As part of a customer order, we captured an object via 3D scan and used 3D printing to create a positive mold for the subsequent production process.
The customer was restoring an old tiled stove that was missing individual parts. In addition to this problem, there were other challenges. For example, it was very important to the customer to achieve a very high level of detail in the parts to be reproduced at the lowest possible cost. In 3D printing, the cost factor is often a criterion that is difficult to implement depending on the material properties and level of detail of the model. It is therefore important to know the intended use of the model. Only in this way can certain material properties be used specifically for the respective purpose and the appropriate material selected.
3D scan tile
3D scan tile stove
The initial object was a corner tile, the side surfaces of which were to serve as a template for the so-called “runner”, the tile between two corner tiles. The problem here was that the tile had a continuous ornament, which should of course be continued seamlessly. However, the ornament was slightly cut off towards the corner of the tile so that it could not be used as a whole.We therefore decided to make an adjustment in the 3D model and complete the ornament in order to achieve the desired model.Finally, the finished 3D file was sent to 3D printing in STL format and printed using the SLS process in the material PA-12 and then sanded a little smooth in accordance with the requirements. The SLS process (selective laser sintering), in which a plastic powder is melted by laser and applied layer by layer, is the manufacturing process that we considered to be the most suitable due to the requirements for the model. The tolerances for measuring and printing were a maximum of +/- 0.4 mm and therefore far exceeded the customer’s specifications.
This example clearly shows how 3D scanning technology in conjunction with 3D printing can quickly and cost-effectively supplement or partially replace manufacturing processes. Below is the 3D print of the tile, which was then used for further processing.
3D print of a stove tile
