General Questions
What services does Copper3DPrint offer?
We provide high-performance copper 3D printing (LPBF/DMLS) using pure copper, CuCrZr, and OFHC alloys, plus heat treatment, precision CNC machining, electropolishing/plating, and metrology. From rapid prototypes to production parts, we deliver documented, repeatable quality.
Do you work with clients outside the U.S.?
Yes. We serve customers worldwide and align with common U.S./EU engineering standards and documentation practices (GD&T drawings, FAIR-style inspection on request).
Materials & Technical
What copper materials do you offer?
- Pure Copper (Cu) for maximum conductivity in thermal/electrical applications.
- CuCrZr for improved mechanical strength and durability while maintaining high conductivity.
- OFHC Copper for ultra-high conductivity and low impurity content.
Other copper alloys may be considered case-by-case.
How accurate are your printed parts?
Typical additively manufactured copper accuracy is ±0.10–0.20 mm or ±0.2% (whichever is greater), geometry-dependent. After CNC finishing, critical features can achieve tighter tolerances (e.g., ±0.02–0.05 mm) when design allows.
What surface finish can I expect?
As-printed copper surfaces are comparable to Ra ~8–15 μm. We offer bead-blast, tumbling, machining, electropolishing, and plating to achieve smoother finishes (≤1.6 μm Ra or better) on functional or cosmetic faces.
Do you provide heat treatment?
Yes. We provide stress relief and aging heat treatments suitable for copper and CuCrZr, combined with CNC machining and finishing to meet mechanical and conductivity targets.
What are the maximum build size and minimum feature recommendations?
- Typical build volume (machine-dependent): up to ~200–250 mm in X/Y/Z per part.
- Minimum wall: ≥0.8–1.0 mm (load- and design-dependent).
- Holes: ≥1.5–2.0 mm as-printed; tighter holes should be drilled/reamed post-print.
- Threads: print pilot holes, then tap or thread-mill for best quality.
Can you inspect and certify parts?
Yes. Upon request we provide conductivity and thermal tests, CMM/3D scan inspection reports, material certificates, and process traceability aligned to your quality plan.
Post-Processing & Quality
What post-processing options are available?
Support removal, heat treatment, CNC machining, bead-blast/tumble, electropolishing, plating, and cleaning. We’ll recommend a finishing path that balances conductivity, surface quality, and cost.
Do you help with DfAM (design for additive manufacturing)?
Absolutely. We review your CAD/drawings, propose orientation/support strategies, thermal optimization, lattice/lightweighting, and identify features best finished with CNC or electropolishing.
Orders & Logistics
What file formats do you accept?
STEP (.step/.stp), Parasolid (.x_t/.x_b), and native CAD on request; meshes such as STL/3MF for quick quotes. Please include drawings for tolerances, finishes, and inspection notes.
What are typical lead times?
Rapid prototypes: ~7–12 business days depending on queue and finishing. Production lots with CNC/electropolishing/inspection: ~3–5 weeks. Urgent programs can be scheduled—tell us your target dates.
What’s the minimum order quantity?
No strict MOQ—single prototypes to full production batches are welcome. Per-part pricing improves with batch consolidation and shared finishing/inspection.
Design Guidelines
Any quick tips to improve outcomes?
- Clearly specify conductivity-critical surfaces or paths.
- Add machining allowances where tight fits or smooth finishes are required.
- Maintain consistent wall thickness to reduce thermal distortion.
- Include generous radii/fillets for improved mechanical strength.
- Indicate cosmetic or high-conductivity faces for electropolishing/plating.
Security & Compliance
Can you handle sensitive projects?
We follow strict data handling and can sign NDAs. If you have specific compliance/documentation needs, let us know and we’ll align our workflow accordingly.