OptoFidelity - Polymer mechanics with agile 3D printing
Customer need
The collaboration between OptoFidelity and 3DStep began in 2016. The challenge for OptoFidelity was the large number of plastic mechanical parts and the diversity of customers. Plastic mechanics were manufactured mainly by machining. The biggest problem in machining is often the long delivery time that did not meet the end user delivery time requirements. Machining costs also increased immediately if the parts were complex. In some situations, it was not even possible to machine the parts needed in the equipment due to the complex features they contained.
OptoFidelity was familiar with 3D printing even before the collaboration. They had FDM printers that could make parts for products. Although FDM printers are cheap, the problem was slowness and the need for support structures. An external service provider with industrial 3D printers solved most of the problems presented.
Benefits
Powder bed 3D printing with MJF and SLS technology requires no support structures at all, so much of the design constraints were removed and optimized products could be designed. Parts can also be designed to be lighter, which is an advantage in OptoFidelity's precision applications. Delivery times from order to delivery were significantly shortened, currently being 2-6 business days depending on the size of the order. The batch size limit in the unit price also lost its significance because start-up costs are lower in 3D printing than in machining. The last but perhaps most significant benefit is the cost of complexity. In 3D printing, complexity does not increase costs, but lowers the price with lighter and optimized solutions.
The collaboration between 3DStep and OptoFidelity is not limited to the manufacture of parts. The collaboration also includes design consulting to select the most optimal solution and the most suitable material.
”The introduction of new technology has led to most plastic mechanics being made with 3D printing. We have succeeded in implementing a new way of thinking and designing. The mechanical solutions used in the products are based on the possibilities offered by 3D printing. Working with 3DStep has been straightforward and I am pleased with their level of customer service. Offers and answers to questions come quickly and communication works well.”
Taina Kangastupa, Purchasing and Logistics Manager OptoFidelity Oy
Founded in Finland, OptoFidelity is an agile supplier of measurement automation solutions with extensive expertise in industrial automation from R&D to industry 4.0. They offer turnkey products, fully automated turnkey solutions, customized test solutions and design services. The products optimize lead time and eliminate defects and design, prototype, component validation and manufacturing errors. OptoFidelity has a wide customer base and a diverse product range. They also offer customized variations of their products and the products are complex. For these reasons, 3D printing is ideal for OptoFidelity's design, procurement and logistics needs.
