be molded is 6″ X 6″ X 4″.
Molds – Casting
We can produce high-detailed 3d printed molds for casting or print fine details in wax for lost wax casting. Max size of mold block is: 5.7″ x 5.7″ x 6.875″. Contact us for more details and design parameters.
OUR 3D PRINTING SERVICE FEATURES
Colors
We keep many colors in stock (see the colors section below for our many in-stock color options) but can special order other colors. Premium colors are more expensive and vary in price depending on pigments used.
Size
The largest single part we can 3D print in plastic is 12″ X 12″ X 24″ (305mm X 305mm X 610mm). In resin, the largest we can 3D print is 5.7″ long x 5.7″ wide x 7.3″ high (145mm x 145mm x 185mm). For larger objects, we can 3D print in pieces and fuse the pieces together after printing is completed.
Resolution
We can print any layer height between 0.05 mm and 0.64 mm in plastic filament and down to 0.025 mm in resin. (For reference, the width of a human hair is between 0.08 & 0.12mm) The big difference between these resolutions is time, detail and smoothness. A 0.1mm print can take up 6 times longer than a 0.3mm print, therefore costing more.
TYPES OF MATERIALS
Below are just a few materials we can print with and there are new materials being introduced every week. Contact us if you have a special request and will will try to accommodate you. For more details on select material properties click here.
PLA
PLA is the ‘default’ material for many 3D prints, with good reason – 3D prints retain higher details and is biodegradable. The downside is this biodegradable material is not ideal for high-heat environments.
High-Temp PLA
A modified version of PLA that can withstand much higher temperatures, (similar to ABS) but requires treatment to handle higher temperatures.
ABS
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is the same stuff Legos are made of. Best used for making durable parts that need to withstand higher temperatures. ABS plastic can shrink slightly when cool, so compensation in the part design is necessary.
Nylon
Nylon is an incredibly strong, durable, and versatile 3D printing material. Flexible when thin, but with very high inter-layer adhesion, nylon lends itself well to things like living hinges and other functional parts.
PET
PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) is an industrial-strength filament. It’s FDA approved for food containers and tools used for food consumption. PET is known for its clarity.
Flexible (TPE & TPU)
Thermoplastic Elastomer is a flexible material which feels and acts much like rubber. Used to make parts that can bend or must flex to fit their environment – stoppers, belts, springs, phone cases and more.
316L Stainless Steel
316L stainless steel, also known as A4 or marine grade stainless steel. These prints have a longer lead time as all prints need go through additional steps to produce the final part. Please contact us before designing your part so we can discuss limitations and workarounds.
Brick/Stone
A material that gives parts the look and feel of grey stone while retaining the resiliency of plastic, making it ideal for landscape and architectural designs. Anything made with this material can be painted and sanded. Texture options are smooth to a porous sandstone texture.
Wood Composite
Bamboo, Coconut, pine and other wood fibers infused into PLA that gives 3D printed objects the look and feel of fiberboard. It also retains other wood-like attributes, such as the ability be cut, sanded and stained or painted.
Conductive
Conductive Filament is a modified version of ABS filament and has a resistance of 1200 ohm/cm.
Carbon Fiber
Carbon Fiber filament provides increased rigidity, therefore increased structural support built right in. It’s perfect for items that should not bend, such as: frames, supports, propellers, and tools. preferred by drone builders and RC Hobbyists.
Metal Composites
Bronze, brass, copper, steel, iron and aluminum fibers are blended with PLA filament. 3D prints are heavier. Can be polished, tarnished or aged. Unpolished, the 3D print looks like cast metal. Ideal for printing jewlery, props, costumes, figurines.
Felt Composite
This filament is best characterized as felt-like and is highly porous. This material is made from a rubber-elastomeric polymer. Is ideal for making filters, 3D membranes, and semipermeable membranes.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate (PC) is strong and very resistant to impact (used in bullet proof glass). Extremely tough, durable temperature resistant. This material is malleable while cold and bends without cracking.
Moldlay
Use MoldLay filament to 3D print objects that you want to make a mold of OR investment cast. Moldlay will easily melt out of negative impressions with very little residue. It is structurally sound with zero warping.
PEEK
Polyetheretherketone offers offer the highest chemical resistance of any semi-crystalline plastic with excellent retention of mechanical properties up to 570°F (300°C). PEEK offers a combination of superlative properties that allows it to replace metal in some of the most severe end-use environments.
ULTEM
Ultem is a family of PEI products used in medical and chemical instrumentation due to their heat resistance, solvent resistance and flame resistance.
Other High Temp Plastics
We can print other high temp, chemical resistant, and extreme strength plastics such as PSU, PEKK, PEI, PPSU, PPS, Nylons, CFPA6 and so much more!
Resin Polymer
A liquid that is hardened by focusing UV light in specific areas to create a desired shape. Extremely fine details up to 20 microns (0.02mm). Can be more durable than PLA and ABS. With proper post processing, the 3D print can be transparent.
Porcelain Polymer
Same as resin polymer, but a ceramic material version by Tethon 3D. 3D print can be painted, glazed and fired in a kiln, just like normal ceramics.
Wax Cast
A resin polymer that is used for lost wax casting.
OTHER INFORMATION
Colors
We keep many colors in stock (see color options below of some in stock colors) but can special order other colors. Premium colors are slightly more expensive than the standard colors.
Please note: translucent filament is not transparent. It will allow light to pass through, like frosted glass or a lamp shade would. For transparency, your best option is a print in resin or to use a specialty filament such as PET.
Resolution
We can currently 3D print any resolution between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm in plastic filament (See photo for differences) and down to 0.02 mm in resin. (For reference, the width of a human hair is between 0.08 and 0.12mm) The big difference between these resolutions is time, detail and smoothness. a 0.1mm print can take up 6 times longer to print that a 0.3mm print, and uses more filament, therefore costing more. Even at 0.1mm, you can see and feel a fine texture in the object. Light sanding and some clean-up with a x-acto or utility knife may be necessary to achieve a perfectly smooth print for painting.
How Long Does It Take To 3D Print?
Unlike the replicator in Star Trek, which produced an item in seconds, it can take anywhere between a couple of hours to a few days to print an object. Size, resolution, and how complicated a design is plays into the amount of time it takes to print.
3D Printing Costs
The cost to print an object is determined by the amount of plastic used plus the amount of time to print. For our software to give an accurate printing estimate, We need
- a CAD-based or .STL file
- Resolution
- Durability
- Type of material you want the object printed in
- Color
WE CAN NOT GIVE YOU AN ACCURATE 3D PRINT ESTIMATE WITHOUT A CAD FILE, STL FILE, OR 3D SCAN OF YOUR ITEM. There are just too many variables to give you anything but a wide price range for a quote. If you do not have a digital file of your project, we can create one for you at a rate of $125/hour.
Due to operational costs, we have a minimum charge of $200.00. If your project is under $200, we can 3D print duplicates or 3D print additional items to give you $200 worth of printed product.
If you have a small project that you feel should be much less than $200.00, Richmond, Chesterfield, and Henrico public libraries offer 3d printing services at select locations for small projects. If you are outside of these areas, contact your public library to see if they offer 3d printing services.
For a rate sheet and pricing examples, see our pricing page.
Creating Your Own Design File For 3D Printing?
If you are providing your own design file for 3D printing, we have compiled a few design recommendations. Click here for recommendations to help you create a file that should be cleaner, less troublesome for us and hopefully cheaper to print.
Contact Us
Contact us by email or call (804) 404-5380 for help, discuss your project or to arrange an appointment.
** Due to the sensitive nature of some projects all on-site client meetings are by appointment only.**
30 minute consultations over the phone, email, or via video chat are free.
30 minute in-person consultations are charged at $50 per meeting. Amount is due at the time of booking. No refunds are given unless the meeting is cancelled or rescheduled 24 hours prior to the meeting. If you hire us for your project, this fee will be credited towards your final project cost.
Any consultations over 30 minutes are charged in 15 minute increments at the rate of $100/hour.
Please be on time as we usually have meetings scheduled back-to back.