I wrote recently about the amazing difficulty I have had getting a
rapid prototype model made. More absurd excuses. Still no ring.
Company 1 did perfectly well. Paid and happy. But the resin they use
is not compatible with investment casting. When I wanted to pay for
another ring made of castable resin, the owner called to say he was
in the hospital and couldn’t do it. Office phone hasn’t answered in
six weeks. (Perfactory)
Company 2 lied about their high-resolution capabilities. Their
machine is capable of 14 nm layers. They later confessed they only
do 45 nm for economy. This was the lowest quality, most jagged model
I’ve received. Model returned for credit. (Perfactory)
Company 3 badmouthed the competition, and claimed no jaggies. But
when I asked for specifics, he admitted their system had jaggies,
too! He said my quest for a smooth, detailed model was unreasonable,
so I sent photos of #1 above, which is perfectly smooth. He
recommended I go elsewhere. (Solidscape)
Company 4 claimed super high resolution, but sent me a ring with
huge scratches. He was deeply insulted, saying my model was the
problem! Now, two weeks later, he says "It seems that the scratches
that were on your model last time were the beginning of a problem
with the machine. " Repair time, unknown. Refund offered.
(Solidscape)
Companies 5-10: Half a dozen companies wrote me, saying their output
was super good quality. All sounded like fly-by-night outfits. Sounds
doomed.
If you are a jewlery maker that has a long-term relationship with a
high-quality high-resolution rapid prototype shop, please send me
their contact info. (If you own a small rapid prototype shop, please
don’t write to me unless you are willing to accept payment after
the quality is confirmed.)
My client is hopping mad, and I don’t blame him. He had to cancel
his “pop-the-question” vacation and flight. I allowed three times the
normal turnaround, but still no ring.
Any help would be appreciated.