FAQ - Offered Technologies and Functional Information

• What 3D printing technologies (processes) does RedEye use?

• What is Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)™?

• How large of parts can RedEye create?

• What is the dimensional accuracy of these parts?

• What's the finest detail that RedEye can provide?

• Can I finish or paint the parts?

• How do I finish these parts?

• Do you have guides available on finishing parts?

• What adhesives can I use if I need to fix or join pieces?

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What 3D printing technologies (processes) does RedEye use?
RedEye uses the patented FDM™ (Fused Deposition Modeling) process developed by Stratasys, Inc. The FDM process extrudes a thermoplastic material and deposits it layer-by-layer by fusing it to the layer beneath it, to form a 3D model.
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What is Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)™?
The FDM process works be extruding a thermoplastic material and depositing it layer-by-layer by fusing it to the layer beneath it, to form a 3D model. FDM prototyping and rapid manufacturing systems create accurate, functional prototypes using a variety of high-performance engineering materials like ABS, polycarbonate and polyphenylsulfone.
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How large of parts can RedEye create?
Models built in ABS or ABSi material are run on our FDM Maxum™ systems with an envelope size of 600x500x600 mm (23.6x19.7x23.6 inches).

Models built in ABS-M30, ABS-M30i, PC, PC-ISO, or PC/ABS material are run on our FDM Titan™ systems with an envelope size of 406x355x406 mm (16x14x16 inches).

Larger prototypes can be built in pieces and bonded back together, resulting in unlimited size capability. RedEye will section the STL files appropriately. Note that longer lead-times are required due to curing time of bonded parts.
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What is the dimensional accuracy of these parts?
FDM Models are produced within an accuracy of  ± 0.127mm (± 0.005 inches) up to 127 mm (5 inches). Accuracy on models greater than 127 mm (5 inches) is ± 0.0381 mm/mm (± 0.0015 inch/inch).
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What's the finest detail that RedEye can provide?

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Models:

Ideal Wall Thickness- ABS, ABSi, ABS-M30, ABS-M30i, PC and PC-ISO: 1.016mm (0.04 inches)
Minimum Wall Thickness- ABS and ABSi: 0.508mm (0.020 inches)
Minimum Wall Thickness- ABS-M30, ABS-M30i, PC and PC-ISO: 0.7112mm (0.028 inches)
We recommend that parts with fine detail be run in ABS or ABSi material due to the use of the soluble support material.
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Can I finish or paint the parts?
Yes. Models from any of these materials can be sanded, primed and painted for use as a production part. Our finishing brief section has step-by-step guides on how to best finish your part.  These processes include sanding and thermoforming.
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How do I finish these parts?
Surfaces can be smoothed using sand paper and files. If the goal is to paint or coat the part such as electroplating, the parts will need to be finished to a higher level of surface smoothness. This can be done by using filling primers, two-part polyester fillers and finish coats. The parts can then be primed and painted as needed, as well as used for other post processing operations such as vacuum metallization or silicone molding.

A good acrylic-based automotive primer works well. Applying the primer in thick coats also helps fill in any gaps left due to the layering process. Once the primer is thoroughly dried, it can be fine sanded until you begin to see the color of the ABS or PC through the primer. Wet sanding is recommended to ease sanding operations and prolong sand paper life. Progressively moving to finer grit sand papers will increase the level of surface smoothness. A range of 320 - 1200 grit sand papers are typically utilized. Repeat these steps until the model has the desired surface finish.

Automotive putty such as "Evercoat Polyester Glazing Putty" also works well. Wet sanding works best when using a plastic filler and/or body filler.

Visit our finishing briefs section for more information or choose from the list below.
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Do you have guides available on finishing parts?
Fully detailed processes on how to finish parts are located in our finishing briefs section. These finishing guides include:

• Sand Casting

• Thermoforming for Prototypes and Short Run Applications
  

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What adhesives can I use if I need to fix or join pieces?
For the ABS materials super glues work well such as Hot Stuff original (Red) and Hot Stuff gap filling glues. Isocyanite glue, commonly referred to as "super glue" works well for quick bonding operations. The use of solvents, such as the one listed below, generally provide a stronger bond as it bonds the plastic to itself. Solvent bonds will take longer to fully cure.

Ambroid Pro Weld also works well, especially on small detail regions.

For adhering larger regions, we recommend Weld-On products from the IPS Corporation. Weld-On 4 or 2354 work well with ABS.

Weld-On 3 works best with polycarbonate.
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