FAQs

If you're new to 3D printing or looking for more information on our prop making  - there's a lot to get your head around.

Processes, Materials, and timeframes.  Below is a set of our most common questions.  If you don't see a question answered.  Just get in touch with us.

Frequently asked questions

General

What techniques does aurora 3d printing have

We have many, such as creating design and concept art (character, Cosplay and prop design) 3D Printing can include FDM and SLA (Resin) Sculpting 3D Design Fabricating Molding and casting Armor fabrication Weapon props, replica weapons - Swords, Pistols, Whips etcPainting, finishing, faux finishes, weathering



Are you a manufacturer?

Yes we are, but a scaled down version. Unlike most manufacturers we don't have a minimum buy, so if you need something replicating and only one being made, we can cater to your requirements. Our production runs, 3D printing process, computer aided design and printing technology allow us to work alongside art and designers, in technical theatre, within the film and tv industry and with some of the largest companies in the world.



Do you service local areas?

As well as Worldwide, Aurora 3d printing co offers 3D Printing services within the U.K and the local areas such as Rotherham, Sheffield, Doncaster, Swinton, Chesterfield, Nottingham, Derby and Manchester. We work for and on behalf of Technical Theatres, Set designers, production runs, Film and TV, other prop makers, art and designers and educational facilities.



What services do you offer?

Our services consist of 2 types of 3D printing, FDM and SLA, prop making and 3D design and 3D printer set up service/tutoring



What file formats can I send to you?

STL or 3MF files with a recommened resolution set to 0.01mm. (Set to Binary rather than ASCII if you have the option.



Do you take on commissions?

Yes we do on a regular basis - anything from small props such as badges to Her Majesty the Queens Imperial state crown. Get in touch at info@awoodco.co.uk and we'll get the ball rolling.



How fast can parts be made?

It all depends on the size and complexity of your model. If you email or upload your model we can give you a clearer indication of timescales.



3D Printing

Is 3D printing an alternative to traditional casting techniques?

Stereolithography or .STL files are an alternate to the usual cast patterns. Traditional wax patterns for investment casting can take weeks to construct and, should an error or design modification arise, the tool must be scraped and re-built. 3D printing removes the necessity for outsourcing during product development and permit for designs to be tested, amended and re-tested within days rather than weeks. This turnaround time allows for customisation of products, if required, and the materials used can produce parts stronger than machined aluminium with a finish compatible for final and end-use purposes



Clearances on fitted parts?

Our 3D printers offer extremely high levels of accuracy, useful functional longevity and will deliver a higher surface finish to meet the demands of most model designers. They are excellent for creating rapid prototypes for plenty of designs. It might come as a surprise but the technique for 3D printing has been available since the 1980s. Our advice for clearances on 3D printed parts would be 0.5mm.



Is 3D printing food safe?

In a nutshell, some form of plastics outside of the 3D arena may well be food safe, but because of the 3D printing process, 3D printed parts are not food safe.



SLA and FDM, the differences?

Filament is fed from a large coil through tubing into a moving, heated extruder head which is deposited onto moving work which is usualy on a moving bed. The print head is moved under computer control which defines a path of a shape. There are many settings that can be altered in the 'slicer' such as speed, temperature and even support settings. Vs In SLA, objects are created by selectively curing a polymer resin layer-by-layer using an UV laser beam. The materials used in SLA are photosensitive thermoset polymers that are bought in a liquid form. Those polymers then make up the body of a three-dimensional solid



Do I need SLA or FDM?

Think of it in terms of detail and size. Do you need a part that is small but still requires detail? An example would be a coin...small and still requires detail, then you would require SLA (resin) printing. If you're still unsure, get in touch with us and we'll guide you.



Prop making

Can you design a prop for me?

Yes, Aurora 3D Printing Co are prop makers and can design props whether these are conceptual, blueprints or a breakdown for your costume - see Renly Baratheon for concept to physical. We can also prop repair if you have a damaged prop. ​Blueprints/Design to it's physical form can be time consuming, especially in the case of 3D Printing. Any quotes given include materials and time.



3D Printer set up service