PAKT3D is a trusted 3D printing company that renders services to companies throughout the UK. They have partnered with ARBR Bikes to provide them with molds for their bicycle parts, and the two companies were looking for ways to improve the production of these molds.
The Challenge
The original molds were created to manufacture bike parts. These took days to print, up to 5 days for a single mold, and they required extensive tooling and finishing after removing them from the printer. Before sending it to ARBR, the seams and surface had to be smoothed and finished, and it was not only an extensive project but also one with a fairly high production cost.
Some parts took up to five days to print, plus additional time to set up the run and ensure the materials loaded successfully. Again, the item required extensive finishing work after being removed from the printer. All the finishing work is completed by hand, using basic hand tools to make the mold easy to use while allowing it to create a smooth final product. However, a rough mold makes it difficult to remove the product without causing damage. Even after it has been removed from the mold, the part will require adjustments and finishing to smooth out the surface.
The Solution
By altering the material used in the printer and switching to the NXE400 printer, that specific mold was printed in less than six hours instead of many days. Additionally, the part was almost ready for use. With minor touch-ups in the finishing room, it was quickly ready and passed on to ARBR Bikes. The new process was limited to only one day, from the beginning of the printing process to the delivery of the ready-to-use mold. As a result, both PAKT3D and ARBR Bikes’ product costs improved. It also allowed them to get their final products to their customers faster.
The time savings in this process were significant, with up to four days saved off of the printing process and hours saved from the finishing time at PACT3D. The cost savings occurred in the reduced raw material waste as the increased efficiency lessens the waste of materials. The new machine employs different printing methods and takes different types of materials, which are easier to use and go through a more efficient curing process. Since the finished item is smoother and more accurate, printing items with greater detail and precision is now possible. With the new resin in use, the resulting mold was smooth, exact, and can be used for a variety of purposes. The mold can also be filled with a broad range of different materials without worrying about the product sticking to the mold.
ARBR Bikes was so impressed with this new system and the improved delivery times that they decided to collaborate more closely with PAT3D, and they are now able to expand their offerings.
New Technology Means Expanded Product Lines
With the improvements in the printing process, both companies now expand the line of products they offer. The new materials used can create a wider range of items, and the printing method has been upgraded to easily create items that were previously difficult to make. Again, 3D printing has increased the capacity to build highly detailed products in a fraction of the time it would take to make them by hand using traditional manufacturing processes.
ARBR, for example, can now increase the difficulty levels of components for their bikes with the help of PAT3D printing. It can produce molds formed in new and original ways that are specifically based on their bike designs. This creates a nearly endless variety of accessories and adaptations for their bicycles, allowing them to grow their market and maintain customer loyalty by providing all their bicycling needs. They provide high-end bikes and are known for their forward-thinking technology and state-of-the-art products. Brand loyalty is an essential part of that market, and the flexibility provided by fast and quality 3D printing will keep them ahead of the curve on product development.
As the technology of 3D printing continues to evolve and grow, there will be even more changes to come. Keeping up with the newest developments keeps a company at the forefront of its industry and allows them to offer the most advanced products and services available. For an adaptable printer that will be easily upgraded when new technology brings improvements to the speeds, size, and materials, the NXE400 is leading the way. It offers the largest printing area, has the fastest speeds that are so far unmatched, and allows for upgrading without replacement.
