Frequently Asked Questions

On this page we have tried to answer all your possible questions about our company, the technologies we use and what we can do together with you.


Prototype molds

Can the parts be reworked by CNC?

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

Can the moulded parts can be painted?

Yes, injection moulded parts can be painted.

What production materials can be used?

You can use all thermoplastic materials.

Stereolithography

How does stereolithography work?

Stereolithography was the first ever method developed for rapid prototyping. It is based on the photo-polymerization of liquid resins sensitive to ultraviolet radiation emitted by a laser source with a system of mirrors. The interaction of the laser light with the photo-polymer triggers a chemical reaction that solidifies the latter. The prototype is thus built up in layers. To reduce execution time, the laser completely polymerizes only the outside contours of surfaces and connects them with a honeycomb structure. Subsequently, the piece is fully exposed to UV rays by means of special lamps for time enough to complete the polymerization.

What degree of precision do your machines have?

Our machines have precisions ranging from ±0.05mm to ±0.15mm.

What materials can be used?

Accura Xtreme Plastic Transparent Accura Clearvue HTM140 D7

In what format should I send the files?

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.

Can the prototypes be painted?

Yes, prototypes produced by stereolithography can easily be painted and subjected to surface treatments such as chromium plating, gilding and other plating treatments.

How big can monolithic stereolithography prototypes be made?

The maximum size depends on the particular machine and resin that you choose to use. The IPro8000 can produce monolithic prototypes up to 750 x 650 x 550 mm with Accura Xtreme Plastic resin. The SLA3500 can produce monolithic prototypes up to 350 x 350 x 250 mm with Accura ClearVue or Accura 25 resins. Finally, the ENVISIONTEC machine can produce monolithic prototypes up to 160 x 100 x 230mm with HTM140 or D7 resins

Can I make objects of any shape and thickness?

Yes, there are no limits to this technology in terms of shape, but it is recommended to follow good constructive practice in keeping internal and external walls thicker than 0.6 mm.

What purpose are stereolithography prototypes suited to?

This technology is ideal for objects with fine visual details and those that require particularly high dimensional and surface precision.

Can objects subsequently be machined for threads or holes?

It is preferable to account for threads and holes already in the 3D design in order to avoid any unnecessary damage. It is possible to insert metal insert during the process to facilitate assembly with other components.

What are lead times like?

The time it takes to produce an object varies from project to project but will be communicated on quotation by our commercial technicians.

Plastic Molding

I have no design expertise in injection moulded parts, can you take care of it?

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

How long on average does it take to produce a definitive production mould?

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.

What material is used to make molds?

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.

What production materials can be used?

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

Is there a minimum number of pieces that I have to order?

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.

Is it possible to co-mould metal inserts with rubber or hard material?

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.

Can I also create polished pieces?

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

Can the moulded parts can be painted?

Yes, injection moulded parts can be painted.

Can the parts be reworked by CNC?

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

Sintering

How does sintering work?

Sintering is based on the heat treatment of a compact dust below the melting point of the main component by a laser that draws the lines of the component design and does not require the use supports needing to be removed after completion.

What precision does Sintering process have?

The SLS process has an accuracy of ± 0.20 mm.

What materials can be used?

It is possible to realize prototypes in nylon powders, nylon powders with 30% glass filler and nylon powders with 30% aluminium filler.

In what format should I send the files?

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.

Can the prototypes be painted?

Prototypes can be painted even if the porous nature of the material makes the process more time consuming and expensive compared to that of stereolithography.

What is the maximum size of monolithic sintering prototypes?

Our machine can produce monolithic prototypes up to 500 x 300 x 300 mm.

Can I make objects of any shape and thickness?

Yes, there are no limits to this technology in terms of shape, but it is recommended to follow good constructive practice in keeping internal and external walls thicker than 0.5 mm.

What purpose are sintering prototypes suited to?

Depending on the properties of the materials used, the prototypes are often used for assembly and functional tests of response to mechanical and thermal stresses. For example, for CNC machining the material must be easily workable, while for heat resistance tests, the use of glass loaded nylon is recommended.

Can objects subsequently be machined for threads or holes?

Yes, mechanical processing can be used to remove material on the prototypes and inserts can be used to facilitate assembly with other components.

What are lead times like?

The time varies from project to project and will be communicated on quotation by our commercial technicians.

Reverse Engineering

Is there is a maximum size of objects that can be scanned?

The maximum measurement volume for a single scan is 300x230x230mm. However, larger objects can be scanned in several sections.

How long does it take to scan?

A single scan takes only a few seconds, but the total duration of the process depends on the size of the object and complexity of forms, because, when combined, each individual scan must include at least three markers from the previous scan.

Can transparent or glossy parts be scanned?

Yes, but first they will need to be covered with a titanium oxide based spray that renders them matte and opaque and visible to the scanner.

Is the spray used on objects permanent or damaging to them?

No, the powder can easily be washed away with water and can be used on any material, except skin.

Can black objects be scanned?

Yes, simply by increasing the scan exposure time or by spraying.

Can I modify the scanned part?

Of course, once the object file has been acquired, it can be modified at will.

Is it possible to compare the object with my 3D image?

Yes, with the software we use, we can superimpose our scan, or mesh as it is often called, on the 3D image, preferably in .stp or .igs format, and, via an analysis of the surface, we can obtain a colour map that, at a glance, shows the product’s mathematical correspondence.

What if I have a very large object that I cannot easily move?

Our equipment is portable, so we can come to our customer if necessary.

What degree of accuracy can be guaranteed?

The system guarantees a dimensional accuracy of 0.01mm and a distance accuracy of 0.05mm.

What is the output of the scanning process?

The first output of the scanning process is a point cloud that the software gives in .stl format. This is then processed to give the customer fully workable 3D files for any CAD environment.

Can my software work with the 3D files obtained?

Yes, we can export the point cloud in either .stp or .igs format.

Can you help me digitize and renew an old product that I don’t have the original 3D data for?

Our system of reverse engineering is ideal for this purpose. After acquisition of the physical form of the object and creation of its 3D CAD files, you can modify its surface at will. This is a process that we can take care of according to the every need of our customer by leveraging the synergy of our design team just as an outsourced design studio.

Can I scan parts of my production line and then reproduce them accurately?

Of course, the file from the scanning process replicates the physical object entirely. If you do not need to modify it to meet new standards, then it is all ready for the creation of a prototype or mass production, in either plastic or metal.

How can I be sure that the part corresponds perfectly to the original design, at least within a certain tolerance?

Optical scanning is ideal for quality assurance and industrial metrology. Our software allows us to compare the file obtained by scanning with the original file from which the prototype or injection moulded part derive. A chromatic scale is used to display the areas within a certain tolerance and any measured deviations and to provide a final fully detailed report.

Silicone Replicas

What materials can be used to make the objects?

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

In what format should I send the files?

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.

Can I co-mould plastic parts with metal inserts?

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.

How many objects can be made from a single mould?

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.

Can I make objects of any shape and thickness?

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.

Can the objects be painted?

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

Can V0 Flame retardant materials be used?

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

Can materials certified safe for food products be used?

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

How quickly will ready the objects be ready?

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.

How big can the objects be?

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

How many pieces a silicone mould produce?

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.

Can objects subsequently be machined for threads or holes?

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.

Do I have to immediately produce all the pieces?

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.

What is intended by “silicone mould” and how many pieces can I get from one silicone mould?

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.

CNC Machining

What materials can you work?

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.

In what format should I send the files?

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.

Is there a minimum number of pieces that I have to order?

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

Can I make objects of any shape and thickness?

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.

What degree of accuracy can be guaranteed?

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

Can the objects be painted?

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

How big can the objects made with this technology be?

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

Industrial Design

What sectors do you have experience in?

We have assisted customers in developing new products for medical, aesthetic, home automation, consumer electronics and security devices sectors, components and accessories for the automotive industry and the military, small and large household appliances, fitness machines and accessories, special machines for industrial applications and laboratory instruments.

Can you realize my idea even if I have no expertise in mechanical design?

Yes, of course. We listen to your idea and analyze the feasibility of its design and production. Once a set of guidelines has been mutually agreed, we will develop all the necessary components to make sure that your idea works and can be manufactured, all with a constant focus on optimization of industrialization costs!

Can you also realize the electronic part of my product?

We turn to specialized partners for the design of electronic boards and systems in order to provide integrated support for the development of your complete products.

Can you also help me with patent applications?

For certifications and patent applications you must refer to specialized agencies that have direct access channels to application forms and regulations. We can indicate some of these agencies to you, without any obligation.

Can you help me coat a machine/device internally produced with sheet metal?

Of course, we can coat your machine or device even when there are pre-existing elements to be incorporated and integrated in the new produ

What do you mean for Intelligent Design?

For us intelligence applied to design is the perfect combination of aesthetics and function. Indeed, functionality is a key element in all the projects we work on. During identification of needs, our industrial design department shares with the customer all details used to define the project as a whole and offers an integrated solution that encompasses aspects of aesthetics, language, communication, usability, functionality, environment, reuse, information, sharing, interaction, sustainability, etc. To entrust the development of a new product to Coesum Design means not only to choose a reliable and established partner, but also to have a single point of contact for all stages of development up to the mass production of every component.

What do you mean for "a single point of contact"?

We can accompany our customers in the entire development process. At the industrial design stage, we proceed with the development of three aesthetic proposals and related renderings. With the proposal selected by the customer, we proceed to engineering and testing stages. We have an extensively equipped in-house workshop for the production of prototypes with different technologies of rapid prototyping, rapid manufacturing and traditional machine tool manufacturing. Subsequently, we can also take the customer through the production phase of plastic and aluminium parts with various Italian and foreign partners. All this allows you to consult with experts on any issues throughout the entire process!

FDM

What is FDM?

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

What materials can be used?

We can produce prototypes in ABS, PC and ULTEM.

In what format should I send the files?

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.

Engineering

Can you design certification compliant devices?

Yes, we can indeed engineer products that meet industry-specific certifications or regulations. The certification process itself, however, remains the responsibility of the customer.

Can you design specialized machinery?

We also have expertise in the design of specialized machinery, namely machinery designed for specific tasks and actions and programmed to work with other connected devices.

Can you design structural hardware components?

Yes, our engineering department can work on production parts in plastic or metal materials.

Can you design equipment with parts and components in more than one material?

Yes, we can design complex machines that require the perfection interaction of parts and components in multiple materials.

Can you help me modify a metal component so that it can be produced in plastic, if I don’t have the necessary design skills?

Yes, we usually start with a feasibility study to determine a set of guidelines for the project. From there, the redesign of the component involves both the design of a new form in the new material and the definition of its production technology.

Can I also get consultation for a feasibility study?

Yes, it is standard practice of ours to perform feasibility studies on the project before moving on to its final design. This phase is essential, especially for the development of new products, special machinery and complex projects that require clear ideas about general feasibility, structural layout, main components and materials, functional and production processes, prediction of development costs of the first prototype and final production costs.

General

Does Coesum guarantee data confidentiality?

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

What are the advantages of using rapid prototyping technologies?

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.

What are the rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing technologies that Coesum offers?

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

What is the maximum file size you can take?

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.

In which sectors does Coesum work?

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.

How long does it take on average to produce the prototypes?

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.

How are the products shipped and how long does it take?

Products are supplied under ex-works terms.

Does Coesum have a claims office?

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.

Is Coesum in possession of quality certification?

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

If you didn't find the answer you were looking for or if you want to learn more, don't hesitate to contact us.

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