What materials does Zenith Tecnica manufacture with?
Zenith Tecnica prints exclusively in Titanium Alloy (Ti6Al4V). With such a capable material at our fingertips, we have been able to concentrate our efforts on becoming world leaders in the art of titanium alloy EBM manufacturing. Thanks to our commitment to titanium, coupled with our humidity and temperature-controlled machine environment, we reduce any risk of cross-contamination and material impurities.
Can Zenith Tecnica assist me with the design of my component?
Yes! Our team will collaborate with you to enhance your existing design to be more suitable for EBM manufacture, and enable you to leverage the unique benefits that Electron Beam Melting can achieve.
We offer new customers a free 1-hour session with our engineering team to evaluate your parts for EBM additive manufacturing and create a plan to get building.
Please see the full breakdown of our design services here
How long does manufacturing usually take?
Our standard lead time is 3 weeks for most job to batch manufacturing utilising our ride-share option.
We provide options for ride-share and dedicated builds in order to give you the most cost-effective solution to fit your deadline. Lead time will depend on the build option used, the physical size of components, the quantity of components, and any additional services required. Click here to view our full list of services and capabilities.
How will my order be priced?
As a contract manufacturer, our pricing is based on an order-by-order basis. This will always differ between post processing needs, lead time expectations, and any sub-contractor work needed.
We strive for transparency at Zenith Tecnica and have determined a minimum build recovery cost that must be met on a per-order basis. For our customers, this means that no formal quotes or cost estimates are going to be below a minimum charge of $2,650 NZD.
It is still important to note that it is based purely on order lot and NOT individual unit price. You will still be able to place orders with units valued under the minimum charge as long as the order lot volume meets or exceeds it.
Why should I choose Additive Manufacturing (AM)?
Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, brings efficiency and sustainability to the forefront of your production line. Bringing design freedom through the ability to produce complex parts with ease, consolidate assemblies, and reduce mass without the sacrifices of time or quality. Read more about how it is a sustainable manufacturing method here.
AM brings improved part performance, decreased time to assemble, and decreased labour costs. By collaborating with our team of engineers, you can create components with complex geometries that may not have been previously attainable using traditional manufacturing methods.
Whilst we live and breathe Titanium Additive Manufacturing, we also understand the diverse range of projects that we may come across. As such, it is a Zenith Tecnica policy to always be upfront and honest in assessing the suitability of your project for EBM AM.
What is Electron Beam Melting (EBM)?
Electron Beam Melting (EBM) is a Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing (AM) process. Utilising an incredibly powerful beam of electrons, this form of AM heats and selectively fuses metal powder together.
The process begins with an extremely thin layer of metal powder spread across a build plate and pre-heated. Once the desired heat is achieved, the beam accurately melts areas of powder at speeds of up to 8000m/s, which is approximately 28,800 kilometers per hour.
Once the layer has finished being melted, the plate descends a distance less than the average width of a human hair. From here a new spread of metal powder is applied and the next layer begins.
The design of the finished part is achieved through the creation of a 3D CAD Model that is digitally sliced into thousands of individual layers, acting as a blueprint for the beam to follow.
For more information on Electron Beam Melting, visit GE Additive.
Why should I partner with Zenith Tecnica?
We are experts in the field of Titanium Additive Manufacturing, with some of the most extensive operating hours of EBM technology in the world. Our team has the highest levels of OEM training available and an embedded culture of continuous process improvement.
Zenith Tecnica has put New Zealand on the global metal additive map.
As an early adopter of Arcam EBM machines, the team has built a deep
understanding of our technology that is second to none. It is no surprise
therefore that this technical knowledge and engineering expertise is
increasingly being sought out from customers around the world.
– Oscar Angervall, GE Additive
Our team enjoys collaborating with customers and helping them design and manufacture innovative components. With our passion for EBM AM at the forefront of what we do, we are always looking to help those wanting to get into the world of additive. As such, we offer new customers a FREE 1-hour engineering consultation session to kick off your project(s).
What are Ride-Share and Dedicated builds?
Our pricing and lead times are dependent on how much build volume your order requires. If you are able to fill an entire build volume, this will provide the most competitive pricing per unit, as well as more flexibility on launch times. We call this the Dedicated Build Option.
If you do not require such volume for your order, you will default to the Ride-Share Build Option. This option combines multiple customer orders together to ensure a competitive price is still achieved, and the pricing scales with the percentage of the build volume that you use.
Ride-share builds offer a standard 3 week lead time on all orders. If you require a faster lead time we can launch your order on a dedicated build. However, all relevant costs associated with the build will be split across the quantity of parts you’re ordering, so it is advisable that you fill the build when ordering a dedicated one.
How do I get started with Zenith Tecnica?
If you already have a design and 3D CAD model ready to go for additive manufacturing (AM), please see below for what we require to provide you with a quote and send us your inquiry!
If you are currently designing a part to be additively manufactured, or are looking to utilise AM for a future product, we can help you on your journey! We offer new customers a FREE 1-hour consultation with our engineering team to get your project(s) underway.
What do I need to provide for a quote?
At a minimum we require these things to provide you with a quote:
CAD model of your component(s)
Quantity required
Description of end-use
For our team to understand your application and provide tailored feedback, it is also best if you can provide the following:
Annual or repeat quantities required
Manufacturing drawing(s)
Including traceability and surface finish requirements*
Any features requiring post-machining should be indicated
* Contact our team for our technical guidelines or Design for EBM Manufacturing services to help specify these requirements.
A description of the next higher assembly, if applicable
Deadlines for urgent projects
Inspection requirements*
End-use declaration* (template can be provided)
Any classifications required for shipping and Export Compliance such as ECCN and HS code*
*If your inquiry is for a medical device or aerospace application, we require these details listed above.
How long does the quoting process take?
Once all the required information above has been provided, our engineering team will review the files and specifications. Some specifications or tolerances may require post-processing, so our team may have some additional questions about these.
Any post-processing requiring a specialist subcontractor will require additional time to quote, examples of this include machining and some types of material testing.
|
Repeat order* |
2 business days |
2 business days |
|
1-5 models |
3 business days |
7 business days |
|
For every additional 10 models up to 50 models |
+1 business day |
+8-10 business days |
|
> 50 models |
We will respond with a time to quote after reviewing specifications. Please let us know your required timeline and we will do our best to accommodate. |
|
*Using a model that has previously been produced by Zenith Tecnica
Our team will advise which category your inquiry fits into and the estimated response time when acknowledging your RFQ.
Can you ship international orders? How long does it take?
We have a proven track record of delivering urgent components worldwide and our team understands the urgent situations our customers often face.
We use express and urgent couriers that specialise in each region such as DHL and FedEx and have extensive experience in exporting goods to North America, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Our team is also trained in U.S. export controls that cover EAR and ITAR classified digital files and items. Please contact us if you have any specific questions regarding export and shipping.
The lead time we quote will not include the time to ship the item(s) to you or any taxes or duties due upon the import of items. However, our team is trained in export compliance and we have processes in place to ensure that shipping goes as smoothly as possible. From our experience, the following guidelines apply:
USA, California and West Coast, 2-3 days
USA, Central and East Coast, 3-4 days
UK, 3-4 days
Australia, excluding WA, 1-2 days
Australia, WA, 2-3 days
Cities and towns, Overnight
Rural Delivery, 1-2 days
As with all shipping, we cannot control if customs agencies decide to inspect or hold shipments or if there are courier delays, which may introduce additional time.
