Custom Tips for Rapid Prototyping

Another finish option available for the stereolithography (SLA) process and additive manufactured processes in general is to have parts nickel plated after fabrication.  The process of adding a metal coating over an SLA model enhances the stiffness of the model.  In addition, it improves the overall strength of the part.  The strong stiff metal layer deposited on the outer surfaces creates a metal resin composite where the reinforcing materials can most effectively influence the bending moment of the part. 

The process works by taking a standard SLA part and painting it with conductive paint.  Then a coating of copper is applied via an electroplating process and finally a coating of nickel is applied via the electroplating process.  The plating adds .0035″ of thickness to the part and increases its strength 200% at 3% strain.  The stiffness is increased by over 500%. 

Another great benefit to the nickel plating finish is that the parts become virtually waterproof.  Water and moisture is typically the kryptonite to all rapid prototyping materials in their uncoated state.  With the nickel plating of an SLA, the testing has shown that the parts remained dimensionally stable while being submerged for over two weeks.  An uncoated part on the other hand, increased in size by 2% over that same period of time. 

The last benefit of nickel plating is that the parts become electrically conductive.  Since the coating material contains copper, it allows for the part to be highly conductive.  This benefit enables the parts to provide an EMF shielding in the end application. 

Nickel plating is another option in the long list of finishes available for rapid prototypes and SLA parts in particular. 

Learn more about the rapid prototyping processes and finishes at http://www.quickparts.com