We print in both Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA).  With FDM, you heat the filament material and then extrude it into a 3 dimensional shape.  With SLA, you use Ultraviolet light to cure UV resin into a 3 dimensional shape.
 

FDM printing, while highly detailed, is far less detailed than SLA.  Our FDM prints are typically 0.1 millimeters in resolution.  And our SLA prints are 0.05 millimeters in resolution.
 

At this time, we use the following materials for our 3d printing.
 

Polylactic Acid:

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Commonly known as PLA.  This is an excellent material for general purpose FDM printing.  Some of our designs do use PLA.

The problem with PLA though, is that it has a low glass transition point of around 150 degrees Fahrenheit.  Because of this, PLA is not a good choice for automotive use.  Hence, we never use PLA for any designs intended to be used on or within an automobile.
 

Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate:

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Polycarbonate is an extremely strong, impact resistant thermoplastic that is widely used in industrial applications. This material offers similar properties to PLA, but has a much higher glass transition point, which makes it ideal for automotive use.  It features real Carbon Fiber strands impregnated into the Polycarbonate for increased strength.

This material does not have the typical Carbon Fiber pattern that is so popular.  But instead, has an appealing semi-matte black industrial finish.
 

Carbon Fiber Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol:

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PETG-CF combines the versatility of PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) with the strength and rigidity of carbon fiber. This unique composite material offers exceptional mechanical properties, making it an excellent choice for manufacturing durable and lightweight automotive components.

One of the key advantages of PETG-CF is its lightweight nature. By leveraging carbon fiber reinforcement, automotive parts can be produced with reduced weight without sacrificing strength or performance. This contributes to improved fuel efficiency and overall vehicle dynamics.

PETG-CF also offers excellent dimensional stability and heat resistance, allowing the printed components to maintain their shape and functionality even under high temperatures. This makes it well-suited for under-the-hood applications where heat management is crucial.
 

Polyamide 6 Carbon Fiber:

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PA6-CF is a composite material that is engineered to produce lightweight yet robust automotive components with exceptional mechanical properties.

With PA6-CF, you can manufacture durable parts that exhibit superior impact resistance, fatigue resistance, and wear resistance, making it an ideal choice for engine components, brackets, housings, and prototypes.

By leveraging the carbon fiber reinforcement, PA6-CF enables weight reduction while maintaining strength, enhancing fuel efficiency and overall vehicle performance. Its excellent dimensional stability and heat resistance make it suitable for demanding under-the-hood applications.
 

​Polyamide 12 Carbon Fiber:

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PA12-CF, is a high-performance 3D printing material designed specifically for the automotive industry.

It combines the strength of carbon fiber with the versatility of polyamide (nylon), resulting in durable and lightweight automotive components.

PA12-CF is ideal for engine parts, brackets, housings, and prototypes. Its carbon fiber reinforcement enables weight reduction without compromising strength, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and vehicle dynamics. PA12-CF exhibits excellent dimensional stability and heat resistance, making it suitable for under-the-hood applications.
 

​Automotive Grade Resin:

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We use a custom formulation of 3 different UV based Stereolithography (SLA) resins that can withstand automotive temperatures.  Our Automotive Grade Resin prints are created at a 0.05 millimeter resolution on a 8k resolution SLA printer, for the highest, almost extreme detail level available.