Replacement Parts General Information
What are replacement parts?
We define a "Part" as a physical object that exists, or did exist, in the 'real world' and was a component of a larger object, machine, or system. Thus, a "Replacement Part" is a part that looks like and functions like the original part. This can be a part to replace a broken or missing original part, or it can be a duplicate to be used as a back-up part for use in the future.
How we make your replacement part.
We use the latest 3D Modeling software to create a 'virtual' version of your part on our computers which allow us to adjust the model easily and quickly (unlike traditional sculpting/mold-making/casting or tooling/fabrication techniques), until it is accurately and precisely what you need.
We then use a variety of 3D printers to turn the 'virtual' model of your part on the computer in to a 'real-world' physical object made from one or more of a wide variety of plastics, rubbers or metals. The part is then inspected to make sure it fits your specifications, and we do any finishing touches it may need. When all our quality control checks are done, we ship it directly to you.
For more detailed information go to our How we make your replacement part page.
We then use a variety of 3D printers to turn the 'virtual' model of your part on the computer in to a 'real-world' physical object made from one or more of a wide variety of plastics, rubbers or metals. The part is then inspected to make sure it fits your specifications, and we do any finishing touches it may need. When all our quality control checks are done, we ship it directly to you.
For more detailed information go to our How we make your replacement part page.
Types of replacement parts we can make.
Currently we can recreate most objects/parts that are made from any combination of plastics, metals and rubbers.
The specific types of plastics and rubbers we can use to create your part come in a wide variety of properties including durability, hardness, color, flexibility, detail etc.
The metals we can use include almost all metals that can be investment-cast including, but not limited to, bronze, brass, steel, copper, aluminum, silver, and gold just to name a few.
For more information go to our Types of Replacement Parts We Can Make page and our Replacement Part Materials page
The specific types of plastics and rubbers we can use to create your part come in a wide variety of properties including durability, hardness, color, flexibility, detail etc.
The metals we can use include almost all metals that can be investment-cast including, but not limited to, bronze, brass, steel, copper, aluminum, silver, and gold just to name a few.
For more information go to our Types of Replacement Parts We Can Make page and our Replacement Part Materials page
Replacement Part Pricing
Since each project and item is unique, we have broken the pricing into two cost categories:
1. Modeling and Design - The cost for designing and modeling your item is essentially based on the time it takes our expert 3D modelers to create your item in 3D digital space on the computer using the most sophisticated 3D modeling programs available. This is essentially a per hour charge.
2. Fabrication and Finishing - The cost to make the physical part and finish it ready to ship to you includes the cost to 3D-Print the part (which includes materials, machine time, and labor), and the cost to finish and or assemble the part.
To roughly estimate how much your part might be to create, go to our "Pricing" page where you will see examples of various parts in varying sizes and complexity, and charts comparing the costs of the part being produced in different materials.
For more information go to our Replacement Part Pricing page
1. Modeling and Design - The cost for designing and modeling your item is essentially based on the time it takes our expert 3D modelers to create your item in 3D digital space on the computer using the most sophisticated 3D modeling programs available. This is essentially a per hour charge.
2. Fabrication and Finishing - The cost to make the physical part and finish it ready to ship to you includes the cost to 3D-Print the part (which includes materials, machine time, and labor), and the cost to finish and or assemble the part.
To roughly estimate how much your part might be to create, go to our "Pricing" page where you will see examples of various parts in varying sizes and complexity, and charts comparing the costs of the part being produced in different materials.
For more information go to our Replacement Part Pricing page
Replacement Part Turn-around Time
The time it takes to make a part is dependent on three factors:
1. Modeling Time
2. Printing Time
3. Finishing Time
Modeling time is mostly dependent on the time it takes to model the part and, if necessary, make adjustments to the model. For smaller, simply shaped items like the example of a "Drawer Knob" on our Replacement Part Pricing page, it will take roughly 3-7 business days to model depending on how busy we are. More complex shapes, like the Signal Switch Lever example will take more time to model.
Printing time is dependent on the part's material, but in general is roughly 2-3 weeks, but can be as much as 4-5 weeks for more specialty metals and rubbers.
Finishing time is dependent on how much finishing (sanding, tooling, polishing, painting . . ) we need to do and if any assembly is involved. In general this will be 3-7 business days for most parts.
For more detailed information please go to our Replacement Part Turn-around Time page for specific examples and comparisons.
1. Modeling Time
2. Printing Time
3. Finishing Time
Modeling time is mostly dependent on the time it takes to model the part and, if necessary, make adjustments to the model. For smaller, simply shaped items like the example of a "Drawer Knob" on our Replacement Part Pricing page, it will take roughly 3-7 business days to model depending on how busy we are. More complex shapes, like the Signal Switch Lever example will take more time to model.
Printing time is dependent on the part's material, but in general is roughly 2-3 weeks, but can be as much as 4-5 weeks for more specialty metals and rubbers.
Finishing time is dependent on how much finishing (sanding, tooling, polishing, painting . . ) we need to do and if any assembly is involved. In general this will be 3-7 business days for most parts.
For more detailed information please go to our Replacement Part Turn-around Time page for specific examples and comparisons.