Rapid Prototyping Frequently Asked Questions

What is prototyping?

Prototyping is the process of rapidly creating a working model of a part or product to demonstrate or test the feasibility of using or marketing the product.

What processes or techniques are available from Laser Reproductions?

Laser Reproductions specializes in providing the ideal process according to the needs of our customers. SLA (stereolithography) is one of the leading rapid prototyping processes available today. We also provide CNC (computer numerical control) machining, FDM (fused deposition modeling) and cast urethane molding services.

What industries does Laser Reproductions serve?

We specialize in working with industrial design firms, original equipment manufacturers, inventors, architects and other types of product development companies across the United States. We have a broad spectrum of experience working in a wide variety of industries, including:

Automotive parts
Houseware manufacturing
Consumer products
Aerospace devices
Medical devices
Window and door manufacturing
Toy manufacturing
Military devices
Electrical devices
Architectural modeling

What is stereolithography?

Stereolithography (SLA) is a versatile, cost-effective process that is ideal for creating highly detailed parts quickly. SLA is an “additive” process (versus the traditional “subtractive” machining process) that traces a laser across the surface of a photosensitive polymer solution. The laser hardens the resin at the point of contact and, by building layer upon layer, is able to produce a three-dimensional part.

What is selective laser sintering?

Similar to SLA, selective laser sintering (SLS) is an “additive” process. It involves tracing a laser over the surface of a photosensitive powder to selectively sinter and bond it to form a thin layer on the object. The process offers the advantage of making functional parts with functional materials.

What is CNC machining?

CNC (computer numerical control) machining is a “subtractive” machining process for creating prototype concept models for parts that require specific production material properties.

What is fused deposition modeling?

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is an “additive” process that involves laying down layers of material. The process involves a plastic filament that is unwound from a coil and supplies material to an extrusion nozzle. The nozzle, which can be moved horizontally, is numerically controlled to build a model or part layer upon layer. The result is a part with enough detail to review it for development tools and production parts.

What is cast urethane molding?

Cast urethane molding uses SLA prototypes to create silicone rubber molds that yield parts for low-volume prototyping. This process is ideal for creating sales and marketing samples or developing parts for focus groups and functional testing—when smaller quantities are needed.

What is prototype/bridge tooling?

Prototype/bridge tooling provides a small quantity of quality parts to fill the gap between design approval and actual production runs. It is also helpful for low-volume production projects.

What is production tooling and manufacturing?

Production tooling and manufacturing services provides quality finished production parts—from short runs to extended production schedules.

What types of materials are available?

Laser Reproductions offers an ever-expanding, selection of SLA materials with properties ranging from low-durometer, flexible materials to rigid, high-temperature ceramic-filled resins.

DSM Somos® has designated Laser Reproductions as an exclusive provider of the complete line of DSM Somos®’ ProtoFunctional® stereolithography resins, granting us the largest offering of these materials from a single source among rapid prototyping service bureaus in the United States. This exclusivity allows us to build parts using the latest, innovative materials.

Materials available through our SLS services include nylon, glass-filled nylon and aluminum-filled nylon. Visit our materials section for additional information, or contact us to discuss your needs.

Our production capacity ranks among the top service bureaus in North America. In addition to running round-the-clock production schedules, seven days a week, we coordinate production strategies to meet customer demand. We currently have 19 machines in service including one Viper™ PRO, four Viper™ si2, one iPro™ 8000, four SLA-7000, three SLA-5000 and six SLA-250.