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You are here: Home :: Process & Material Specs :: Finish Levels
Finish Levels
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The image to the left shows all 5 SLA finish levels, applied to the same part. |
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The image to the left shows a comparison of the Polished and Clear Coat SLA finish levels, on the same water clear SLA. |
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QuickProof SLA (E2): Our fastest and least expensive SLA offering is called Quick Proof. The idea behind it is to supply you with a faster, lower cost model with minimal finishing, when that's all you want or need. Finishing includes support removal, post-curing, measuring it to ensure dimensional accuracy, and secure packaging. The reduced level of finishing means we can usually ship the Quick Proof model a day faster, and at an appropriately reduced cost to you. QuickProof pricing does not include the cost of inserts, or bonding models together that are too large for the build platform. |
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Functional Finish SLA (E3): Also referred to as a “standard finish,” a functional finish takes your SLA to another level. In addition to the steps described above for QuickProof, the functional SLA receives an engineering level of finish, that includes additional finishing on the exterior surfaces, minimizing the exterior build lines, bead blast finish and matte spray. Inserts or Helicoils are also installed per your specifications, based on the sizing on our threaded fastener page. Our lead times are typically 1-3 days for functional SLA's. Also, this functional SLA is the required minimum level of finish to add the Paint Ready or Polished level of finish, or a master pattern for silicone rubber molds.
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Clear Coat SLA (E4): Instead of matte spraying your functional finish SLA, we add a clear acrylic spray coating to all exterior surfaces of your model. The result is a glossy smooth surface, and the model will be transparent if an amber or water clear SLA resin was used, however some build lines will be present through the clear coating, since their removal is not included in a standard functional finish. This is the lowest cost approach when you want to be able to see through your SLA models, as the price for clear coating is the same as a functional finish. |
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Polished SLA (A6): For those times when high gloss, extremely flat and smooth surfaces are a requirement, we offer polishing on all of our SLA resins. For amber and water clear resins, this option is the best for optical clarity. We use an automotive grade clear coat, which can add up to .010” to the sprayed surfaces, and the result is a pristine, “show quality” polished surface. As with a paint ready finish, this higher level of finish can sometimes add another 3-5 days to the lead-time of a functional SLA, and is an additional cost to the functional SLA price, available upon request.
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Shore A PolyJet (E2): All support materials removed, water blasted, and measured. Our lead times are typically 1-2 days for Shore A PolyJet parts.
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Shore D PolyJet (E3): All support materials removed, water blasted, and parts measured. All ID’s sized to your file dimensions, exterior lightly sanded, and matte sprayed. If your file is designed per the specs from our fasteners list, inserts are also installed per your specifications. Our lead times are typically 1-2 days for Shore D PolyJet. |
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Laser Sintered Nylon (E2): All parts are sand blasted and washed, with extent dimensions measured to ensure dimensional accuracy. Holes can be post-drilled or reamed upon request, and inserts or Helicoils are also installed per your specifications, based on the sizing on our threaded faster page. |
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Cast Urethanes (A5, A6): All material flash along the parting line is removed, and gates and vents are clipped and minimized as close to the part as possible. Inserts or Helicoils are also installed per your specifications, based on the sizing on our threaded faster page. Critical to Function features are checked, and some assembly, bonding, and fit checks are also performed, per your specifications. |
Functional Finish vs. Paint Ready Finish SLA's
Protogenic uses black paint as part of the urethane casting process, and therefore is able to paint any of your prototypes matte black at no additional charge. This option is available for every process, at every finish level, including any sintered nylon, PolyJet, cast urethane, or the most commonly painted prototype, SLA's. While it's possible to paint SLA's with a QuickProof or Functional finish level black, the appearance won't be as nice as with the Paint Ready Finish, however often times the pristine cosmetics of the Paint Ready Finish isn't a requirement so you are wise to choose a faster and lower-cost finish level. It's important to note, however, that the black paint will highlight the witnesses of the build lines, as well as some of the artifacts from the support structures. The pictures below attempt to show the difference you can expect from painted surfaces, on both Functional and Paint Ready Finish levels. As always, for any questions please don't hesitate to contact any of our Estimators, Sales Managers, or Project Managers.
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For questions about any of the SLA finish levels available, or to receive a sample, please contact your Protogenic sales representative for a more detailed explanation. Additional explanations of finish levels and lead times can be found on the Quick Facts page.
If you have any questions, a special request or want additional information, please contact us.
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