MANUFACTURING INFORMATION

PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY SHAPEWAYS
Manufacturing Processes

All products are manufactured on demand by the manufacturing company "Shapeways". Check out the information below to see how products are manufactured in certain materials, and see how long a product takes to be manufactured in that material.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

A form of additive manufacturing (3D printing), where a bed of powdered material is sintered (solidified) using an accurate laser. This process is repeated layer by layer to accurately 3D print the desired model. 

Materials
- Versatile plastic

Manufacturing time: 4 - 10 (Business days)

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)

A form of additive manufacturing (3D printing), where inkjet heads pass across a layer of powdered material and deposit heat reactive agents. The powdered material with the heat reactive agents is then fused together to create a solid object using lamps above. This process is repeated layer by layer to accurately 3D print the desired model.

Materials
- PA12 Plastic

Manufacturing time: 3 - 10 (Business days)

Material Jetting

A form of additive manufacturing (3D printing), where molten plastic is deposited onto a build platform using nozzles. This material solidifies instantly and after each layer is complete, it is then cured/ polymerised by a UV lamp. Support structures are also printed at the same time as this. This process is repeated layer by layer to accurately 3D print the desired model. Once printed the product is then placed in an oven to melt away the wax support material. The product is then put through an ultrasonic oil bath to remove wax residue and then an ultrasonic water bath to remove any oil on the model.

Materials
- Fine Detail Plastic

Manufacturing time: 3 - 10 (Business days)

Binder Jetting

A form of additive manufacturing (3D printing) where a binding agent (glue) is deposited onto a layer of material (metal, sand or ceramic) one layer at a time. Once the product is finished printing it is very fragile and weak. It is then sintered in a furnace to bond the powdered material together and burn away the binding agent. Another material like bronze may be infiltrated into the product to then create a stronger and complete product. Models surface is then finished in the desired way chosen and then sprayed with a sealant.

Materials
- Stainless Steel 316L (Coming soon)
- Steel [60% Steel / 40% Bronze]
- Sandstone

Manufacturing time: 12 (Business days)

Lost - Wax Casting

The 3D model is first 3D printed in wax using a high resolution 3D printer. This printed model is then placed into a container that is then filled with liquid plaster. Once the plaster sets it is then placed in a furnace to melt away the wax within it to create a mold. Molten metal is then poured into the mold and is then left to harden. Once hardened the mold is then broken away to reveal the final product. To finish the process, the models surface is then finished in the desired way chosen and the manufacturing of the product is complete.

Materials
- Copper
- Platinum
- Gold
- Silver
- Bronze
- Brass

Manufacturing time: 9 (Business days)

PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY PRINTIFY
Manufacturing Processes

All products manufactured by Printify are printed on demand by multiple different printing companies, relative to which product is having graphics printed on them. The manufacturing processes used by these companies can vary greatly, however if you want to learn more, you can visit the URL below and research a print provider you are interested in.

https://printify.com/app/print-providers