A project was undertaken in partnership with a vehicle spares business to explore the use of additive manufacturing as a means to localise the production of plastic extrusion components. The objective was to assess the feasibility of shifting selected components from imported to locally produced items, reducing lead times, improving supply reliability, and supporting cost control.
The engagement focused on analysing existing component designs, material performance, and production requirements to determine their suitability for additive manufacturing. Detailed process reviews were conducted to identify which parts could be efficiently produced through 3D printing while maintaining the required mechanical strength and dimensional accuracy.
By developing standard print parameters, testing locally available polymer filaments, and refining design geometries for manufacturability, the project laid the foundation for an adaptable, on-demand production approach. This initiative not only reduced dependency on overseas suppliers but also demonstrated how digital manufacturing can enhance responsiveness and sustainability within the local automotive supply chain.
The design phase of this project is complete.
A project was undertaken in partnership with a local electronic equipment supplier to develop a purpose-designed enclosure solution for on-site electronic components using additive manufacturing. The objective was to integrate existing electronic hardware into a custom 3D-designed housing that met both functional requirements and the durability demands of harsh operating environments.
The engagement focused on iterative 3D design and rapid prototyping, allowing successive refinements to component fitment, assembly tolerances, and structural robustness. Multiple prototype prints were produced to validate geometry, ergonomics, and manufacturability, progressing toward a final design suitable for repeatable additive production. Material selection formed a key part of the process, with PETG filament chosen for its balance of strength, impact resistance, and environmental stability under demanding site conditions.
By combining digital design workflows with practical material testing and on-site performance considerations, the project delivered a production-ready solution that demonstrated how additive manufacturing can support rapid development, localized production, and resilient product design for industrial electronic applications.
The design phase of this project is complete, with manufacturing phases in process.