Our long awaited Form 3L has arrived! This large format SLA printer now allows us to print high quality SLA parts up to 335 x 200 x 300mm (13.2 x 7.9 x 11.8’’). As we grow, we’re always looking at expanding the tools that we have in order to enable lower cost, rapid prototyping for a wide array of applications. The 3L will now allow us to prototype large objects that weren’t possible before.
Read MoreA laser cutter is great for rapid prototyping of 2D engineering plastics such as Delrin/Acetal and Acrylic. With clever design, one can build up 3D assemblies with multiple 2D parts. Laser cutting is a much faster prototyping technique than 3D printing, thus if you can get away with 2D profiles only, it is typically the better option.
Another great usage of a laser cutter is laser engraving. Not only is laser engraving a great way to produce a high quality production looking part, but it also allows you to quickly test labeling for user design and experience. Below are some examples of the applications & materials you can engrave.
Read MoreThank you all for your support during 2020! It's been a crazy year to say the least. Trying to maintain positivity in these difficult times - so this is a reminder to ourselves of the things we are most proud of accomplishing this year. We're proud to have helped all of our customers.
Read MorePrototyping of optically clear parts can be challenging. Traditional methods include CNC machining followed by up to hours of laborious sanding and polishing.
Low force, or zero force, Stereolithography (SLA) allows complex optically clear prototypes in days without laborious post processing. This post highlights some unique examples that we’ve done for clients.
Read MoreWith the ever increasing number of 3D printing technologies, it becomes harder and harder to know which ones works the best for your application.
Generally speaking, there are 3 types of “affordable” printing technologies. These are listed below with quick points on when to use them over others. Hopefully this helps!
Read MoreIn my opinion - no tool alone is really all that revolutionary. A waterjet becomes more once you have a press break and can make bends in sheet metal. Similarly, having a 3D printer with a waterjet or laser cutter allows you to quickly prototype 3D shapes without being limited by 2D parts.
A fixture I recently designed was a great example of rapid prototyping with a combination of tools. In this case, a laser cutter and an FDM 3D printer. The requirements of the fixture were to hold and allow rotation of a device under test (DUT) at precise 5 degree increments. It had to be designed and fabricated quickly and use as many off the shelf (OTS) components as possible. The entire design, fabrication, assembly and test time took around 1 FTE day. Everything else were OTS parts ordered off McMaster Carr.
Read MoreStarting this blog has been on the bucket list for a long time. We hope to show case cool things that we work on, as well as introduce different prototyping methods to those who are unfamiliar.
People often ask why I started Ember. As an engineer who has designed products and worked on a variety of interesting things, one of my biggest gripes is the lack of rapid prototyping options within Vancouver, BC, Canada. The typical lead times at shops here can range from anywhere between 2-4 weeks, which can absolutely kill iteration. Other rapid prototyping shops are either very expensive, not local, do not have engineering expertise, or all of the above.
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