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Laser Reproductions Establishes Competitive Edge with Supreme Clear Parts

Daedalus Excel approached Laser Reproductions with a need for supreme clear and show-quality painted prototypes to be professionally photographed and displayed in Troemner’s company brochures. As a high profile project, the highest degree of detail, precision and quality was necessary in order to deliver professional products that Troemner can be proud to use as selling tools.

Unless there is a cause for differentiation, laser prototyping services can easily be reduced to a commodity. One way Laser Reproductions has chosen to separate ourselves from the pack is with our expertise in supreme clear parts.

When clients request prototypes of products that will eventually contain clear pieces, such as cockpit lighting on aircrafts, automobile headlight lenses, glass dishes and electronic medical equipment, we prefer to simulate the clear parts so the prototype appears and functions authentically. Since many of the prototypes are tested in real-life applications before the final product is manufactured, they must resemble and operate like the final product to determine whether improvements must be made before taking the product to production or the market.

For example, Stanley Electric US Company, Inc partners with Laser Reproductions for clear automobile head and tail light assemblies that are used by manufacturers in actual prototype test vehicles. In addition, Laser Reproductions has partnered with Troemner for clear precision weight set cases used in calibration techniques.

Because it is important for the clear parts to be authentic, the Laser Reproductions team must be precise when creating supreme clear prototypes, which can be generated in two different ways. In the first process, a clear UV-cured epoxy part is produced in a stereolithography (SLA) machine. The part is then sanded smooth and painted with an automotive clear coat resulting in an optically clear part.

The second method employs RTV tooling and SLA master patterns. This method is used when multiple pieces of the same part are required. In this process a master pattern is produced by an SLA machine. It is then taken to the model development lab where it is sanded smooth, painted black and highly polished. It is then used as the master part to create a silicone tool from which multiple clear urethane parts can be cast.

Laser Reproductions’ long history of working with clear parts has allowed the company to establish an impressive reputation and competitive edge. While some of Laser Reproductions’ competitors may offer clear parts, many of them are unable to produce them through SLA machines with the same quality and precision. It is because of this and other services provided by the Laser Reproductions team that customers have trusted us with their prototyping needs for many years.

Laser Reproductions has an extensive variety of processes and a vast range of materials to accomplish your rapid prototyping, manufacturing or product development goals. Call 614.552.6905 to learn more.

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