MedTec’s roots began with model making and it’s something we continue to do today but now with the help of our numerous 3D printers!
At MedTec we use multiple Ultimaker 3 extended and Ultimaker S5 FDM (Fuse Deposition Modelling) printers, MedTec can produce detailed and complex models to a high degree of accuracy whilst improving printing performance. A 3D printed model is a perfect way to showcase your concept at any design meeting, physically demonstrating intent as well as providing a talking point with prospective clients. It also allows critical design issues to be identified at an early stage, allowing for rapid rectification and greater cost savings in the long term.
Alternatively, a 3D model is a great sales tool to promote the finished concept, as well as being a great way of keeping a design record for future iterations.
With a design and engineering-based ethos, our team is well suited to helping you to turn your idea into a physical component. Our attention to detail, rigorous checking procedures and ISO certification assures our standards are at the highest level.
The wealth of knowledge within the team is second to none. This allows us to highlight possible developments for your ideas, as well as design flaws that may be unknown until the prototyping stage. With this, we can work with you closely to optimise and produce the best concept, tailored to your requirements.
To allow for the most accurate printed prototype possible, MedTec offer prints in a wide variety of materials. This long list includes common conceptual materials such as ABS, PLA and Nylon, whilst offering new and exciting materials such as the flexible TPU95A and recyclable PLA. This adaptive range of possible solutions allows us to consider such characteristics as strength, impact resistance and thermal protection, delivering you the best possible composition matrix to meet your requirements. Nearly all the materials we offer come in a variety of colours. This allows for multi-body assemblies to be constructed for easy analysis of interaction, or simply giving you your concept in your favourite colour!
With the variety of materials and characteristics available, this allows the potential for batch production. Products such as hinges, clips or fastening brackets are ideal for this type of rapid prototyping. Due to the accuracy and fine adjustment available, the precision of the batch is near perfect. This accuracy allows for repeatability in testing, as well as offering an identical selection of parts to send to prospective clients.
We use our Ultimaker Printers in a variety of ways:
While 3D printing can act as a replacement for conventional model techniques, it can also enhance them. As complex geometric features and constraints can be made, parametrically detailed designs are now possible. One such application could be the design of architectural projects, from standalone dwellings to complex residential systems. MedTec has had experience in a multitude of architectural projects, allowing us to create functional models whilst also incorporating handcrafted modelling techniques to enhance the design aesthetic.
Being able to see the bigger picture is something many clients struggle with, as it is either unscalable or lacks tangibility. 3D printing combats both issues, allowing physical interaction with the product. It can also be used to see how a design would interact within its working environment, highlighting any major flaws before moving to full-scale production.
Due to the high cost in both time and money when using traditional modelling methods, printing offers a rapid, cost-effective solution to this. Due to the nature of the rapid prototyping process, it is possible to return your part to you within the working week, dependent on complexity. This allows you to get back to the important bit – the actual design.
The wide range of filaments available allows us to tailor your design to meet your exact requirements. Post-processing can also be added to enhance the printed material’s aesthetics, with different materials responding in unique ways to sanding and polishing. The use of the dual-core dissolvable filament allows undercut geometry to be modelled and constructed, which can simply be washed away. This leaves an accurate and highly aesthetic finish to your design.
The best part about 3D printing is iteration. It allows for constant repeatability of design intent whilst being able to change small details and reprint. This is a great tool for when working on products that may require multiple iterations before reaching the final design.
To turn your idea into a 3D printed prototype or model, the process is extremely easy and stress free.
By using top-quality 3D Printers and Modelling techniques, MedTec has achieved great results for clients in a variety of sectors. View examples of our work in the case study section.
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