Virtex Additive Manufacturing
3D Printing by World Experts
What is Additive Manufacturing?
Additive manufacturing is the use of 3D printers for fabricating production parts.
We use industrial 3D printers to produce reliable, consistent, and accurate parts. Unlike consumer grade or open frame printers which do a fine job on small, toy-like parts, our machines reliably produce accurate, strong, ready to use functional parts. We exclusively print with engineering thermoplastics such as ABS, ASA, PC-ABS, PC, and Ultem depending on the desired functional properties of the finished part. Part sizes ranging from about 1 inch to 18 inches are a good match for our equipment.
Why Choose Virtex?
We are experts at 3D printing. We have run print shops from small with a few printers to very large automated print shops that could print up to a 1000 parts per day. But our experience goes beyond running printers and producing parts. We invented much of the core technology and understanding and the technology that our printers are based on. Not only are we capable of printing with most of the capable engineering materials, in many cases we were the original developers of those.
We are 3D printing experts. We have run print shops ranging from just a few machines to large, automated bureaus capable of 1000 parts per day. But our experience goes beyond running printers and producing parts. We invented much of the core technology upon which modern industrial printers are based. In addition, we were the original developers of the most desirable engineering materials for 3D printing and deeply understand how to yield the best printed parts.
What applications make sense for 3D printing?
Prototypes
Rapid prototyping is the original use of 3D printing and is still one of its high value applications. We can quickly create functional prototypes for your projects that have real usability.
Short Run Production
Need a small number of production parts? 3D printing could be a good choice for you. Quantities ranging from a few to several thousand can be the best option depending on the situation.
Jigs and Fixtures
The factory floor and the lab are filled with great applications for 3D printed parts. Work holding, such as custom vice jaws for nesting complex parts, is a perfect example. Jigs for alignment or to aide in assembly are also very useful and can be rapidly produced.
Tooling
Many kinds of tools, forms and molds can be made by 3d printing. Typically they have big advantages over traditional methods including reduced fabrication time and cost, as well as utilizing planned porosity. Applications include thermoforming, paper slurry molding, hydroforming and embossing.
Repair Parts
Need a part that you can no longer source? Is expensive equipment becoming obsolete simply due to scarce replacement parts? In many cases 3d printed parts can save the day. This is a growing market for 3d printed parts.
Others
There are many other ways to use additive manufacturing, such as novel lamp designs or impossible to fabricate ductwork. Imagination is the only limit.
Can additive manufacturing be used for volume production?
Yes, but, it could be a poor fit. Typically, the raw material for 3d printing is more expensive than equivalent injection molding pellets. In addition, molds are becoming quick to manufacture and molding machines are cost effective to operate. We tend to only recommend additive manufacturing when the part can’t be molded easily. However, AM remains a good fit for initial runs to sped products to market while molds are being fabricated.