Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, injection moulded parts can be machined and reprocessed with CNC machines in accordance with machining drawings provided by the customer.

Yes, injection moulded parts can be painted.

You can use all thermoplastic materials.

They depend on occupied build volume, build height, quantity, material, orientation, and the number of supports. Support removal, assembly, dimensional inspections, and required surface finishes also affect lead times and costs.

It can be used for limited quantities when the geometry, lead time, and resin performance are compatible with the application. For larger quantities, silicone molding, prototype tooling, or other manufacturing processes may be more cost-effective.

Prototypes can be sanded, painted, polished, or given decorative treatments such as metallization and electroplated finishes. The finishing process is selected according to the intended result, from basic technical evaluation to a display mock-up.

Threads can be modeled directly or created using metal inserts. Subsequent drilling and machining are possible only after checking wall thicknesses and geometry, since unsuitable machining operations may damage the prototype.

Yes, particularly on transparent components, provided the fluid, pressure, temperature, and test duration are defined. Geometry, wall thicknesses, joints, and surface finish must be assessed specifically to avoid unrepresentative results.

No. They can simulate certain aesthetic, mechanical, or thermal characteristics of final production materials, but they are not equivalent to production thermoplastics. Test results must therefore be interpreted in light of the prototype material used.

Yes. Transparent resins are suitable for evaluating internal volumes, fluid passages, optical components, or aesthetic features. Final transparency also depends on orientation, wall thickness, and sanding and polishing operations.

Our largest-capacity platform can produce single-piece components up to 750 × 650 × 550 mm. Feasibility must still be assessed based on geometry, material, dimensional stability, and the required finish.

Yes, but minimum wall thickness should not be treated as a universal value. Large walls, ribs, pins, and isolated features must be sized with consideration for the material, orientation, handling, and intended function of the component.

Typical accuracy ranges approximately from ±0.05 to ±0.15 mm. Actual results depend on part size, geometry, orientation, material, and the location of critical dimensions, which should be identified on the technical drawing.

Yes. The preliminary review checks model integrity, wall thicknesses, details, cavities, critical areas, and build orientation. Any geometric changes must be approved before production begins.

Major CAD and exchange formats are accepted, including STEP, STL, IGES, and Parasolid. A 2D drawing helps identify tolerances and functional dimensions, but the manufacturing geometry must be defined by the approved 3D model.

We need the 3D file, quantity, intended function of the prototype, dimensions, critical tolerances, and required finish. Any mechanical, thermal, optical, or leak-tightness tests should also be specified.

It can be used to assess shape, overall dimensions, assembly, ergonomics, accessibility, and appearance. Suitability for functional testing must be assessed against the expected loads, temperature, test duration, and operating conditions.

It is suitable when accuracy, surface quality, fine details, or transparency are priorities. For components exposed to high loads, elevated temperatures, or prolonged use, another technology or machining in the final material may be more appropriate.

Of course, we can design any mechanical object for reproduction by injection moulding.

The time required for a mould to be designed and tested is around 8 weeks, but this may vary depending on the complexity of the project and the needs of the customer.

The moulds are made in steel. According to agreed production cycles and moulding material, a type of steel with the right characteristics will be used.

You can use all thermoplastic materials and alloys of aluminium, zamak and zinc

The minimum production batch is agreed with the customer according to the geometry of the piece, the material used and the subsequent processing to be applied.

Yes, it is possible to co-moulding metal inserts with the injection moulded parts. This must be defined at the mould design stage to be created to exact specifications. It is also possible to co-mould rubber parts with parts made of rigid material, or two rigid plastics provided they are thermally compatible.

Yes, you can also make objects with a polished finish. It is recommended that this is specified at the mould design stage.

Yes, injection moulded parts can be painted.

Yes, injection moulded parts can be machined and reprocessed with CNC machines in accordance with machining drawings provided by the customer.

Yes, provided that sufficient access openings are designed to allow complete removal of residual powder. Enclosed channels, deep cavities, and very small passages must be assessed before production.

No. During printing, parts are supported by the unfused powder. This makes it possible to produce intricate geometries and nest multiple parts within the build volume, reducing support-removal operations.

Yes, provided that performance, surface finish, tolerances, and application requirements are compatible with the process. SLS and MJF can be cost-effective for spare parts, tooling, and low- to medium-volume batches without investing in molds.

The main options are polyamides, such as PA12, and glass- or aluminum-filled materials. Selection depends on stiffness, mechanical strength, temperature, weight, dimensional stability, and operating conditions.

Not necessarily. Material, build orientation, and manufacturing process affect mechanical properties, surface finish, and accuracy. When a prototype is intended to represent an injection-molded product, results must also be validated using the final material and production process.

These components are suitable for assembly checks, functional testing, mechanical tests, and thermal evaluations compatible with the selected material. They can also be used for jigs, fixtures, and test benches.

We need 3D files, quantities, intended use, required material, and a drawing identifying critical dimensions. Please also specify loading conditions, temperature, fluid exposure, and any required finishing or secondary operations.

SLS selectively fuses powder using a laser, whereas MJF deposits agents onto the powder bed and subsequently activates them with heat. The choice depends on geometry, material, quantity, surface finish, and required performance.

These technologies are suitable for functional polyamide components, complex geometries, assembly trials, and mechanical loading. Compared with photopolymer resins, they generally offer greater durability but a less smooth surface finish.

These depend on the component’s size, geometric complexity, number of scans, surface characteristics, and required accuracy. The extent of CAD reconstruction, design modifications, and any dimensional inspection report also affect the cost and lead time.

Yes, although they may require different exposure times or the application of a temporary matting spray. This treatment reduces reflections and transparency that could interfere with optical scanning.

Yes, when the component or equipment cannot be transported easily. Accessibility, available working space, part stability, and scanning environment conditions must be checked before the visit.

Yes. The maximum volume of a single scan is 300 × 230 × 230 mm, but larger components can be captured through multiple scans that are subsequently aligned.

The system described on this page has a form accuracy of 0.01 mm and a distance accuracy of 0.05 mm. However, the achievable accuracy must be assessed based on the component’s dimensions, surface, geometry, and scanning method.

Yes. The comparison between the scan and CAD model can be supplemented with measurements and deviation reports. Dimensions, tolerances, and inspection points should be agreed before the analysis, particularly when the report is intended for quality control.

Yes. A scan of the component can be overlaid on the nominal CAD model to identify overall and localized deviations. A color deviation map makes it easy to identify areas that differ from the intended geometry.

Yes, provided a sufficiently intact physical sample is available. After reconstruction, the material, tolerances, and most suitable manufacturing technology must be assessed based on the required quantity and operating conditions of the spare part.

Yes. Once the geometry has been captured, the model can be updated to modify overall dimensions, surfaces, fastening features, wall thicknesses, or interfaces. Changes must be verified against the component’s function and intended manufacturing process.

It depends on the intended outcome. A mesh may be sufficient for visualization or prototyping, while CNC machining, mold making, or design modifications may require a reconstructed CAD model and the definition of functional dimensions.

Deliverables may include meshes, STL files, or CAD models in agreed formats such as STEP or IGES. The format is selected based on the customer’s software and the intended subsequent activities.

3D scanning creates a digital representation of the surface, typically as a point cloud or mesh. CAD reconstruction processes this data to create editable surfaces or geometry suitable for subsequent design activities.

Yes. The geometry can be captured directly from the physical component and then reconstructed in CAD. However, scanning records the actual condition of the sample, including any wear or deformation, which must be assessed before reproducing the part.

You should specify the component’s dimensions and material, the purpose of the scan, the required accuracy, and the desired output. It is also useful to clarify whether the model will be used for dimensional inspection, modification, prototyping, or production.

It is useful when CAD files or up-to-date drawings are unavailable, when a replacement part needs to be recreated, or when an existing component needs to be modified. It can also be used to compare a manufactured part with its nominal geometry.

The materials that may be used are soft (rubbers), rigid or transparent polyurethane resins that simulate the characteristics of definitive product materials.

You can send files in various formats: -.stl, -.stp, -.iges, -.x_t, -.model, -.sat, -.prt, -.par or native SolidWorks, Catia V5 (r15) or Cimatron -.step. In some cases, for CNC machining, for example, a 2D drawing may be enough, though this can only be confirmed by our technical department on quotation. Once the order has been made, for all machining operations the 3D files will be used. The 2D files will only be used to check dimensional tolerances. In case of any discrepancy between the 2D and 3D files, Coesum will use the 3D files in its possession.

If the master of the assembled object is created, the insert can be placed in its final position in the cavity and co-moulded. The insert can be sent by the customer or made by us via CNC. During the mould casting process, the polyurethane material will adhere to the metal and thus create the final assembled object.

In general, the silicone mould is good for approximately 25 reproductions, but it depends on the specific geometry of the object and on how much the mould is stressed when the replica is extracted manually.

Geometric limits are similar to those of prototypes, except for undercuts. Automatic movements that allow the extraction of these areas are not used with silicone moulds. Criticalities can often be resolved with ad-hoc metal inserts but only after an analysis performed on vision of the 3D file.

Yes, silicone replicas can be painted with acrylic spray paint or industrial paint from specialist suppliers.

Yes, we have materials for silicone moulding that have V0 certification, widely used in transport and military sectors.

Yes, 9012 resin is certified for use with both wet and dry solid or liquid food products.

The standard time for the production of a first batch is about 2 weeks. Evaluation of the timeframes of each specific project is performed on analysis of 3D files. Partial deliveries may be agreed in accordance with customer needs.

We can produce whole parts of a maximum size of 1800x800x800 mm.

Each mould can produce approximately 25 pieces. To obtain a greater yield various moulds may be made at once (where possible). Evaluation of the exact number of pieces that the mould can produce is made from analysis of the 3D files. It is possible that the mould may still be usable for production beyond its estimated life-cycle, however, this can only be evaluated at the time of production and not at the quotation stage.

Yes, silicone mould replicas can be machined with CNC machines and lathes to make holes and threads corresponding to 2D machining drawings that the customer must provide when requesting this.

Following production of the mould, you can decide to produce one or all of the required pieces. If you did not need to make several separate reproductions, Coesum can keep the mould for processing until the conclusion of the casting.

The yield of a silicone mould (number of parts produced), is expressed in terms of individual products deriving from the mould. Coesum guarantees for each silicone mould an average yield of at least 20 products. A guarantee of yield greater or less than 20 individual products may be specified on a case by case basis as part of the commercial offer. Silicone moulds that have residual yield potential at the end of the requested production will be kept at Coesum for six successive months. After this period the silicone moulds will be disposed of by Coesum without further notice to the customer.

We can work both metallic and plastic materials, such as aluminium, steel, brass, copper, iron, nylon, nylon + 30% fibreglass, Pom, Peek, Ureol (various densities from 45 to 65) and others.

For a proper assessment of the production of parts with rapid prototyping, rapid manufacturing and CNC technology, a 3D file is required. You can send files in various formats: -.stp, -.iges, -.x_t, -.model, -.sat, -.prt, -.par or native SolidWorks, Catia V5 (r15) or Cimatron -.step. In some cases, for CNC machining, for example, a 2D drawing may be enough, though this can only be confirmed by our technical department on quotation. Once the order has been made, for all machining operations the 3D files will be used. The 2D files will only be used to check dimensional tolerances. In case of any discrepancy between the 2D and 3D files, Coesum will use the 3D files in its possession.

No, it often happens that only one piece is required to be processed by CNC, whether as a prototype or final product.

The only limits of this technology regard irreproducible undercuts and some interior sharp corners and angles. We are happy to provide an assessment based on your file.

Our CNC machines can guarantee a maximum precision of ± 0.05mm.

Yes, the objects can be painted by us or by external specialists for a specific quality finish.

Our machines can work with a maximum volume of 800 x 600 x 500 mm. Anything exceeding these dimensions must be worked repeatedly.

A non-disclosure agreement can be signed before confidential information is shared. File ownership, usage rights, delivered formats, and transfer conditions are clearly defined in the quotation or contract.

Timelines and costs depend on the starting point, complexity, number of components, requested alternatives, and approval stages. After reviewing the brief, a project plan is established with activities, deliverables, and milestones.

Deliverables are defined in the quotation and may include concept boards, renderings, and a styling CAD model. Detailed manufacturing drawings, tolerances, and production-ready files belong to the subsequent engineering phase, where included.

A prototype is made after the concept has been approved and the 3D model developed. It enables the verification of overall dimensions, ergonomics, assemblies, interfaces, and visual appearance before investing in industrialization or production tooling.

An initial CMF (colors, materials, and finishes) proposal is developed during the aesthetic design stage. Final selections are then checked against the manufacturing process, durability, cleanability, costs, and expected quantities.

Yes. User tasks, postures, grip areas, control legibility, and component accessibility are analyzed. Cleaning, assembly, and maintenance can also become design requirements.

Yes. The new product can incorporate recognizable proportions, details, surfaces, colors, finishes, and graphic elements, creating continuity across the range without simply replicating previous solutions.

The number of alternatives and revisions is specified in the quotation based on project complexity. The process includes review and approval stages, with feedback collected and consolidated before moving forward.

Proposals are typically presented through sketches, 3D views, and renderings showing materials, colors, and finishes. These visuals allow management, marketing, engineering teams, and other stakeholders to compare and evaluate alternatives.

Industrial design defines the product’s style, proportions, ergonomics, user interaction, and perceived qualities. Engineering turns the concept into manufacturable components by specifying materials, wall thicknesses, tolerances, fasteners, and construction details.

Manufacturing feasibility is considered from the earliest concepts. Geometries, wall thicknesses, part segmentation, undercuts, finishes, and assembly methods are assessed in relation to the intended manufacturing processes.

Components are incorporated into the 3D model with consideration for space requirements, wiring, connectors, ventilation, fasteners, and assembly sequences. Clearance for maintenance, replacement, and access is also checked.

Yes. A new design can retain existing mechanisms, electronics, validated components, and key interfaces. Up-to-date geometries and envelope dimensions of the parts to be integrated are required.

Yes. A project can begin with an idea, a sketch, a functional description, or existing references. The first stage turns this information into clear, verifiable requirements before aesthetic concepts are developed.

The product objectives, target users, operating environment, functions, dimensions, components to be integrated, production volumes, and technical constraints must be defined. Drawings, photographs, reference products, and preliminary specifications help establish a complete design brief.

FDM means Fused Deposition Modelling. This process produces parts with thermoplastic polymers deposited on a plane in a molten state.

We can produce prototypes in ABS, PC and ULTEM.

You can send files in various formats: -.stl, -.stp, -.iges, -.x_t, -.model, -.sat, -.prt, -.par or native SolidWorks, Catia V5 (r15) or Cimatron -.step. In some cases, for CNC machining, for example, a 2D drawing may be enough, though this can only be confirmed by our technical department on quotation. Once the order has been made, for all machining operations the 3D files will be used. The 2D files will only be used to check dimensional tolerances. In case of any discrepancy between the 2D and 3D files, Coesum will use the 3D files in its possession.

Depending on the agreed scope, deliverables may include CAD models, dimensioned drawings, assemblies, and bills of materials. Compliance with regulatory requirements must be addressed during specification gathering, while subsequent certifications and CE marking require dedicated procedures to be considered separately.

The project is divided into stages with intermediate reviews. Test results, requested changes, and decisions are incorporated into updated files, preventing unapproved versions from moving on to prototyping or production.

The prototype must match what needs to be verified: dimensions, assembly, ergonomics, or functional performance. Some tests may require materials or processes that closely replicate those intended for production.

It is recommended when significant loads, tight deformation limits, repeated stresses, or safety requirements are involved. The analysis supports the sizing of materials, wall thicknesses, ribs, fasteners, and structures.

Tolerances are assigned according to the component’s function and the capabilities of the manufacturing process. Restricting tight tolerances to critical dimensions helps avoid unnecessary costs and inspections.

Components are selected based on their technical characteristics and the operating conditions they must withstand. Wherever possible, preference is given to products readily available in the customer’s domestic market.

Yes, starting from a functional specification describing the process, operations, cycle times, loads, layout, and interfaces. The design must also address safety, maintenance, accessibility, and integration with existing equipment.

Mechanical engineering defines housings, mounts, cable routing, heat dissipation, protective features, and accessibility. Specialist design work involving electronics, software, or other systems is scoped separately according to the expertise required.

Yes. The design can integrate molded components, CNC-machined parts, sheet metal, elastomers, and metal inserts. Fits, thermal expansion, fastening methods, insulation, and assembly sequences must be verified.

Yes, but simply changing the material while keeping the geometry unchanged is not enough. Wall thicknesses, ribs, radii, fastening points, deformation, draft angles, and behavior under load must all be reassessed.

The selection depends on loads, temperature, chemical exposure, stiffness, weight, surface finish, quantities, and target cost. Material and process must be evaluated together, since the same geometry may require substantial changes when switching manufacturing technologies.

Yes. The model can be assessed for manufacturability, assembly, wall thicknesses, undercuts, accessibility, tolerances, and maintenance. Changes are defined according to the intended manufacturing process.

Yes. A concept, functional diagram, or preliminary CAD model can be developed into a complete mechanical design. Before proceeding, the requirements, constraints, and responsibilities for the different parts of the system are clarified.

The study assesses whether the product or system can be manufactured in light of its functions, materials, dimensions, technologies, and indicative costs. It may include a preliminary architecture, key technical challenges, and the activities required to move forward.

The product’s function, operating conditions, loads, overall dimensions, interfaces, required performance, expected quantities, and proposed manufacturing process must be defined. Drawings, CAD files, diagrams, off-the-shelf components, and technical specifications help reduce initial assumptions.

Absolutely yes. All files sent are used exclusively for the production of the prototypes and are stored in a protected archive. Coesum also guarantees data confidentiality through the signing of a confidentiality agreement with the owner or customer. If you would prefer to submit your own draft agreement, kindly send it by email to info@Coesum.com for consideration by the management

Generally, rapid prototyping technologies allow you to test the soundness of designs and to perform tests regarding mechanical, functional, assembly and aesthetic aspects and more. Very often prototypes are useful for marketing teams in presenting their product to the market while postponing definitive hardware and equipment investments. Before designing a final product mould it can also be useful to produce a prototype that gives a clearer vision for the mould design. Rapid manufacturing and silicone moulding technologies are becoming increasingly important and the needs of the industrial market are ever more directed towards greater customization of products. For this reason, many of our customers also use silicone moulds to produce parts of the product to then be assembled on the finished product.

Coesum has an extensively equipped workshop offering all the following technology and equipment: Stereolithography with different machines: n.1 Model IPro 8000 from 3DSystems n.2 Model SLA 3500 from 3D Systems click here for more details n.2 Model Envisiontec click here for more details Sintering n.1 Model Vanguard 2V click here for more details FDM click here for more details CNC machining click here for more details Silicone Replicas (Vacuum Casting) click here for more details

There are no file size limits for your files. If your file is larger than 10MB, please tell us by email info@coesum.com or contact number +39 (0)85 9116320 and we will give you all the support you need.

Coesum works across all industrial sectors. Our technologies are frequently used by anyone wanting to test the current design of their project in the minimum detail. The technologies available allow the production of prototypes and pre-series pieces in various materials so that all types of testing can be performed. These products can be used to perform tests that simulate the mechanical and aesthetic characteristics and performance of final product materials.

The average time varies between two days and two weeks depending on the type of processing chosen and the characteristics of the parts to be made. The exact production timeframe will be indicated in our commercial offer and confirmed on order.

Products are supplied under ex-works terms.

Coesum values all of its customers ​​highly. For this reason it has a dedicated address for the collection of all feedback, information, suggestions and claims of its own and potential customers: customer@coesum.com.

Coesum is in possession of the UNI EN ISO 9001: 2008.