Frequently Asked Questions About 3D Printing

What is 3D printing?
3D printing is a form of additive manufacture that can produce physical objects direct from 3-dimensional CAD data. The process works by ‘slicing’ the data geometry into many 2-dimensional cross section layers and re-constructing them successively within the printer.

What materials are available?
At Inition we operate two in-house 3D Printers. Our fastest, most versatile 3D printer, the ZPrinter 450 produces model with an accurate plaster-based material. It is ideal for a wide variety of applications and can print in full colour. Our high definition machine, the Pro Jet 3000 produces a high-strength, translucent plastic material with fine detail.

How big can I print a part?
Our ZPrinter 450 printer has a build size of 203 x 254 x 203mm. Our Pro Jet 3000 has two build modes, high definition (HD) and ultra high definition mode (UHD). In HD mode the build size is 298 x 185 x 203mm. In UHD mode it is 127 x 178 x 152mm. We often produce models larger than these dimensions by splitting the model into sections, printing them and bonding together.

How do I source or convert my data for 3D printing?
We are experts are sourcing and preparing 3D print-ready data from a huge and diverse range of sources. These include but are not limited to: 3D scans, CAD models, custom applications,  model configurators (e.g. for cars), even data from motion-capture or depth-sensing cameras. Some clients come with a print-ready .STL file, others just a great 3D printing concept and no technical ability. We are one of the few companies than can work effectively at either end of this spectrum.

How long does it take?
We operate one of the fastest 3D printers on the market and pride ourselves on quick turnaround times. Typical turnaround times vary from 24 hours to 5 days, depending on your exact requirements.

How much does it cost?
We charge for models based on the amount of material used with additional charges for manipulating and fixing files. To provide an accurate quotation we need a copy of your data (see below).

How can I pay?
Our preferred payment methods are by BACS transfer, but we will also accept card and cheque payments.

What’s the next step?
If you have a 3D model for print and would like a quotation please attach your CAD file within an email to inition@inition.co.uk or for files over 10Mb use our DropBox. To receive an accurate quotation it is crucial for us to know the dimensions/scale of the desired model as well as working units. Please also state your deadline.

If you are not an experienced user of 3D printing and require wider creative support for your 3D printing project, please call  +44 207 377 2949 or email inition@inition.co.uk  We have a huge range of 3D skills at Inition including experts in 3D scanning, motion capture, augmented reality, 3D modelling, application development and visualisation. We are hightly-experienced with working with creative agencies to help develop projects based around 3D printing-based concepts.