With further investment in our 3D modelling and prototyping capabilities, Herede are now able to offer an inhouse 3D printing service. This has enabled us to supply samples to our customers much faster, printing parts and components from our Qingdao factory

We can realize 3D printing with FDM technology:

FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling)

Molten plastic is extruded and cooled to form the model layer-by-layer. This is our most robust method of producing prototypes which we can use as functional/mechanical components, such as full-scale chair bases and shells. We can produce prototypes made out of PLA, PETG, TPU, Nylon/PA, ABS and ASA. Using this method, a chair base, for example, would take at least a week to produce, although it depends greatly on the resolution (quality) chosen.

3D printed parts are mainly used to validate dimensions of any given assembly that they will end up being a part of. For example, if we produce an office chair base, 3D printing is used to make sure that when injection molded, this part would ensure the overall dimensions (sitting height etc.) adhere to the standards we are aiming to be certified against.

In the context of tool-making, 3D-printed parts and be used to ensure proof-of-concept on complex parts that we might not otherwise have progressed to tooling - this means we can be more ambitious with the components we are designing and delivering to the customers. The models we can now produce in-house are largely the same as those we would have previously produced with our prototype supplier, with a quicker lead time and lower cost.