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3D Printer
1) What is a 3D Printer?
Three-dimensional printing is a method of converting a virtual 3D model into a physical object. 3D printing is a category of rapid prototyping technology. 3D printers typically work by 'printing' successive layers on top of the previous to build up a three dimensional object.
How does it work?
Based on the patented Stratasys FDM® process, Dimension builds functional 3D models from the bottom up, one layer at a time of with tough, durable acrylnitrile butadene styrene (ABS) plastic.
STL files are imported into Catalyst® software which automatically slices and orients the parts and creates any necessary support structures. The software automatically plots a precise deposition path for Dimension to follow. ABS plastic (in filament form within auto-loading cartridges) is fed into an extrusion head, heated to a semi-liquid state and accurately deposited in layers as fine as 0.007-inch (0.1778 mm) thick. After completion of the build, support structures are simply removed.
Step 1) ABS plastic is heated to a semi-liquid state and deposited in thin layers by a patented extrusion head.
Step 2) Catalsyt software automatically determines when and where to deposit ABS or support material throughout the build process.
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2) Will I be happy with the results?
Your satisfaction is guaranteed. Your business is important to us, and we strive to produce the highest quality product through our personal attention to every detail.
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3) Is there any way to see some examples?
The Gallery section has examples of 3D printed models. Also, be sure to read through the Services and download the example 3D files for a more complete understanding of what we can produce for you, as well as what we need from you.
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4) How does the quality transition from 3D computer model to 3D physical model?
The examples provided on the Gallery section should provide you with a proper understanding of scale from 3D model to 3D print. The 3D printer, prints at .010 inches (.254 mm) in size, which means if you print the model larger, you’ll have more detail because the printer will have more space to print it. However, because the print layer is .254 mm thick, you will also be able to create detail in small 3D prints, as well.
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5) How big is the print size or volume? Is there a limit to the size of print?
The print size (Build size) is 10 x 10 x 12 inches (254 x 254 x 305 mm). You can print your object as large as you like. It will need to be split up in to pieces that fit with in the build size. For instance, if you have an object that is 3 feet in height, it will take three print jobs (Three pieces). Then you will want to have a method for attaching the objects together, using threaded pieces, snap on pieces or bolted type fittings, which can all be modeled in to your object.
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6) Does the print size matter when it comes to quality?
The larger the print the more refined the quality of the model. Similar to standard page printing, the quality depends on the details in your model and the print size (DPI)
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7) What software is used for 3D Printing?
Catalyst software is used to import STL files, orient the parts, slice the file, generate support structures (if necessary), and create precise deposition paths to build your ABS model.
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3D Printing1
2) What type of files do you accept?
We use .stl files to print from. We can also use obj, 3ds, max, maya, lwo and dxf file types in case you do not have an stl file extension. Be sure to check the Services page for more information on stl conversion exporting options.
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3) What is an .stl file?
The stl or Stereolithography files are commonly found in a number of 3D applications and CAD software. An STL file saves object data in a format used for stereolithography. STL files have a file-name extension of .stl. There is an ASCII STL format as well as a binary STL format.
STL files are generally used for purposes of rapid prototyping. A variety of methods use the STL format to construct prototypes. For example, many STL machines use a liquid polymer and harden it in small slices, creating a solid plastic model. Other STL machines use metal powder to create a model in steel. Still other machines use a special wax.
An STL object must define a complete and closed surface.
More information about getting the file exported and properly setup can be found on the Services page
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4) What’s the difference between solid and sparse printing?
A solid model is when the 3D printer creates the part with a solid surface on the inside and outside. The entire part is solid ABS plastic.
A sparse model creates a solid exterior form, while creating the inside as a honeycomb type pattern for structural support.
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5) Are colored materials available?
Yes. Standard ABS colors are white, red, blue, green, gray, yellow and red. Custom colors may be ordered.
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6) What is ABS?
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or ABS, (chemical formula (C8H8· C4H6·C3H3N)n) is a common thermoplastic used to make light, rigid, molded products such as piping, musical instruments (most notably recorders and plastic clarinets), golf club heads (used for its good shock absorbance), automotive body parts, wheel covers, enclosures, protective head gear, vballs [reusable paintballs], and toys including LEGO bricks.
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7) How durable is ABS?
ABS parts can be sanded, milled, drilled, tapped, painted and even electro-plated. Dimension parts built in ABS (acrylnitrile butadene styrene) have been used for functional and field tests - from wind tunnel testing to camera mounts on a M2 Bradley tank and a spray gun running at 60 psi.
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8) Is post-processing required?
Once a model is removed from the build chamber, we remove the model from the build foundation and break away any support structures. No further post-processing is required and the model will retain its shape and accuracy indefinitely.
ABS parts can be sanded, milled, drilled, tapped, painted and even electro-plated.
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9) Are there any size limitations?
There are no size limitations for printing. If you print an object larger than the build space (10 x 10 x 12 inches), then the file will need to be divided in to separate pieces. Be sure to check out the Services page for information on large print sizes, threading, snaps, and bonding models.
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10 What if the file will not print?
The file will be analyzed to ensure that it can be printed properly. However if there is a problem with printing, we will notify you of the potential issues and you will have the option of correcting the file yourself or having us fix it for you (additional fees may apply).
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11) What is the layer thickness?
The layer thickness (semi-liquid state) is accurately deposited in layers as fine as 0.007-inch (0.1778 mm) thick.
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12) What is the ‘Support’ printing and why does it print with my model?
Any object being printed above the build foundation needs support structures to retain its shape and accuracy. Once the object is complete, the support structure is broken off and cleaned up.
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Selling, Purchasing and the Online Store
1) 'Online Store’, what’s that?
Walker Boys Studio provides a commerce store for artists and engineers to sale their 3D models as 3D prints. If you are a 3D modeler, architect, or have creative CAD projects that you would like to sale, then you have found the right spot.
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2) How does the Online Sales work for a Modeler?
3D Modelers are provided an outlet for selling their creations as 3D prints. You collect money for each 3D Print sold of your 3D Model. Simple as that. For further information, be sure to go to the Service page.
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3) What type of pricing can be set for the 3D models?
We offer competitive pricing.
Two different forms of 3D prints will be sold on the site.
-First option is to have a print run of models that will be printed directly from the 3D Printer. The cost will be a bit more than standard cost to allow the Artist compensation for each model sold.
-Second option is to create a mold and pour the model using ABS, polyethylene or another type of polymer. This option is typically available to models that are selling in higher volume. The initial cost is a bit expensive, but is offset by the lower cost of the casts.
Be sure to go to the Service page for more information on pricing and setting up to be a part of the online sales team.
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4) What happens with the 3D model I send you?
We remove the 3D model from the FTP site; then once the 3D print is successful and approved by the customer we delete it. However if the customer wants it used for online sales, we will store it securely in our database.
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5) What if the 3D model is confidential or a prototype and cannot be shown or released to the public?
Be sure to let us know either through the comment section or by e-mail. Your 3D models privacy and confidentiality is important to us and we respect all issues pertaining to it.
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6) I want to sell my model (print) through your store, how do I do that?
Contact us with your interest in placing a model on the site. When the model is purchased for a 3D print, we print and ship the model for you. There are several options for selling your 3D models, which can be found on the Services page
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7) I want to purchase a model (print) from your store, how do I do that?
Simply add the model and the size of print to the cart. Once you purchase your 3D print, it’s printed, then sent to the address provided.
Keeping the process trouble-free and straightforward for the customer is our goal.
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8) I still have more questions about the store and how it all works. What do I do?
Go to the Contact page for e-mailing information. Feel free to send us an e-mail regarding any questions you may have. We look forward to receiving it and assisting you in any way we can. Thank you.
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9) What type of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards, bank, and PayPal payments online.
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Legal Information
1) Why do we have legal rules about printing?
Simple answer - So that no one gets in to any trouble. Long answer - Read the Legal and Copyright notice.
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2) Will you print anything?
We will print nearly anything. You must either own the intellectual property or have permission stating you can use the subject for 3D Print. Pornographic, adult, obscene, racial material will not be printed. If you have questions about the model you are sending, feel free to send a render of it or the model and we'll look it over and let you know.
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3) Do I have to own the intellectual property or can it be from another company?
You must either own the intellectual property or have permission stating you can use the subject for 3D Print. If you are not sure, send us an e-mail with the particular model in question and we'll find out.
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4) Who owns the 3D Print?
The customer purchasing the 3D print owns the 3D print they purchase. The 3D modeler retains all rights to the actual 3D model and intellectual properties involved.
A simple example: When you purchase a toy or statute from the store, it’s yours.
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Services
1) I don’t know how to conceptualize my idea? Who can do this for me?
Check the Services page for information and pricing on additional services from Walker Boys Studio. We are happy to concept, model, animate, print, and paint your ideas for an additional fee.
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2) I don’t know how to model. Who can I get to model my idea?
Check the Services page for information and pricing on additional services from Walker Boys Studio. We are happy to concept, model, animate, print, and paint your ideas for an additional fee.
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3) Do you offer model finishing? (Sanding, painting, etc)
Yes, Walker Boys Studio offers a complete range of model finishing services. Sanding, priming, painting, polishing, metallizing, graphic and or lettering options are available. If you have an additional request for finishing, let us know and we’ll see how we serve you best.
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4) What is the turn around time on models?
The turn around time depends on the print size, complexity of the design, solid or sparse print job. In order to provide you with a more exact timeframe, once the purchase order has been made and the model is uploaded, we send you an update within 24 hours on the models status (timeframe for printing, length, cleaning and shipping).
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5) I have a need for a service not listed on the web site, who can I talk to about it?
Go to the Contact page for e-mailing information. Feel free to send us an e-mail regarding any questions you may have. We look forward to receiving it and assisting you in any way we can. Thank you.
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