Printed parts prove a design before you spend on a tool.
We print to your CAD, or produce the CAD first from a sketch or a worn out sample. Building the part layer by layer means a complex geometry costs no more than a simple one.
That makes printing the cheapest way to test a shape, and the wrong way to make a thousand of them.
rapid prototyping. Once a design is signed off we move it to rapid tooling or CNC machining for production quantities.
For advice or more information call us today on +44(0)1827 712910 or email us at sales@coler.co.uk
What We 3D Print
3D printing (3DP), also known as additive manufacturing, represents a form of rapid prototyping technology particularly suited to cohesive metal printing using powder. This technique allows for the layer-by-layer construction of plastic materials, following digital model files.
The process of 3D printing typically relies on digital technology and a material printer. It's instrumental in creating prototypes for mould manufacturing and design within various industrial sectors, enabling direct production of products. 3D printing has not only been successfully implemented across multiple industries but has also shown remarkable results. Its applications span a vast range of fields, including but not limited to medical, educational, architectural, engineering, and aerospace sectors. Gradually, it has made its way into virtually every aspect of daily life.
Why Choose Coler Supply for 3D Printing?
Send us the CAD and we will tell you which process suits the part, what it will cost and when you will have it. If there is no CAD yet, we will produce the drawing from a sketch or a sample first.
01
Enhanced Aesthetics
Printing in colour gives you a model that looks like the finished product rather than a white stand in for it. In consumer goods, where the part gets shown to people judging how it looks, that is the difference between a useful sample and a rough one.
02
Improved Prototyping
A coloured prototype sits closer to the finished product, so a design review picks up problems that a plain white part hides.
03
Better Communication of Ideas
Colour separates one part of a model from another, or marks the section you want people to look at. That earns its keep in a presentation or a training model.
04
Enhanced Functionality:
Colour can stand for material as well as appearance, flagging which sections flex and which carry load. On a multi material build that saves explaining the part twice.
05
Marketability
A coloured print sells better than a grey one, and matching a customer scheme costs nothing extra at the print stage.
06
Streamlined Workflow
Colour goes in during the build, so no one has to paint the part once it comes off the machine. That removes a hand finishing step, and with it the time and the cost the step carries.
Outstanding 3D printing outcomes from expert 3D print design:
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is indeed a transformative technology that has radically altered the landscape of production and design across various sectors. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, which often involve cutting away material to shape an object (a process known as subtractive manufacturing), 3D printing adds material layer by layer, following a digital blueprint. This fundamental difference allows for greater flexibility and complexity in design, reduced material waste, and the ability to produce bespoke items on demand.
The journey of creating an object with 3D printing starts with designing a digital model, usually using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. This software enables designers to create detailed, precise models of the object they wish to produce. Once the design is complete, it is converted into a format suitable for 3D printing. The model is then 'sliced' into hundreds or thousands of horizontal layers using specialised software. This slicing process is crucial as it converts the 3D model into a series of cross-sectional layers or 'slices' that the printer will build.
Printed parts prove a design before you commit to tooling. Once the geometry is fixed, the part moves to precision machining or, for clinical work, to our medical parts route.
One of the most notable advantages of 3D printing is its ability to produce complex and bespoke items that would be difficult or impossible to manufacture with traditional methods. This capacity has led to innovations in custom medical implants, lightweight aerospace components, and intricate architectural models. Additionally, 3D printing offers significant environmental benefits, such as reduced material waste and lower energy consumption compared to conventional manufacturing processes.
In recent years, the accessibility and affordability of 3D printing technology have grown, allowing small businesses and hobbyists to experiment and innovate. This democratization of manufacturing has sparked a new era of creativity and personalized production. Looking ahead, the ongoing advancements in 3D printing technology, such as faster printing speeds, higher resolution, and new material capabilities, promise to further expand its applications and potential. This technology not only represents a significant leap in manufacturing capabilities but also heralds a new age of design and production, reshaping industries and consumer experiences alike.