Jellypipe — the global 3-D printing on-line ecosystem, has now added a large-scale 3-D printing service to its platform.

Users of the ecosystem can easily access a huge resource of knowledge, advice, and consultation to ensure that the correct materials, 3-D printing technology, and finishing is selected, and then receive quotes from the most extensive international network of 3-D printing service providers based on speed of delivery or lowest cost.

One of the latest companies to join Jellypipe is Norwich-based Plastech Additive Manufacturing which uses innovative ‘The Box’ 3-D printing equipment from Swedish vendor BLB Industries. The company uses a Box Medium system which can produce high-end, large-scale parts, and features a build envelope of 1,500 x 1,500 x 1,500mm.

The machine comes with two extruders and a variety of nozzle sizes and uses the fused granular fabrication (FGF) method of production using industry standard granules. The use of granules means that material choice is greatly increased and costs can be significantly rationalised for prototype or full mass production.

Single prints to a short production run
Plastech AM director Stephen Rundle said: “We can offer everything from single prints to a short production run, we also have companies close by that can offer finishing services including milling, spray filling, sanding and painting.

“All we need from the client is an .STL or .OBJ file that is approved for print. In some cases, the file may need some modifications in order to print in which case we would request an .STP which we can then modify before the client approves. 

“Finally, a finishing specification would also be of benefit stating expected finishes and application. There is no real typical application except large. We have had applications from construction, oil & gas, marine, furniture, automotive, and displays and events.”

When compared with traditional production technologies, the Plastech AM Box Medium System has numerous benefits, but in nearly all instances the technology wins through on speed of manufacture and price.

It uses standard materials like ABS or PP both filled or unfilled, PLA, TPU, TPE and even a special PP with 50% wood fibre, but the real advantage of the FGF technology is that Plastech AM can work with almost any plastic pellet, all that is required first is a print trial to test suitability.

Scott Colman, Jellypipe sales manager for the UK and Ireland, said: “We are delighted that Plastech AM has joined the Jellypipe ecosystem. It works so well as it allows users access to a huge range of different 3-D printing technologies, which means that the best technology for each application is at the users’ fingertips.

“However, with the BLB Box technology that Plastech offers it is a first for Jellypipe as this is the first truly large-scale technology that we have introduced, and by so doing the platform can cater for parts and products that would until now have been too big to manufacture via 3-D printing.”

Mr Rundle concluded: “We are delighted to join Jellypipe. We have been impressed by the fact that it is a simple one-stop-shop, which is well-publicised and where the process of quotation is simplified and therefore reduces the time and effort that goes into both advertising campaigns and quotations. This makes it easier for the customer and helps to develop the market.

“There is no doubt that Jellypipe makes the process of accessing good quality 3-D printed parts speedily extremely easy, and this will undoubtedly help to develop the market for all.”