What is Rapid Prototyping?
The ESDC offers 3D printing, Laser cutting and Soldering for the Rapid Prototyping services. We are proud to have some of the most advanced machines and tools to produce high quality prototyping products in these categories.
3D printing is an additive manufacturing technique which builds up layers of filament materials to create an 3D object. Specifically we offer FDM and SLA/DLP resin printer.
We also offer CO₂ Laser Cutting for non-metals like wood, acrylic, leather, glass, etc.
We have a range of soldering capabilities ranging from conventional irons to more advanced reflow ovens.
Additionally, we have oscilloscopes and function generators for circuit diagonostics and troubleshooting.
3D printers at ESDC
- UltiMaker S3
- Prusa MK4
- Prusa Original
- Formlabs Form 3
- Bambu lab P1S
3D printing Filament Materials
- Polylactic Acid (PLA)
PLA is a type of thermoplastic polymer salvaged from renewable resoucres like corn starch and sugarcane. It is one of the most popular and commonly used materials in 3D printing, speecifically FDM. It only requires about 180 - 220°C to melt, it is also decently rigid and have a good surface finish.
- Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified (PETG)
PETG is a thermoplastic that combines the properties of PET and glycol, which makes it more durable and versatile. Similar to PLA, it is widely used in FDM. It has the advantage of being chamical, water and temperature resistant, which makes it suitable for outdoor applications. It could also be printed with a transparent finish. ESDC offers PETG from MatterHackers
- Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate (CFPC)
As the name suggests, CFPC is a composite material that combines polycarbonate with carbon fiber. This makes CFPC extremely lightweight, strong and heat-resistant for extreme applications in the industry where material performance is necessary. Its finish is also aesthetic and hides small imperfections due to the carbon fiber texture.
- Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
Unlike other plastics above which are the main filaments, PVA is a water-soluble synthetic polymer used as a support material for complex and intricate parts in FDM. PVA is typically paired with other filaments like PLA and PETG to give them more supports. Note that PVA does not adhere well with ABS.
- Polycarbonate (PC)
PC is known for its strength, impact resistance and clarity (transparent). It is used in extreme cases where toughness, durability and heat resistance is required. Moreover, it is more flexible than other materials like PLA or ABS which allows it to bend without cracking. So, it is more suitable for parts that experiences repetitive stress.
- Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
TPU is a flexible rubber-like material that offers execellent elasticity, durability and abrasive resistance. It is mainly used in applications that requires flexibility and impact resistance. In addition, it also has great adhesion when printed.
- Co-Polyester (CPE)
Similar to TPU, CPE is also durable, chemical resistant and flexible, without the elasticity. It provides more rigidity and hardness than TPU. It also generally has higher level of chemical resistance than TPU but has a lower temperature resistance.
- Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)
PVDF is a high-performance thermoplastic known for its extremely strong resistance to chemicals, heat and even UV radiation. It is used in applications that require high strength and resistance to harsh environment. On top of that, PVDF is piezoelectric which makes it useful in electronic sensors and actuators. It's also hydrophobic making it useful in filtration and chemical processing in aerospace and automotive industries.
