3D PRINTING

Reffay: 3D printing model & prototyping

Making a prototype is an important step for any industrial company. Today, there are many different 3D printing processes. Reffay sas offers you 3 different 3D printing techniques to suit your needs and budget, always accompanied with the advice and support of a plastics expert.

3D printer in use

Detail of a 3D printed part

Reffay: 3D printing model and prototyping
Available techniques and specific features

Why choose 3D printing?

Producing a prototype is an essential stage in the development of a part. The manufacture of plastic prototypes reduces the risk of design errors and saves time in marketing the product. 3D-printed models and mock-ups offer many advantages, because with this technique they can be produced quickly and cheaply for:
- testing ergonomic use,
- test assembly and finishing,
- test the fit of components and their purpose,
- test the design of the part

Once the 3D printed model has been produced, it is possible to alter the design, materials, dimensions, shape, assembly, colour, industrialisation and robustness based on the results obtained during the various tests.

Reffay, the 3D printing specialist, can help you design your part and produce your 3D printing model.

The different 3D printing techniques

Stereolithography - SL: Laser photopolymerisation
Stereolithography can be used to produce parts with complex geometries and very good surface finishes, at a very competitive cost. However, the parts are still quite fragile, and this 3D printing technique is not recommended for functional testing.
SL 3D printing model lead time: 2 weeks.

Fused deposition modelling - FDM: Molten extrusions.
3D printing using fused deposition modelling produces relatively solid parts, which can be used for certain functional tests. Its advantage lies in its ability to produce parts with complex geometries.
FDM 3D printing model lead time: 2 weeks.

Injection moulding - IM injection in aluminium moulds
Injection moulded parts are made from a wide range of thermoplastics. With their excellent surface finish, they are a perfect example of their ability to be moulded in the production phase.
IM prototype lead time: 6 weeks.

Processed materials

Photopolymers

PC

PC / ABS

PPSU

PA

PE

TPU

PET, POM

REFFAY’s support to implement your 3D printing model

- Upstream of the project, co-development: Study of all the possibilities and the benefit of our expertise upstream.
Development of the part to your specifications, integrating manufacturing and cost constraints, technical assistance.

- Advice and support in building the prototype: Help in choosing the prototyping technique and selecting materials
Integration of industrialisation constraints into the design phase, technical advice, finish and appearance.

- Meeting deadlines: adapting the prototyping process.

Our Markets

Railway industry

Energy & Networks

Mobility

Street lighting

Marché du batiment Reffay sas_plasturgie_ compression plastique_plastic injection moulding_154

Construction