FAQs
What Machines Do You Use?
We have 16 FORTUS-class FDM machines, 5 Objet Polyjet machines, 2 ProJet machines, and a CNC mill and lathe on-site in Emeryville, with more capabilities to come.
What Color Will My Print Be?
For FDM prints, we default to a natural, off-white ABS (ivory), but always keep common alternative choices in stock and available as needed (black, white, and several basic colors).
For PolyJet prints, we offer clear, white, black, full color, and Digital ABS Plus (ivory).
Feel free to contact us or leave a comment with your quote in the event that a different color is critical -- we'll do our best to accommodate your needs!
For PolyJet prints, we offer clear, white, black, full color, and Digital ABS Plus (ivory).
Feel free to contact us or leave a comment with your quote in the event that a different color is critical -- we'll do our best to accommodate your needs!
How Does the Process Work?
It's simple. Submit your STL on the quote page, and you'll have pricing within minutes. If you approve the job, we'll have your part ready for pickup or shipment ASAP - usually within 2-3 business days.
How Much Will this Cost?
This depends on the size, geometry, fill density, and layer resolution of your model. Prices are calculated on a material and machine time basis. Note that
- FDM prints are generally less expensive than PolyJet prints (especially in the case of large models).
- You can save money by bundling jobs together so that we can process them concurrently.
- With FDM prints, you can save money by moving to coarser layer heights.
- With FDM prints, you can save money by moving to lower fill densities.
- With PolyJet prints, you can save money by shelling thick sections (recommended 1/16" or greater wall thickness)
How Big Can My Print Be?
- On the PolyJet side, anything that fits within a 19.7"x15.7"x7.9" box can be printed as a single piece (J750).
- On the FDM side, anything that fits within a 40"x24"x24" box can be printed as a single piece (F770).
What Type of Material Do You Use?
- For PolyJet prints, we default to a rigid resin that is most similar to Acrylic in its look and feel. We keep this material in stock and loaded in 3 standard colors: clear, white, and black. This resin material can closely emulate injection-molded parts, but is more prone to heat distortion and slightly more brittle than a typical ABS. Material properties vary slightly with part geometry and UV exposure, but can be approximated here.
In addition to our standard rigid material, we also offer Digital ABS Plus (in ivory color) for PolyJet parts that require better mechanical strength and temperature resistance: please see material properties here. IN addition to those two standard materials, we offer rubber-like printing with a range of shore hardness, that can be mixed and matched within a single part (think simulating overmolding, etc.). - For FDM prints, we use high impact ABS or UV-resistant ASA, and can also print in PC-ABS, PC, CF-Nylon, and Ultem as needed. All FDM materials can be painted, sanded, and machined. Printed parts have mechanical properties that are very comparable to typical injection molding grades of the plastic.
Can I Submit a File Type Other than STL?
Unfortunately, no. If for some reason you are having trouble getting your part into a watertight STL, please contact us for help and we'll do our best to get you back on track quickly.
Can You Help Me Design a Part?
Our professional staff has tons of experience (ME, EE, model making, and of course 3D printing). We'd love to be your "special guns" to ensure success with your project. We charge $150/hour for engineering time -- and we work quickly and efficiently!
When Will I Get My Part?
Typically parts will ship within 3 days of submitting a purchase order (depending on part geometry and QTY).
Where Are You Based?
In Emeryville, CA -- the city of art and innovation!
Why Are These Prints So Inexpensive?
POP Manufacturing takes full advantage of its in-house 3D printing capacity by running machines 24/7. What we lose in margin we make up for with volume. We'd like to grow a small and primarily local customer base quickly, and hope that you'll come back to POP for all of your prototyping, and bridge production needs. We think of 3D printing as a gateway drug -- a great one!