ProtoLAB

Overview

Protolab is a laboratory at the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at TalTech, focused on prototyping, small-scale production, and art projects using 3D printing and reverse engineering technologies. The lab supports scientific research, industry collaboration, and student development projects.

Equipment and Capabilities

The lab is equipped with the following devices:

EOS Formiga P100 – SLS 3D Printing

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology for plastic materials
Printing material: PA 2200 (polyamide, nylon 12)
Layer thickness: 0.1 mm – suitable for fine-detail printing
Maximum build volume: 190 × 230 × 315 mm
Suitable for both functional prototypes and small series production
Strong and durable parts – suitable for mechanical testing
No need for support structures (compared to FDM/SLM technologies)
Capable of producing complex geometries (e.g., joint mechanisms, internal channels)
Fully digital workflow – CAD/CAM ready
Ideal for reverse engineering and product iteration processes

printer

SLM 280 – Metal Powder-Based 3D Printing

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology for metal powders
Equipped with a 700 W laser
Layer thickness: 20–75 microns – excellent surface quality and detail accuracy
Maximum build volume: 280 × 280 × 365 mm
Supports various metal alloys; currently available materials include:
- Stainless Steel (316L, 17-4 PH)
- Aluminum (AlSi10Mg)
- Titanium (Ti6Al4V)
- Tool Steel (1.2709)
High mechanical strength and density – suitable for end-use components
Enables complex geometries not possible with traditional methods
Requires support structures – post-processing is necessary
Suitable for mechanical engineering, aerospace, medical, automotive, and scientific applications

Main Areas of Activity

Prototyping, small-scale production, and creation of art projects
Quality control and measurement
Support for scientific research projects
Supervision of student development work

Collaboration and Projects

Protolab collaborates with various industrial companies, supports TalTech research projects, and helps students implement engineering development ideas. Past projects have involved reverse engineering, product design, and product development.