Hybrid Manufacturing |
3D Printing & Precision Machining Prototyping

 

Rapid Prototyping | SLS 3D Printing | Precision Machining
Industry: Industrial Engineering
 

The Challenge

Our customer required functional prototype components to support their product development and testing process. The parts needed to be produced quickly to allow for early-stage evaluation, while still incorporating specific features that would later require tighter dimensional tolerances for accurate testing. Traditional manufacturing methods would have increased lead times and costs at this stage of development, making it difficult for the customer to validate their design efficiently.

 

The Solution

We produced the components using SLS 3D printing in PA12, allowing the customer to quickly obtain robust prototype parts suitable for early evaluation. To achieve the required dimensional accuracy for specific testing features, the printed components were then sent for precision machining. This hybrid approach combined the speed and design flexibility of additive manufacturing with the accuracy of subtractive processes.

 

The Results

  • Enabled the customer to obtain functional prototype parts
    quickly, reducing lead times.

  • Allowed critical features to be machined to tighter tolerances.

  • Provided a cost-effective approach for early development, avoiding the need for tooling.

  • Delivered valuable insights to support ongoing design
    refinement and optimisation.