ESL Electromech Ltd

Challenge

3D-printing is a new technology to ESL; they needed support to understand the process for manufacturing parts using 3D-printing. They were aiming to explore 3D-printing technology as a means of producing components to support their business model for repairing or replacing parts within 1-2 days and answer the following: 

–        Suitability of 3D-printing as a production process. 

–        Dimensional accuracy of the 3D-printed components.

–        Strength and robustness of 3D-printed components and suitability for end use.

–        Fitment of 3D-printed components with other components in the product assembly.

Solution

Science and Technology Facilities Council engineers created a computer aided design (CAD) of a bobbin component. As STFC’s additive manufacturing facility has a range of 7 different types of additive manufacturing technologies, the engineers manufactured prototype parts from the CAD to assess suitability of material and design. STFC liaised with ESL to identify the most appropriate technology for their application and created prototype parts using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) industrial 3D-printers to produce parts in ASA (UV stable ABS) and Nylon Carbon Fibre materials.

Impact

ESL were able to test the prototype parts and understand the benefits of additive manufacturing technology. They have concluded that 3D-printing would be a viable technology for their business and are progressing with more prototype parts to further develop their knowledge with a view to investing in the technology.

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