3D printing is an advanced technology that quickly converts digital files and prints into three-dimensional solid objects. It mainly uses powdered materials such as metal or plastic to create the objects by printing layer by layer. Compared with other traditional methods and CNC technology, the 3D printing method belongs to additive manufacturing that can save more materials and create less material wastage during the process. The 3D printing technology was commonly used in mold manufacturing and industrial design but now it is gradually used for manufacturing industrial parts and tools.
Pebblereka is founded by Pebble3D Sdn Bhd in 2014, which specializes in providing a one-stop solution of 3D printing services. It possesses advanced 3D printing technology and is one of the pioneers in this newly developed industry in Malaysia. Pebblereka supplies a wide range of mechanical, electronics parts and equipment with a complete solution of 3D printing. Their services include fully assembled 3D printers, 3D scanners, 3D pens, doodle3d wifi boxes, RepRap spare parts, consumables such as filament and resin, and printing services.
Get Started
Back to time in the year 2013, Ahmad Hilmi Muhammad, one of the founders of Pebblereka, was inspired by the open-source DIY 3D printer that was developed by an engineering team in the United States. During that time, the 3D printer was a new thing in Malaysia as not many people know about this technology or see the actual machine. He and the team decided to start a few market awareness campaigns in malls and exhibitions to introduce the technology to Malaysia's market. Surprisingly, the campaigns received positive feedback that on average 7 out of 10 people have stopped and be mesmerized by the machine. At that point, Ahmad Hilmi Muhammad and his team found the opportunity to turn their hobby into a business. They approached a few overseas manufacturers and gradually planned to introduce and import these 3D technologies from abroad to Malaysia. It was tough at the beginning as they are a self-funded company, having the problem of limited funds and internal personnel. They rented a virtual office, did training and presentation at customers' places or car basements during the first year of operation. However, after their continuous efforts and the spirit of not giving up, they were able to rent a 2nd-floor shoplot to gather and keep all the stock and inventory.
Pebblereka has slowly built trust, loyalty, and confidence over the year with its principals, customers, and partners. In recent years, Ahmad Hilmi Muhammad and his team have actively promoted 3D printing technology, and have held many exhibitions which attracted a large number of audiences to participate in the exhibition and experience the charm of 3D technology.
More About The Technology
Pebblereka mainly focuses on design, printing, and post finishing. The key advantage of the company is the wide material availability to cater industrial needs. They also have the most capacity machine which can perform large-scale 3D printing in Fused Deposition Modelling to meet the massive demands of the market. Nowadays, Pebblereka’s 3D technology offers the services of Fused Deposition Modelling, Stereolithography, and Selective Laser Sintering. They are able to fabricate different kinds of industrial parts and components such as jigs & fixtures for automotive. Besides, the 3D printing machines can also be used to fabricate a low volume of electronic cases, furniture accessories, casting models, replacement parts for obsolete items, customized parts, souvenirs, gifts, and many others.
At present, Pebblereka's 3D printers mainly include Ultimaker, Formlab, and Raise 3D. Let’s explore more about the characteristics and advantages of these 3D printers.
Ultimaker
Ultimaker is easier to use and has a wide range of applications. It possesses a large build volume with the ability to deliver high accuracy and professional printing on industrial parts. Ultimaker has strong abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, toughness, and has become a reliable and professional 3D printer in the industry. Ultimaker's 3D printers can be categorized into three types: Ultimaker S5, Ultimaker S3, and Ultimaker 2+Connect.
Raise3D
The Raise3D printer is characterized by being more durable, able to withstand severe working environments, and work continuously for 24 hours a day. It is suitable for copying and producing a large number of parts. Pebblereka employs three types of Raise3D printers which are E2, PRO 2, and PRO 2+.
Formlabs
Formlabs 3D printer is an industry-leading desktop printer with its characteristic of high reliability and affordability. It uses high-resolution parts to manufacture your design and production. This kind of 3D printer can be used to produce standard resins, engineering resins, dental resins, jewelry resins, and ceramic resins. Pebblereka imported two types of Formlabs printers which are FORM 3L and FORM 3.
As we know that 3D printing is using digital files to print out physical mechanical parts. For starting a new fabrication project, customers only need to provide the design data drawn using any CAD modeling software or 3D scanning. Once the design data is available, Pebblereka needs more inputs on the working condition intended for the parts to select suitable materials.
Today To Future
In today, Pebblereka is a well-established 3D printing company in Malaysia. Behind success always is hard work and perseverance. With their efforts to actively promote and develop 3D printing technology, our country's advanced technology and industrial efficiency have also been greatly improved.
''Pebblereka will have its own filament manufacturing production at Shah Alam and Cheras soon, which is a large 2m x 1m robotic pellet feed composite printing and reverse engineering capability'', said Ahmad Hilmi Muhammad, the founder of Pebblereka.
The future of 3D printing technology will become more convenient and universal in Malaysia. He also expects, “The future we may see as industry 4.0 progress related to additive manufacturing is, the product being made through digital manufacturing where the company will only focus on the design aspect, IP, branding and market positioning and manufacturing will be done remotely through either cloud manufacturing through multiple service bureau or company contract manufacturing supplier. The service bureau for 3D printing will emerge and be available nationwide soon.” Besides, he mentioned, ''Maintenance, logistics, and stock keeping can be planned more effectively, modification and rectification of existing machinery can be done easily, safety accessories can be added, production processes or quality tools can be made easily. Dependency on outsourced items can be minimized which also contributes to cost-saving for manufacturing companies.''
The advancement of technology and digitalization are gradually changing the way of manufacturing products. We can see many industrial components and parts to be fabricated by the 3D printing technology as it provides a better solution on speed, product quality, and usage of materials. For more information about the 3D printing technology in Malaysia, please contact Pebblereka - Ahmad Hilmi Muhammad at 012-364 7731 or visit website - https://www.pebblereka.com/
(Photo source: Pebblereka)