After listening to your questions and comments, we’ve compiled a list of tips for improving the quality and efficiency of your prototyping process.

1. Avoid “treeing” parts – connecting parts not intended to be built together with thin branch-like structures. When multiple parts are connected, we are unable to individually orient parts and cannot achieve optimum physical properties for each part. These thin structures also make it significantly more difficult to clean your prototypes and prevent you from getting the best finish possible.
   

2. Pay attention to standard minimum feature size. While we would love to create microscopic features only ants can appreciate, certain features are not feasible with all prototyping technologies. We recommend keeping features larger than 0.012” for PolyJet, 0.020” for SLA, and 0.030” for SLS.
   

3. For free flowing artistic and architectural models we highly recommend using SLS White. This strong nylon material starts out as a powder and doesn't require support structures like our PolyJet and SLA processes do. Intricate designs and complicated structures not possible with other processes can be beautifully built with SLS. Do pay attention to minimum feature size however.
   

4. Understand the difference between SLA & PolyJet. While SLA White is an excellent general prototyping plastic and well suited for larger parts, PolyJet has the highest accuracy and is better for smaller prototypes (about ½ a shoebox in size or less). PolyJet’s thinner layer thickness equates to less stair stepping which produces a better surface finish and fine feature details. Smaller layers = better details.
   
   
5. Make sure the edges of your geometry are connected. If there is a gap between two surfaces they will build separately. The best way to prevent separated surfaces is to check the number of shells composing your geometry. In this case less is more so aim for one shell. Need help? SolidView/Pro RP will automatically fill gaps and repair CAD files.

If your project requires specific directions and has fine feature details imperative to your part's success, consider using our parent company Solid Concepts. As a full service bureau complete with project engineering guidance, Solid Concepts allows you to specify part orientation, choose from a wide variety of build styles and materials, and indicate critical fine details that require extra care in finishing. For more information visit www.solidconcepts.com.