Rapid proto, stl files and orientation

[SandiaPaul]

I have been working on some models for rapid prototyping.  As some here have mentioned the build orientation used by the vendor can have an effect(good or bad) on the final build.  I have seen some really bad examples where the final part was adversely affected by the build orientation.
On another forum(sorry can't find it now) someone posted an image, supposedly from Shapeways where the build was jam packed with various peoples jobs, jammed in every which way.
If I build my model from say the Z plane up, does that info transfer to the STL file? If so then does the RP vendor follow that in how they do the build? Can you specify to the vendor how you want the build?

Thanks,

Paul

[eTraxx]

If you are using Shapeways, the answer is no. They pack meshes together to lower cost. The first checks that Shapeways makes of a mesh is through Mesh Medic, part of the netFabb Cloud Solutions which does a lot of repairs to the mesh. netFabb has an image on their website showing what I think is called "Automatic platform packing" which is part of the netFabb engine concept - screen grab below.

Finelineprototyping does provide you the ability to select build direction. They state "Most users won't have to worry about selecting a Build Direction. Simply leave all the parts as "FineLine Selected" and we will select a build direction that will achieve the best combination of price and quality. If we see potential issues with build direction, we will contact you before building any parts.

However, if you have a preference as to how we orient the parts, so you may select a build direction during the quoting process. Just click on the edit button, choose custom, and you will see a graphical depiction of the part which allows you to select a build direction."

You pay a premium though to have parts printed at Flineline.

[SandiaPaul]

Thanks Ed. The pic you posted looks like the one I saw. I'm going to have Shapeways do a couple of parts and also one from Fineline. The cost difference is significant however, on the order of 10x.

Paul

[eTraxx]

Check out Fineline's MicroFine Green. That's simply crazy.

I *think* .. that Shapeways uses that 'Platform packing' .. and splits the set-up cost among everyone while Fineline .. you pay that set-up (suppose they are talking the processing) by yourself.