Fabrication and Construction

Fabrication Methods

3D Printing

3D printing is a form of technology where a three-dimensional object is created by successive layers of material. Layers of a fine powder (plaster, corn starch, or resins) are selectively bonded by "printing" an adhesive from the inkjet printhead in the shape of each cross-section as determined by a digital file. 3D printing is is most often used for rapid prototyping where realization of multiple variations is desired. In industrial applications, heated thermoplastics are deposited in thin layers as part of the additive process.

Locations: Los Angeles 3D Printing

References: 3D Printing
References: ABS Thermoplastic 3d Printing
References: Wikipedia 3D Printing
References: BuisnessWeek Article

Laser Cutting

Laser cutting is a process used to cut materials to high precision for manufacturing, fabrication, and industrial applications. The process moves a high powered, computer guided laser over a sheet of material to be cut. The laser either burns or melts away the material at the cut line leaving a clean, cut edge. Because the process is computer guided, the precision of the cuts can be very high. Typical materials used for laser cutting are woods, plastics. Metals including sheet steel can also be cut using the laser process.

File Name	Preview	Description
Laser cutting template		Laser cutting panelization template
-	-	-

Locations: Los Angeles Laser Cutting

References: Laser Cutting
References: Wikipedia Laser Cutting

Milling

A milling machine is a piece of equipment utilizing a drill tip to successively carve away material from a larger workpiece. In milling, the workpiece is held stationary while the drill head or spindle moves around the piece. CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling machines are computer controlled vertical mills with the ability to move the spindle vertically along the Z-axis. This allows for a high level of precision and detail in the finished milled piece. Virtually any type of material can be milled.

Locations: Los Angeles CNC Milling

References: CNC Milling
References: Wikipedia CNC Milling

Injection Molding

Injection molding is a process whereby thermoplastic and thermoset material is injected through a heated barrel in to pre-designed mold. The plastics cool and harden inside the mold. The mold can be fabricated using milling or 3d printing techniques.

Locations: Los Angeles Injection Molding

References: Injection Molding
References: Wikipedia Injection Molding