+ How do I order parts with Colour Dye Finish?

To order 3D printed parts with a colour dye finish, simply upload your 3D files through our instant quote portal. Select Selective Laser Sintering PA12 Nylon and choose your desired colour option from the available palette.

+ What is Colour Dye Finish?

Colour Dye Finish is a vibrant and durable surface treatment for SLS PA12 Nylon 3D prints. It involves immersing parts in a dye solution under carefullly controlled conditions, allowing the dye to penetrate the surface for a uniform and bright colour.

+ How doeas Colour Dye change the surface finish?

Asides from altering the colour, Colour Dye Finish enhances the surface quality, offers better resistance to wear, dirt and UV light.

+ What does Colour Dye Finish look like?

The finish gives your parts a vivid, uniform colour with a semi-gloss or satin appearance, depending on the combination of other surface finishing treatments such as vibro polishing or vapour smoothing. The colour is deep and robust providing a professional and high-quality look.

+ How does Colour Dye Finish improve part properties?

The dyeing and shot peen process enhances the surface properties by providing a smooth, scratch-resistant finish. This makes the parts more durable and reduces surface roughness, leading to better tactile feedback and less dirt accumulation.

+ Are there any limitations on parts that can be dyed?

The dyeing process is suitable for most part sizes and complex geometries. However, the limitations are generally the same as those of the SLS and MJF 3D printing technologies. For detailed guidelines, refer to our design guide.

+ Does the dyeing process alter the dimensions of the parts?

No, the colour dyeing process does not affect the dimensions or tolerances of the parts. It is a surface treatment that penetrates the material without changing the overall geometry.

+ Is there an additional cost for Colour Dye Finish?

Yes, the Colour Dye Finish incurs an additional cost. Despite the high-quality result and added durability, we strive to keep the extra charge reasonable to provide great value for our customers.

+ Does dyeing 3D prints change the material properties?

Dyeing improves the surface properties, such as scratch and dirt resistance, but does not alter the mechanical properties of the material. The core strength and flexibility remain the same as those of natural white parts.

+ Can I apply colour dye to only one surface of my model?

No, the dyeing process involves fully submerging the parts in a dye solution, which means all internal and external surfaces will be coloured. Masking specific areas is not possible with this technique. Multi-colour parts can be achieved by splitting the model into separate components, which are then dyed individually.

+ What is the lead time for Colour Dye Finish in SLS 3D printing?

The additional lead time required for applying a Colour Dye Finish to your SLS 3D prints depends on the selected colour palette. The Standard Colour dyes are readily available to minimise delay in your production timeline. The Extended Colour dyes are made to order and require additional lead time to produce.

• Standard Colour Dye: Adds just 1 working day to the overall production time.
• Extended Colour Dye: Requires an additional 5 working days, accommodating the creation of the colour dye.

+ How do I request custom colour matching for SLS 3D printing?

For projects that require colour matching, such as producing parts in your brand colours or replicating a skin tone, our Colour Matching service is the ideal solution. This service allows for the creation of bespoke colours tailored to your exact specifications. To request custom colour matching for your SLS 3D printed parts, please contact our team with your specific requirements.

+ How do you ensure colour consistency to RAL codes?

While we offer colour options based on RAL codes for reference, it is important to note that we cannot guarantee an exact match to the RAL colours. Variations can occur due to the nature of the dyeing process and the inherent differences in material properties. Additionally, surface finishes such as vibro polishing and vapour smoothing can further influence the final appearance of the colour. Therefore, while we strive to achieve close approximations, exact colour consistency cannot be guaranteed.