3D Printed Parts
Also known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing is a lot like plotter made die cuts: Not fast or for high quantities, but it can get small quantities done in a hurry.
3D printing – sometimes called additive manufacturing - has come a long way. While early printers had significant limitations, today, parts can be designed that produces parts impossible to achieve with traditional molding or machining.
The technology enables selection from various plastic materials, offering customizable properties including strength, flexibility, and aesthetic qualities. Production timelines have shortened considerably – from weeks or months with traditional methods to potentially just days.
Viadon has utilized TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) for 3D printed components, which provides flexibility suitable for prototyping and testing. These have proven helpful to customers unsure of design features and testing fit, handle locations / length, etc.
Manufacturing Process
The Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) method represents the most popular cost-effective approach. In this type, an extruder melts plastic into a liquid, and deposits the material onto an appropriate surface where the melted material then cools.
Layer-by-layer construction proceeds through X and Y axis movements followed by Z-axis elevation as each layer completes. The process involves inherent limitations alongside distinct advantages unavailable through conventional manufacturing.
Design & Partnership
Viadon collaborates with experienced 3D printing vendors to deliver optimized parts meeting customer specifications at competitive pricing.