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To obtain a quote for our RePliKote process on your RP model, send an .stl
file to info@RePliFormInc.com along
with the following information:
- type of model you are using (i.e. SLA, SLS, Eden, etc.)
- Coating thickness desired
- number of parts requiring processing
- special finish if desired (ie standard, brushed, polished)
- requested turn around time (typically our turn around time for standard
finished models is 2 - 3 business days. If you need your parts
completed quicker please indicate and we will advise. Polished finish
parts require a longer turn around time due to the extra labor involved)
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Most types of RP resins can be processed with RePliKote. Please note however
that some resins are water and/or heat sensitive and since our process requires
the parts to be exposed to temperatures of 100°
F, please make sure that your model will be able to withstand those
temperatures. Thin walled parts are particularly sensitive and therefore
care should be taken when considering the different resins available. Some
resins will also require additional preparation in order to make the models
conductive. RePliForm will advise you of any concerns during the quoting
process which is why it is very important to include the type of resin you will
be using.
RePliForm does not have an in house RP machine. However we can give you
a list of Service Bureaus that we work with or we can also obtain quotes for you
and have the models built and bill you for the complete process start to finish.
Just inquire at info@RePliFormInc.com
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It is recommended that you modify your .stl file prior to building the RP
model by displacing the surfaces by the amount of metal you would like
electroformed on the part. If you do not modify the file, any surfaces
that may need to joined will need to be filed in order to allow for the metal to
build on the surface and still fit together.
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When you are ready to place an order, please provide the following:
- PO #
- return shipping information
- Please ship your model(s) to RePliForm "ready to process". Models
should be sanded to at least a 320 grit finish and ALL layer lines removed
prior to shipment to RePliForm.
- Ship your models to RePliForm, Inc., 1583 Sulphur Spring Road, Suite
104, Baltimore, MD 21227
It is very important that models are finished in a "ready to process" state
prior to shipment to RePliForm. "Ready to process" means that models
should be sanded to at least a 320 grit finish to remove ALL layer lines and
also cleaned for to remove any uncured resin.
Once metal is applied any layer lines, supports or flaws become magnified and
are more noticeable. If any uncured resin is left of the model,
possible blistering can occur. Models that are processed without the proper
finishing will maintain all the structural properties desired, however the
aesthetic appearance may not be as expected. If RePliForm needs to provide
additional finish work, your estimate will be revised the extra time to do the
finishing work to bring the models to a "ready to process" condition.
I only need a section of my model
processed...can I get a reduced price?
The RePliKote processed can be applied to a section of a model by "masking"
off the areas that are not to be plated. This is an additional step and
therefore actually increases the cost to process the model. There are
times that it is necessary to mask off a model if it is important that a part
does not have metal in a particular area for testing or design purposes.
If your model needs to be masked, please make sure to provide detailed
instructions and drawings.
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Is the coating thickness even in
the RePliKote process? No it is not uniform.
The rate of metal deposition in any electroplating process is
dependent on the field strength around the part which is a function of its
geometry. Protruding features
have high field strength and plate rapidly while recessed features have
low field strength and plate slowly.
That said, RePliForm has optimized its baths and plating conditions
to minimize thickness gradients on parts and will apply field control
elements around the part to be coated when warranted.
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Are
there limitations on features or geometries that can be coated? Yes there are.
The coating thickness drops off rapidly when trying to coat in a
deep, narrow section. If the
feature is large enough, a supplementary anode can be placed inside to
improve the metal distribution.
However, this may not be practical with very small or oddly shaped passages.
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How
does electroforming differ from electroplating?
Electroforming is a subset
of electroplating. The
primary difference is that the composition of electroforming baths is
optimized to give strong, low stress deposits to make freestanding
structural elements. Standard
plating baths are optimized for finish or hardness and rely on a good bond
to the substrate for integrity.
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