SERVICES
3D Printing & Model Making
MedTec’s roots began with model making and it’s something we continue to do today – now with the help of our state-of-the-art 3D printers!
With 3D printing techniques, MedTec can design a part, manufacture it in-house on a professional 3D printer, and test it, all within a few days (and sometimes even less). The freedom and creativity enabled by 3D printing means that almost anything can be created without the need for warehouses full of expensive machinery.
There are no long lead times typically associated with having to outsource complex manufacturing projects. It means freedom from the constraints of minimum orders, that parts and products can be created and customised with ease. MedTec are now trialing with 316 metal filaments.
Our 3D Printers
We use our Ultimaker Printers in a variety of ways:
- Parts for model making
- Small batch runs for clients
- Design reviews for our internal projects
- A one-off print for our clients to review
- Prototype parts for engineering projects
Using multiple Ultimaker 3 Extended printers and an Ultimaker S5 (which are the most reliable dual extrusion 3D printers available), MedTec can achieve complex designs with improved 3D print performance. A 3D printed prototype is a perfect way to showcase your idea in any design meeting, physically demonstrating your design intent, prompting discussion, and providing the chance to identify any potential design issues from an early stage in the design process.
For small production runs and applications, 3D printing is the most cost-effective manufacturing process. Traditional prototyping methods like CNC machining and injection molding require many expensive machines plus they have much higher labour costs as they require experienced machine operators and technicians to run them.
Alternatively, 3D models of your final design are the perfect sales tool and great to keep as a record for any further design iterations.
When I communicate the project requirements to MedTec, the feedback I receive gives me confidence that we have a mutual understanding of the design challenges, and that the solution can be developed without excessive intervention from myself. They have been innovative and value conscious, react positively to scope creep, and always keep sight of a project's goals and objectives. I have also been impressed with their cost- effective manufacturing capabilities, and 3D printing facility for prototypes and production parts. MedTec represent an image of trust and integrity and I am delighted have them as local, go-to design consultants."
Materials we use
PLA
Good tensile strength and surface quality, easy to work with at high print speeds, user-friendly for both home and office environments, PLA allows the creation of high-resolution parts. There is a wide range of colour options available.
PLA (Recycled)
Much like standard PLA, only from recycled origin. As per the standard option, there’s a variety of colours available.
ABS
Excellent mechanical properties and interlayer adhesion, nice aesthetics, minimal warping and reliable bed adhesion.
Nylon
Industrial-grade impact and abrasion resistance, durable, high strength-to-weight ratio, low friction coefficient, and good corrosion resistance to alkalis and organic chemicals.
PP
Durable with high toughness and fatigue resistance (PP retains its shape after torsion, bending, and/or flexing); low friction and smooth surfaces; good heat resistance (up to 105 ˚C); semi-flexible; chemical-resistant to a wide range of bases and acids, including industrial cleaning agents; high electrical resistance; very resistant to moisture; translucent; low density resulting in lightweight parts (high strength-to-weight ratio); excellent layer bonding
TPU95A
Exceptional wear and tear resistance, high impact strength, Shore-A hardness of 95, up to 580% elongation at break, and good corrosion resistance to many common industrial oils and chemicals.
![[3dP] Tooling image16](https://medtec.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/3dP-Tooling-image16-phm0s88pp0o4b40clw7lpqjjfgnuigzhmfwoclfik8.jpeg)
Using Recycled Materials
We use a recycled PLA 3D printer filament which still boasts the same great PLA features such as; low warping, limited smell and premium print quality – but with the added benefit of being produced from factory waste streams as opposed to virgin pellets.
We can feel good about reducing the demand for natural resources and therefore saving the environment, whilst being confident that the print quality will still be one of the best on the market.
Our Work
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.
