Faster and better thanks to 3D printing

 

3D printing | defortec optimizes development

 

Since the end of 2021, defortec has employed a new, very productive employee who even does his work overnight and is active on weekends. We are talking about the new 3D printer, which is based on DLP technology and can also output large objects. "The new printer complements our proven DUV and FDM devices, but they offer too small a build space for some projects," says Stefan Grobe about the new device, which produces high-precision parts up to 500x300x550 millimeters.

 

3D-Printing and Virtual Reality complement each other

In the age of simulation via virtual reality, is physical prototyping still needed at all? "Yes, absolutely," says Grobe. "We use our VR technology primarily for presentation purposes and for validating accessibility and interfaces in order to rule out design conflicts." But that doesn't replace iterative work in detail, such as optimizing locking mechanisms. Because these have to be right both kinematically and ergonomically, there's no getting around physical samples, he says. "We can use 3D printing to significantly speed up the optimization loops and improve the results. In addition, the systems also allow us to produce prototype small batches for target group testing." For defortec's customers, this brings more certainty in decision-making, including the transition to the next development phases. "We can communicate our ideas and also the intermediate statuses much better when real models are available."

 

Usability-Tests need physical models

Once supplied with data, the machines run independently after hours, on weekends and even on holidays. Of course, external services could also be used, but "we are much faster with in-house printers. In addition, the data does not leave our servers, it remains reliably here in house."

Stringently integrated into design development, they can be significantly accelerated while improving results. "This applies to both design and engineering work. Even the transition to toolmaking becomes easier because we deliver not only data, but also real samples."

 

Internal capacities for fast optimizations

The process, called "Digital Light Processing", builds up the objects layer by layer in a basin filled with UV-curing liquid resin. A laser cures layer by layer, successively pulling the object out of the basin. "DLP offers high precision. And we can vary the quality of the print, depending on the task of the printed object."

 

"We can use 3D printing to significantly speed up optimization loops and improve results."