1.1 Can you make large pieces such as car dashboards or architectural models?

No. We do not run resolutions lower than .002" and as such building large pieces would be cost prohibitive. Our Viper is dialed in for super high resolution prototyping, not large part production. As such, our maxium build area is 5x5x5 inches.

1.2 What is the highest resolution that you offer?

The highest resolution that we offer is .001" (.025mm).

1.3 What resins do you offer?

We offer the Accura Amethyst resin. The materials data sheet for this resin can be found here (175kb PDF file).

1.4 How do I get a price quote?

Getting a price quote is easy! Just download our software and setup an account. Click on "Send Models" and add your part to your upload queue and you will instantly receive a quote without any of your confidential designs being sent to our server.

2.1 What operating systems does your software support?

Our software supports Windows 2000 SP 4 with Internet Explorer 6.0, and Windows XP Home or Professional. Our software is SP2 compliant.

2.2 Can I e-mail you my parts?

No. We will not accept files that are e-mailed to us as we receive numerous e-mails every day and it is not possible for us to guarantee that your part will not get overlooked. Large file attachments also slow down our e-mail system so we request that you send all your parts through the software so that they can be properly tracked and billed.

2.3 What file types are supported by the software?

We only support the STL format at this time. The STL format is the industry standard for prototyping. If you need help exporting into STL format from your 3-D program, please feel free to call us at (910) 488-7571 ext. 106.

2.4 Can other people see when i'm online?

Other people can only see if you are online if you check the option in your settings to allow them to do so (by default this is NOT checked).

1.5/2.5 What are your turnaround times and what does projected turnaround times refer to in the software?

The number you see scrolling across the software is a live number that is updated automatically as our server calculates how much volume the machine can build each night and then looks at the volume of parts to be produced and generates a turnaround time. This number is an estimate that assumes that no problems occur in the geometry or with the part quality that would necessitate a delay in your part being shipped out. When we say 1-day turnaround time, that means if you have your part uploaded to us before 4:00 p.m. (our cut-off time for the day) that part will go on that night's build and then ship out the next afternoon. So from the time you upload your part to the time it leaves us would be 1 day, and if you choose overnight shipping you would be receiving it on the 2nd day from when you uploaded the part to us. Please note: parts built on Friday night's build will NOT ship untIl Monday unless you provide us with advance notification so we can schedule a Saturday pickup. Also, if you really need a rush on a job, please denote that in your special instructions and either call or message us using the software to let us know that and we will see what we can do to help you.

3.1 What credit cards do you accept?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. We can also accept debit cards with the Mastercard or Visa symbol on them.

3.2 Do you allow in-house accounts or payment terms?

We no longer offer in-house acconts or payment terms due to slow payment issues with this method in the past. All accounts need to have a credit card on file (or be pre-paid via check or money-order) before parts will be shipped out.

4.1 Can I use my own shipping number?

Yes. We encourage you to use your own shipping number to simplify your billing. Also, it is often cheaper for you if you have special discounts with the shipping companies involved.

4.2 Which methods of shipment do you offer?

We offer UPS (Next Day Air Early, Next Day Air, Next Day Saver, 2nd Day Air, Ground) and FedEx (Priority Overnight, Standard Overnight, 2nd Day Air, Ground).

4.3 Will you ship to P.O. Boxes?

Yes. We can ship via USPS to P.O. Boxes but there will be a 1-day delay on shipments sent in this manner.

5.1 Will you sign an NDA?

Yes, but only if you provide the Non-disclosure agreement to us.

5.2 What happens to my CAD file after you ship out my model?

Your CAD models are stored on the server until you mark your parts as "received" in the software. Once you mark a part as received, it is automatically deleted from the server permanently. We only store the files temporarily so that if you need to have a part re-built for some reason you will not have to re-upload it to us.

5.3 Will you put pictures of my part on your website?

No, we only put pictures of parts on our website from people who have given us express permission to do so.

5.4 Can other people see my parts through the software?

No, all your parts are confidential and nobody else using the software can see them unless you have given them your login information.

6.1 How fragile are viper parts? Will they break if I drop them?

Viper parts are very durable and usually will not break when dropped. However, we wouldn't suggest you try it! Fine detail on jewelry related parts such as prongs are likely to snap if the part lands at the wrong angle. Viper parts are definitely more durable than T66 parts and have a strength close to plexiglass.

6.2 What kind of shrink do viper parts have?

The machine is calibrated twice a year to have zero shrink, but as with any jewelry related process you can expect anywhere up to 1% shrink.

6.3 Can I direct cast a viper part?

Yes, you can direct cast many viper models. Certain geometries are more challenging than others. Feel free to call us for our opinion if you are wondering if your model can be direct cast. We can also provide you with some helpful suggestions on direct casting viper models. Our phone number is (910) 488-7571 ext 106 or 206.

6.4 What molding materials would you recommend?

We recommend silicone molding viper parts using Zero-D Products Akron RTV Silicone. Information and ordering details can be found on Zero-D's website.

6.5 Can viper parts be sanded to create a master model for molding?

Yes! Viper parts already have an excellent surface finish due to the high resolution they are produced with. In fact, upfacing surfaces come straight off the machine with an almost mirror finish and the rest of the part can be sanded to a polished sheen by using wet-sand paper. We can provide you with information on the best types of sandpaper to use for this function.