Jun 3 2013
Drake Plastics Ltd. Co. is now capable of producing quality prototypes using 3D printing technology. Drake adds prototyping for Torlon and PEEK customers to assist in new part development activities. This capability speeds up the process from idea to part and is a natural extension of Drake's lean approach to business.
Steve Quance, Drake's founder, added, "3D Modeling and Additive Manufacturing in general are emerging process technologies which technical leaders like Drake must embrace."
Rapid Prototyping enables Drake to enter the part development process one step earlier, eliminating wasteful iterations of machined prototypes and/or injection mold tooling rework. According to Len Wojtaszczyk, Drake's Injection Molding Manager, "Customers are increasingly asking for our involvement earlier in the design process. 3D printing allows us to show surface finishes and part features only the most experienced designers may catch before a tool is machined."
Drake's 3D printing is proving valuable for complex prototype parts which will eventually be molded or machined from Torlon or PEEK.
Drake's capability supports .stl and .obj files from leading 3D design software programs. Drake models are produced from polylactic acid (PLA). Typical tolerances are 0.010″ (0.25mm) and provide a build size of 11.0″ L x 6.0″ W x 6.0″ H (285mm L x 150mm W x 150mm H).
About Drake Plastics
Founded in 1997, Drake Plastics pioneered the production of stock shapes from glass reinforced Torlon 5030 in support of the Javelin Missile Program. Drake continues to offer an increasing product line of machinable rod, plate and Seamless Tube® from Torlon and specialty PEEK grades. Drake practices lean techniques, producing products in single-piece flow ensuring that the first part is identical to the last. This manufacturing approach is central to Drake's mission of perfection in both product and service.
Today, Drake manufactures and stocks 11 different PEEK based products in addition to the most complete line of Torlon based shapes worldwide. Drake extrudes custom sizes with low minimums, quickly and economically. Injection molded parts, near-net shapes, fabricated standard parts and prototype models are also available.