Working with shapeways FUD

I want to thank those of you who have bought products from our shapeways store. 3D printing is a brave new world, and for those of you who has plunged in to try it out, I hope that you are satisfied with our products.

Currently, our products are only available in Frosted Ultra Detail material in shapeways as this is the only option that can achieve the level of detail required. As far as 3d printing materials go, FUD is currently one of the best in terms of fine detail and precision.

However as with any modelling material, there are pros and cons. The better you know your medium, the more enjoyable your modelling endeavour will be.



The problem of STEPPING:
Most 3d printed models suffer from stepping - http://static1.sw-cdn.net/rrstatic/img/materials/sf-stepping.jpg
In most cases, this problem is minimized with the FUD material. Should your print have visible stepping, the best way to tackle this is to:
1.) spray on a fine layer of primer
2.) use a 200-400 grit sandpaper to gently sand the surface smooth

The problem of Wax residue in FUD:
Part of the FUD printing process involves a wax support material that is washed away upon completion of the part. However, some wax residue might still remain especially in the fine details of the model. Here's my recommendation for removing this residue.
1.) Use an ultrasonic cleaner, using water and isopropyl alcohol as the cleaning medium.
2.) After which, rinse in water and dishwashing liquid. Use an old soft toothbrush to help remove stubborn residue. Be careful, as the FUD material can't stand a lot of punishment.
3.) repeat as necessary.
4.) Use a spray on primer as a final coat before painting.

Here are some useful links on the FUD material:
http://www.shapeways.com/materials/frosted-detail
And a link to the forum for removing the wax:
http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=msg&th=5438&start=0&

Don't hesitate to drop me a message if you have any questions regarding our shapeways products.