FAQs

The simplest answer is to speak to us. Drumlord offer a wide range of processes which can be used individually, or in combination, to produce the perfect part for your project. Each process offers different characteristics and it may not be as simple as picking one option. If you have any questions regarding the most appropriate route then please contact us.

No. We recognise that small, or forgotten, parts need to be made and we are happy to accommodate enquiries of all sizes.

Most quotations are same day but complex projects that require a variety of processes, or external input, may take a little longer.

High resolution STL files are best for all 3D printed routes (and vacuum casting) while STEP/IGES and 2d drawings are preferred for CNC machined parts. Quantities required per part and any breakdown of textures, finishes, colours and material requirements etc. that you need also help to ensure we can get the right quote to you first time.

An STL (stereolithography) file is the most common file format used in 3D printing. It translates the surfaces of parts to a network of triangles and the more triangles the more accurate the design. If the file resolution is too low then the number of triangles is reduced which can result in heavily faceted parts and, in some cases, the loss of rounds and smooth curves. Higher resolution files generally result in higher definition, smoother parts.

This depends on a number of factors including: process, part size, and finishing requirement. Typical lead times are highlighted in each process section.

Unless otherwise directed we use a standard Next Day carrier.

Yes. VC3385 (UL94-V0, vacuum casting) and PA 2241 FR Flame Retardant Nylon 12 (CS 25 / JAR25 / FAR 25 § 25-853 12s ignition time, SLS) are both certified.

Yes. We use the Tappex Multisert range of threaded inserts as standard and they can be fitted to SLA and SLS parts as well as over-moulded into vacuum castings.

Yes. We have a trusted supplier of dry transfers in a range of colours and finishes that we can apply to your models for the perfect finish. Find out more about or other services.

The standard process tolerances are highlighted on the relevant process page but a typical example would be: SLA +/-0.15mm per 100mm; SLS +/-0.3mm per 100mm. Please contact us if you have a specific requirement.

The minimum wall thickness can depend on both part design and build orientation. The following are the standard process limits but please contact us if you have any small features of concern. Standard resolution SLA – 0.5mm; High resolution SLA – 0.25mm; SLS – 1.0mm

We are able to make some modifications to parts, generally to aid production but, unfortunately, Drumlord do not offer a full design support facility. Our expert production team will be happy to advise on how to get the best prototypes to meet your requirements and support your project. However, we have worked with a number of excellent designers and engineers over the years and we would be happy to assist you.

Yes. Drumlord have built strong, long standing relationships with many designers and engineers over the last 40 years. We would be delighted to recommend a designer best suited to your requirements.

Stereolithography (SLA) is a process whereby 3d parts are created by utilising a UV-laser to cure a photo-polymer resin in incremental layers. SLA is one of the most popular methods for producing models and can be used for a huge range of applications.

We use Somos’ Watershed XC11122 and EvoLVe 128 resins as standard. Other resins are available, please contact us for more information.

Fast, accurate and cost-effective models suitable for a wide range of purposes, from simple proof-of-concept models to fully finished exhibition standard models. Ideal for clear models or parts that require snap-fits and clips. SLA’s are also the ideal material to use as masters for vacuum casting. Often built overnight and despatched the next day.

Find out more about our SLA Process

From basic support removal and clean up to fully finished models and application specific coatings (RF shielding, metallising) SLA is a fantastic substrate material for a range of finishes. Our post-processing and paint departments can achieve a variety of finishes to suit your requirements.

Find out more about our Product Finishing.

SLA is a technology that utilises UV lasers to cure a liquid resin to create a 3d part while the SLS process uses sintering to turn a powder into a solid 3d part. SLA and SLS technologies are different but they display similarities in their additive process to create parts. Due to the raw materials that are designed for each process the resulting models have different properties with each presenting a range of benefits to the end user. Which process is better for your project can depend on a number of factors: speed, material properties, quantities, finishes and so on. Drumlord’s experts will be happy to talk through your project requirements with you to help determine which process is best suited to your requirement.

Find out more about our SLA Process.

Yes, we can. Our standard procedure is to build parts at 100-micron build layers but we are able to build high resolution parts at 50-micron layers in both materials.

Find out more about our SLA Process.

Not usually. However, where parts have trapped volumes of uncured resin, such as dished areas or hollowed out sections, then drain holes may be required to allow for the removal of the uncured resin. If this is necessary, plugs can be fitted to block the holes.

It is a new process that utilises the latest direct digital production technology to produce incredibly accurate parts.

Find out more about our Figure 4 Process.

We currently stock PRO-BLK-10, ELAST-BLK-10 and MED-AMB-10 resins which support a wide spectrum of applications. For more information about these resins, or others that are available, please contact us or visit the Materials Data Sheets page.

Super-fast build speeds can allow for same day shipping. A range of materials, including medically approved/biocompatible and flexible resins, are available.

Find out more about our Figure 4 Process.

We can produce parts in a range of build layers from 10-micron to 100-micron layers.

Find out more about our Figure 4 Process.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is an additive manufacturing process whereby the prototype is created directly from 3D CAD data. The model is built layer at a time by scanning and sintering the surface of a plastic powder with a computer-controlled CO2 heat laser.

Find out more about our SLS Process.

PA 2200 Nylon 12, PA 3200 GF Glass Filled Nylon 12 and PA 2241 FR Flame Retardant Nylon 12.

SLS parts display excellent physical properties: strength, stiffness and abrasion resistance. With a high temperature resistance and good chemical resistance, it is a great choice for a wide range of applications.

Find out more about our SLS Process.

While more difficult to finish than SLA it is possible to achieve a full range of finishes with SLS. The required build-up of primer coats can result in the loss of small features though while vibro finishing can smooth the surface but result in the ‘rounding’ of corners and features. Talk to us to see what is possible.

Find out more about our Product Finishing.

SLS is a technology that uses sintering to turn a powder into a solid 3d part while SLA utilises UV lasers to cure a liquid resin to create a 3d part. SLS and SLA technologies are different but they display similarities in their additive process to create parts. Due to the raw materials that are designed for each process the resulting models have different properties with each presenting a range of benefits to the end user. Which process is better for your project can depend on a number of factors: speed, material properties, quantities, finishes and so on. Drumlord’s experts will be happy to talk through your project requirements with you to help determine which process is best suited to your requirement.

Find out more about our SLS Process.

Yes…and no. SLS powder is white in colour and while there are black powders available the risk of cross contamination means it is better to avoid switching materials in machines. However, SLS parts can be dyed and there are a range of standard colours available, including: red, blue, green, orange, purple, yellow and black.

Find out more about our SLS Process.

Not usually but where large solid parts require hollowing out, holes will need to be added to allow for the removal of unsintered powder from the cavity. If they are required then plugs can be fitted to block the holes.

They may do but it depends on the design. Large flat surfaces or thick-walled areas can cause problems. These can often be overcome in production but please contact us if you have any concerns.

It is a process used to produce multiple, highly accurate castings of a part from a silicone tool. The tool is created by encapsulating a master (usually an SLA but can be CNC machined) in silicone and, once cured, cutting it open to remove the master and create a cavity. A wide range of PU resins are available to replicate different material properties as required.

Find out more about our Vacuum Casting Process.

There are a huge range of materials available and the most popular include: ABS, Clear, Flame Retardant, Elastomers (30A Shore to 95A Shore hardness), Semi-rigid/PP, High Temperature, Nylon/Filled and POM.

Find out more about our Materials.

The process allows for the rapid production of highly accurate parts in a range of materials. Surface finishes, small features and colours can be replicated in a range of resins that can be used to simulate, or as a substitute for, production materials. Two-shot or over-moulded castings are possible. Parts can be produced in as little as five working days.

Find out more about our Vacuum Casting Process.

A wide range of finishes can be achieved including various textures, satin and gloss. Post-processing can allow for paint finishes, RF shielding and metal coatings. Clear resins enable the creation of clear and tinted parts. Most of the resins we use can be pigmented to match any colour requirements.

Find out more about our Vacuum Casting Process.

Yes. However, the condition of the supplied master may require us to carry out additional finishing work to ensure the surface finish is of a high quality that will be replicated in the castings.

We would normally expect around 20x castings from a single tool. Factors such as part geometry, surface finish and resin choice can impact on this figure. Where possible, multi-cavity tools will improve the number of castings achievable. Please contact us to talk through your project and we will advise whether this is feasible.

Find out more about our Vacuum Casting Process.

We have supplied silicone castings but the suitability of this process is dependent on part geometry. Please contact us for more information.