Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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

Accura Xtreme Plastic Transparent Accura Clearvue HTM140 D7

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

The SLS process has an accuracy of ± 0.20 mm.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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