Skip to Content.
Sympa Menu

internetworkers - [internetworkers] Followup on Rapid Prototyping question

internetworkers AT lists.ibiblio.org

Subject: Internetworkers: http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/

List archive

Chronological Thread  
  • From: "Gregory S. Hopper" <ghopper AT netanium.com>
  • To: "Internetworkers http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/" <internetworkers AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [internetworkers] Followup on Rapid Prototyping question
  • Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2009 13:26:12 -0500

Hello, all,

A few weeks ago I posted a question about rapid prototyping options, and I wanted to follow on with what I found.  (Thanks again to those who responded.)

I got a quote from Fineline Prototyping here in Raleigh (as well as some online services) using a material called DMX SL-100 (the reason for stating this will become evident in a minute.)  Following the suggestion from Mr. Beckett, I explored opportunities with Western Carolina University (being an alum, it was nice to think about working with them).  I contacted the head of the Center for Rapid Product Realization, Dr. Phil Sanger, just before the holidays, and he said that they were quite interested in helping, but they were shut down over the holiday break.  They'd get me a quote on Jan. 5.

Monday morning came, and I got a note from Monty Graham, an application engineer, with some questions.  We went back and forth, and he sent a quote, using a different process from Fineline, but using the exact same material (ABS) as we'll be using in production.  That seemed good.  The price was higher than Fineline, though, and I sent back a question about differences between the processes.  My business partner and I talked it over and decided that working with the University would be a good idea, so I sent "go-ahead" approval to Monty.  

Instead of a contract, I got this note back (edited for brevity):

Greg – I found a data sheet for the DMX SL-100 material.  I compared this material with our FDM ABS, and I have to be honest in saying that I would probably go with that material, especially if they are producing parts with a slice height of smaller than .010”, which is the thinnest slice I can build using FDM ABS.   I was highly impressed with their mechanical properties – at least on paper.  Of course we want your business, so if that solution doesn’t work please don’t hesitate to contact us. 
 
Thank You! - Monty

I was really impressed.  The slice height that Fineline was using was indeed less than 0.010" (0.004", to be exact), so I accepted his recommendation and went with Fineline (after sending him a nice thank you note!)

They ran the parts last night, I picked them up today, and they're great!  (When they say "rapid prototype", they mean "rapid"!)

I thought that y'all would like to hear a story about somebody doing something really out of the ordinary!   Now I've got two companies (organizations, I suppose) that are at the top of my list the next time I go through this exercise.

Greg

P.S.  Fineline was less expensive -- in some cases far less expensive -- than online services, and the parts are perfect.


Gregory S. Hopper
Netanium Strategic Consulting, LLC
Adjunct Professor, Duke University Master of Engineering Management Program
VP - Academic Relations, Product Development and Management Association, Carolina's Chapter

Marketing Innovation.  (tm)

Website:   www.netanium.com

9650 Strickland Road, Suite 103-256
Raleigh, NC  27615

Phone:  (919) 846-3608
Fax:  (248)  692-0561



  • [internetworkers] Followup on Rapid Prototyping question, Gregory S. Hopper, 01/07/2009

Archive powered by MHonArc 2.6.24.

Top of Page