Pre-studies, a typical 3D printing process
Pre-studies, a typical 3D printing process
We recommend all our customers to start with a pre-study to increase the chances for a successful first-time delivery of a new part. Briefly, a pre-study consists of the following steps (each bullet point will be explained more in detail below):
- Application discussion
- Selection of appropriate Vibenite® material
- Optimisation of drawing
- Additive manufacturing of parts
- Heat treatment
- Other post-processing
- Testing of parts
- Follow-up meeting
The pre-study typically starts with an application discussion where the customer is interviewed and the requirements for the application are determined. Then we select the most appropriate Vibenite® material for the application.
Either the customer provides a drawing, or VBN makes the drawing of the part(s) from the customer’s specification. Often VBN optimises the customer drawing for additive manufacturing and makes the final build file for the machine.
VBN will build the number of parts agreed upon and the parts will be heat-treated for the correct hardening of the parts. If necessary, the parts can then be machined and ground by the customer, but VBN also offers those services when required. Now the parts are ready to be tested by the customer!
After the testing VBN and the customer will have a follow-up meeting where the test results are discussed, and we identify what can be improved.
All components are made with our own, patented Vibenite® materials that have exceptional wear resistance and are pore-free. We deliver near-net-shape, hardened components with grinding add-on upon chosen surfaces. But we can also offer delivery of ground, machined, and coated components ready to be used. Their properties are unique, and they are manufactured through a specific 3D printing process developed in-house. Get in touch to learn more!
