The cost is either calculated according to the print time or the volume of the model.

The average tarriff varies between R 80.00- R 100.00/per hour.

Variables that impact on the fee include:

Model design, object size, order size, plastic type and model complexity.

The pricing is often reduced for bulk orders or bulk work.

Design drawings and 3D Modelling are based on an average rate of R250.00/per hour.

This fee indication serves as a guideline as the scope of works varies from project to project.

This fee is subject to negotiation when large work is involved.

Most 3d printing projects are completed within a week. Large jobs often take longer to complete. We always provide a practical completion time with your quote. Print schedules, priorities, maintenance periods, and scope of works, including but not limited to other projects complexities may impact on the time it takes to complete quoted works.

We recommend 3d printing in PETG for most components, seeing that PETG is a good all-rounder material in terms of resistances, outdoor use (UV resistant), and ease of printing.

As a general guideline, an estimated average rate of R230.00 per hour applies, however this is subject to the project scope in terms of complexity, bulk order etc. The pricing is based mostly on:

• Service type
• Size/dimensions

• Complexity of scope of works.

As a general guideline, an estimated average rate of R170.00 per hour applies, however this is subject to the project scope in terms of complexity, bulk order etc.

The pricing is based mostly on:

• Technique
• Size/dimensions
• Complexity of image

Additionally, we offer prints of our Artworks on request i.e. A3 size (without frame) R480.00.

3D Printers are becoming a fundamentally accessible tool in the processes of many fields. Most 3D Printing processes are predominantly based on CNC kinematics and 3D Printing has been commercially available, at least in South Africa for the last decade. 3D Printing is becoming the largest disruptive technological adjustment in recent times. It is fascinating to see where the technology will take us in the future and it’s positively something to look forward to.  

There are as many as 20 different types (and even more) of 3d printing processes, however FDM, DLP, SLA, SLS and metal 3D Printing are the processes primarily available in South Africa. The FDM process extrudes the filament through a heated nozzle and the melted filament is placed onto the build platform. Layers are formed and the process is repeated until the whole object is completed. FDM is the most commonly used 3D printing technology.

Resin printers use the DLP (Digital Light Processing) process, which uses a UV laser to solidify liquid resin into hard plastic. DLP printing is well suited to print parts that require complex geometries while delivering consistent results.

An extensive range of materials can be used for 3D printing. The FDM 3D printers that we can print with PLA, PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol), Nylon, CPE (Co-Polyester), ABS, Polycarbonate, Polypropylene etc. DLP printers can print with a variety of resins and waxes such Rigid Resin, Tough Resin, Durable Resin, High Temperature Resin, Flexible Resin and Castable Resin.

3D printing is being applied in many different areas to manufacture components and end use parts. Some of the objects that you can 3D print are:

Bowls or Vase Objects, Basic Flexible Toys, Battery Collars/Holders, Bookmarks, Bottle Cap Opener. Business Cards, Cable Holders, Carbiners, Cases and Casings, Combs, Counter-clockwise Propellers, Cutlery, Drone Parts, Fidget Spinners, Flip-Flop Holders, Food Moulds, Gears, Handles, Hinges, Hive-Stacks, Key Holders, Measuring Cubes, Orthotics, Pencil Holders, Planters (Self-Watering Planters), Plastic Moulds, SD Card Holders, Spirographs, Switch Cover Plates (electrical), Tablet and Mobile Docking Stations, Toilet Roll Holders, U-Hooks, USB Holders, Wallets, Wall Mounts and Wrist Supports.

A growing number of industries and companies are utilizing 3D printing in their production process. The few industries that utilise 3D printing the most are Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering, General Manufacturing, Robotics (including Mechatronics, Education, Construction, Engineering, Architecture, Dentistry, Jewellery and the Health Sector.  Its simple to understand why 3D printing is becoming the largest technology shift since the internet just by looking at these industries.

3D printing opens a range of advantages. Two of the main benefits of 3D printing are:

• Cost effectiveness – the most amount of money to be spent in developing a product is decided on human labour. Conventional prototyping methods such as injection molds and production runs are more expensive as they require many hours of labour. Technicians, specialists, laborers and machine operators are required to handle the production using expensive machinery. The labor in 3D printing can be as minimal as one person operating the printer and computer.
• Faster production – 3D printing is extremely faster compared to traditional manufacturing methods such as injection moulds and subtractive production. Testing ideas and designs with conventional manufacturing methods can take weeks or months. Complex CAD (Computer Aided Design) models can be 3D printed into a solid object in a matter of hours. Going from prototype to end-product in a short amount of time allow you to test and verify designs quickly, saving you more time and hassle in the long run.

Traditional manufacturing methods rely on molds and cutting technologies to produce the desired shapes. Designing complex and intricate shapes with these methods can be difficult and expensive. 3D printing easily handles this challenge as you can print unlimited shapes and geometries imaginable depending on the size. Combined with an innovative software such as Autodesk Fusion, Sketchup, TinkerCad and many others.

There are various opinions about this topic, and we advocate for academic studies into 3d-printing. However, the general audience, reader or user may not understand most of the technical terminology. As a result, the information from https://www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/faqs/what-is-3d-printing/pros-and-cons summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of 3d printing.

Advantages

• Flexible Design
• Rapid Prototyping
• Print on Demand
• Strong and Lightweight Parts
• Fast Design and Production
• Minimised Waste
• Cost Effective
• Ease of Access
• Environmentally Friendly
• Advanced Health Care

Disadvantages

• Limited Materials
• Restricted Build Size
• Post Processing
• Large Volumes
• Part Structure
• Reduction in Manufacturing Jobs
• Design Inaccuracies
• Copyright issues