“ I use polishing to add the required aesthetic to some parts . I find that polishing gives the parts produced a nice patina-like effect especially on the black parts but to an extent on white parts as well . While on occasion I use unpolished parts where I require the almost ‘ sugar lump ’ aesthetic , where you can see the grain , it is more often than not nice to have control over the smoothness of parts , and I especially like the almost slate like appearance that can be achieved on polished black MJF parts ,” Ambrose comments .
Ambrose has been working with 3DPRINTUK since before the company introduced its upload portal and ordering interface , which has more recently transformed the way that he uses the technology .
Ambrose continues , “ I have to say that I love the ordering interface and file upload portal at 3DPRINTUK . Above all , its , easyto-use . You simply drag and drop files , and you have the ability to track everything and see how an order is progressing . Also , I can get into the system and edit part details if needed . It just works , and is very well thought out . It makes the customer ’ s
It just works , and is very well thought out . It makes the customer ’ s life easier , and is obviously designed with the ultimate customer experience in mind .
life easier , and is obviously designed with the ultimate customer experience in mind . I love being in control of my projects and getting all the cost and timeof-build feedback automatically without the intervention of sales people . With the 3DPRINTUK system , I can tweak things and assess the effect on cost and build time , and select what I want rather than what I am being sold .”
One of Jonny ’ s recent projects is the Monster 917 , a stunning half-sized sculpture inspired by the iconic Porsche 917k , which is a maze of tubular aluminium and carbon fibre connected by his own 3D printed joints . Ambrose concludes , “ The Monster 917 has taken a lot of work , and the use of 3D printing to produce the joints that hold all the tubes together exemplifies a perfect use of the technology . Creating a sculpture like this is a learning curve . Some of the first 3D printed parts used in the chassis were grey undyed MJF parts as they suited the aluminium tubes . I then used black polished joints when joining the carbon fibre . I knew 3DPRINTUK had the process versatility and post-processing technologies I needed to accommodate these requirements . Each of the male lugs that hold the tubes were initially un-flanged , but as the design went on , I designed them to have a spring-like tension which gripped the tube more firmly . Design tweaks and innovative possibilities that could only really be realised through 3D printing .”
“ The combination of capability and expertise at 3DPRINTUK is what works for me . While the automated system is so good , it is re-assuring to know that behind the scenes is a team of experts that are always on hand to advise and optimise outcomes .”
44 PECM Issue 56