Potomac’s digital fabrication expertise extends to 3D printing, covering essential aspects of the entire manufacturing process, including converting CAD files into machine code to control the specific machine tool.
High Resolution Micro-3D Printing
Potomac’s facility houses high-resolution professional 3D printers that offer as low as 16-micron layer thickness. With this precision, we can 3D print small parts with tight tolerances. We have access to production in a variety of materials, including bio-compatible materials that can be sterilized for implantable medical devices.
CAD File Transfer
Like other digital fabrication techniques, such as laser micromachining, one of the biggest challenges in 3D printing is converting a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) file into the specific instructions that drive the machine to produce the part. Whether adding material as in 3D pinting, or taking away material as in laser micromachining or micro hole drilling, the CAD-Machine interface is critical to successfully manufacturing a part.
Additionally, we fully understand the principles of Design for Manufacturing (DFM), and more importantly, Design for the Specific Process or Machine.
Post-processing
Unlike the Star Trek Replicator, 3D Printers often produce parts that require some degree of post-processing. Potomac has the equipment, processes, and know-how in-house to post-process parts quickly and economically.
Quality Control
Potomac is committed to quality. We’ve achieved ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 13485:2003 certifications. For over 30 years, we have run production jobs with tolerances as tight as +/- ½ micron for the most demanding customers in industry. We have also partnered with innovators and inventors to help produce prototypes that are sure to work in the final design.
Replication
For larger production runs, Potomac can 3D print a mold of your part and replicate in-house. It’s a one-stop solution for accurately producing quality parts quickly.
