Finish Levels
At Protogenic, we're happy to offer 5 different levels of finish to your SLA models, to work with your budget and end use requirements: QuickProof, Functional, Clear Coat, Paint Ready and Polished. Read through the descriptions and pictures below, and please ask your estimator or project manager if you have any questions about what finish level is most appropriate for your project.
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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, 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, usually next day,
and at an appropriately reduced cost to you. Inserts or Helicoils are
also installed per your specifications, based on the sizing on our threaded
fastener page.
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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, 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 master pattern for silicone rubber molds.
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Clear Coat SLA (E3):
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 a 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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Paint Ready Finish SLA (A5):
The ultimate in cosmetic
quality, the paint ready finish takes the Functional finish to an even higher
level of finish to all exterior, cosmetic surfaces. Your SLA is delivered
completely sanded, with primer, and ready for paint, for a truly "show quality"
SLA model. This higher level of finish can sometimes add another 2-4 days to
the lead-time of a functional SLA. And, we can also provide custom color
matching and painting services.
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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 clear
resins, this option is the best for optical clarity. We hand polish the parts, and the result is a
pristine, "show quality" polished surface on both sides of the model. 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.
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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 bead blasted, with extent dimensions measured to ensure dimensional accuracy. Holes can be post-drilled or reamed, and parts can be washed 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.
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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.
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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