Help Centre

The world of AM can be complex and daunting. So let us help.

Every customer is different – and every project requires defined materials and production techniques to create parts that nail your brief.

Some materials are king where part strength is the top priority, others boast impact and heat resistance where part performance is crucial. Sometimes a certain amount of flexibility is key, and other times the part aesthetics are needed for proof of concept. 

How can we help?

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    FDM Design Guide

    Our essential guide to selecting the best infill and layer thickness for FDM printing.
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    Prohibited Items

    The design of the item, choice of materials, legal compliance, fitness/suitability for purpose and safety are matters for you, not Ricoh 3D.
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    How to Prepare STL Files

    Ricoh 3D accept a number of file types, however the format accepted by most 3D printers is STL. You may prefer to send us the STL file, but if not our engineers will convert your design using optimum settings.
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    Layer Thickness

    All 3D printing technologies manufacture parts layer by layer. Selecting layer thickness is important as it not only affects the appearance of the part, but it also affects performance.
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    Part Strength

    AM parts have inherently anisotropic properties due to the layering process of additive manufacturing.
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    Hollow Sections

    Ricoh's guide to using hollow sections to maintain part geometry and minimise warping.
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    Powder Removal

    Powder removal from SLS,HSS and MJF parts in 3D printing
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    Support Material

    All 3D printing technologies require a support material during the manufacturing process
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    Designing for Additive Manufacturing

    A guide to designing for Additive Manufacturing
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    Quick Design Guide: 3D Printing

    Follow Ricoh 3D's Design Guide to explain design considerations including minimum feature size, offset and moving parts, holes and tolerances.

Need some help?

Whether you're looking for materials advice, quoting guidance or simply want to know more about additive manufacturing, we're always happy to assist.