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Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ page). Below, we have tried to answer the most common questions visitors to this our Web site may have. If you find that your question is not answered on this page, please E-mail us service@ProtoNow.com or call us at 515-669-9643.
HOW DOES THE PROTONOW PROCESS WORK?
ProtoNow uses state of the art equipment to build a functional 3D models from the bottom up, one layer at a time with tough, durable acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic.
From your .STL files, the designed parts are automatically plotted with a precise deposition path for the ABS plastic model development. The ABS is fed into an extrusion head, heated to a semi-liquid state and accurately deposited in layers as fine as 0.010-inch (0.254 mm) thick to build your part one layer at a time. The result is a durable ABS plastic model strong enough to test for form, fit, and function with 80% - 85% of the strength of an injected molded part.
WHERE DOES RAPID PROTOTYPING FIT IN THE DESIGN PROCESS?
·Idea to Production - ProtoNow helps you and your business decrease design and development times and allows you and your company to get products to market more quickly. Your designs can be developed, reviewed, revised, and back in your hands in days, not weeks or months.
·Getting the Right Design the First Time - with the latest state of the art technology and CAD software, designs and redesigns can be made very quickly getting your parts into production sooner than the competition. The end result is a better final product ready to go faster and accurately.
·Development Cost and Savings - Product development and concurrent engineering savings are positively impacted by allowing everyone a functional part to review through all stages of the design process, from concept to finished product. Working models significantly lower production costs, last minute revisions can be reviewed with a part in hand reducing potential retooling costs, and you can beat those costly deadlines.
·Monitor to Model - ProtoNow brings ideas off the computer monitor and produces functional 3D models that can be easily reviewed and improved. ABS models allow inventors and designers to easily show a product’s value to anyone involved in the design process from customers, management, marketing, vendors, customers and investors.
HOW MUCH WILL A MODEL COST?
The cost is dependent of the size of the design. We will give you a firm quote once we have determined the mass. Quotes are available within minutes of receiving .STL files or equivalent. Parts generally range from $300.00 - $2,500 depending on size.
HOW WILL I GET MY MODEL DELIVERED?
ProtoNow uses UPS, but if you specify another method, we will try our best to accommodate your request.
I HAVE A HANDMADE PART OR A SKETCH, BUT I DON’T HAVE A DIMENSIONED CAD DRAWING, CAN I STILL GET A MODEL MADE?
ProtoNow can draw and dimension your part using the latest version of Solidworks. The cost will be based on the time required to make the drawing and you will receive a printed drawing as well as the electronic file.
WHAT SIZE OF PARTS CAN BE CREATED IN ABS?
The size per object is limited to 8” x 8” x 12”, but larger parts can be created in sections and joined together with adhesive or friction fitted.
WHAT PROCESSING IS REQUIRED ONCE I RECEIVED MY FINISHED MODEL?
Your model will be created in white, durable ABS that you can paint, drill, mill, sand, etc. to your specifications. Depending on the completeness of your drawing file, no additional processing will be required.
HOW QUICKLY CAN I GET MY MODEL?
Time is dependent on design, but most parts can be completed and shipped within 36 hours from receipt of a .STL or equivalent file.
IF THE “SALES DEPARTMENT” DOESN’T LIKE THE MODEL HOW FAST CAN I GET A REVISED MODEL?
As soon as you can return the revised .STL file or equivalent, ProtoNow will re-quote the model and begin processing the revision upon your acceptance.
HOW DO I PAY FOR MY PROTOTYPES OR MODELS?
ProtoNow accepts checks with pre-approval and credit cards through PayPal or if you are already a PayPal member, directly from your PayPal account.
DO I NEED TO WORRY THAT MY “IDEA” WILL BE SAFE AND CONFIDENTIAL WITH PROTONOW?
Your ideas are safe with ProtoNow and we will sign confidentiality agreements and if you don’t have one available, we have one we can fax for your peace of mind.
HOW DURABLE IS MY NEW MODEL?
The strength of the ABS model is approximately 80% of the strength of a similar injected molded part.
CAN THE MODEL BE USED AS AN ACTUAL PART?
The parts have the ability to function as an actual part for testing under certain conditions and realistic use.
I AM DESIGNING AN EXTRUSION PART AND I NEED TO GET A PROFILE TO TEST FORM, FIT , AND FUNCTION WITH A MATING PART FROM MY CUSTOMER, WHAT DOES PROTONOW OFFER?
ProtoNow can get you the profile in any length you desire, within the limitations of 8” x 8” x 12”. (or larger parts in sections) You can “slice” the extrusions into your desired lengths to share with colleagues for decreasing lead times. Don’t wait weeks for dies to be cut and huge minimum amounts of material to be purchased when you can get your sample in hours.
© 2004 ProtoNow Engineering, L.L.C.
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