Typical Process Flowchart

• Customer supplies drawings, STL files or 2D CAD files
• 3D-CAM converts files to solid model ProE, or Solidworks format
• Parts are created via SLA, then finished and benched to customer specs

From SLA Master Parts 3D-CAM Creates

• RTV tooling and rubber molds for polyurethane plastic castings
• Aluminum epoxy tools for wax injections and investment casting of metal parts
• Zap™ tools and aluminum or steel CNC machined injection tools for injection molded plastic parts

Using the SLA process as an example, the customer supplies drawings, STL files, or 2D or 3D CAD files. 3D-CAM reviews the files and if necessary converts them to solid model in ProE, Unigraphics, or Solidworks format. These files provide the dimensional specifications for any part created via the SLA process, leading directly to prototypes, or via master patterns or other casting methods. When finished and reviewed against the required customer specifications they delivered.

Depending on the type of part being created, the information contained in the CAD model is used to produce prototypes using any of several methods.

When plastic parts are required, the CAD model may be used to produce prototypes from a wide variety of SLA polymers and plastic materials. Additionally, the model information may be used to supply CNC machines with the information they require to produce the tooling for molds in various materials for injection molding of plastic parts.

Metal prototypes can be produced from the CAD model directly through the CNC machining process or by utilizing SLA to produce a master pattern for investment casting of metal parts.

After the prototype has been produced, 3D-CAM’s craftsmen hand sand, paint and decorate it to trade show or photographic quality.

While the prototyping process may end at the first article, 3D-CAM can help you further develop your ideas by providing the services that can take your product from prototype, to production and to market.

Often, after the first article has been produced, design improvements can be identified and made. Plastic prototypes can be made of materials closely resembling the properties of the finished parts. This allows prototype parts to be tested under real-world conditions.

After testing requirements have been satisfied, many of our customers turn to 3D-CAM for production and manufacturing. Depending on the size of the production run, 3D-CAM will identify the optimal production process and production will begin.

Concurrently, 3D-CAM’s team of designers, artists and illustrators may be producing technical documentation, assembly instructions, and patent illustrations as well as packaging, graphics and marketing materials.

3D-CAM has facilities available for light assembly of products and their packaging materials. Final products can be shipped anywhere.