The 3D printed of electronic enclosures, frames and other mechanical elements allows us to provide our customers with functional and reliable products, with even very complex geometries and shapes, unattainable with traditional CNC machining.
In a previous post, we enthusiastically underlined the possibility of 3D printing the solutions designed for our customers. In fact, the production of objects with this system offers various advantages compared to traditional production technologies. But first we want to make an important clarification.
Our intention is not to fully 3D print electronic enclosures and the other solutions we propose: 3D printing does not replace other technologies, such as milling, but is added as a complement to enrich the design and functionality of a product, whether it is a enclosure, a mechanical part, a handpiece, etc.
Optimization of project costs and times
As you probably know, 3D printing produces three-dimensional objects by successively adding layers upon layers of thermoplastic material at high temperatures to create the designed object.
It is therefore an “additive manufacturing” activity.
MCS has two different 3D printing technologies available: the FDM technology, where each layer is made through the deposition of a thermoplastic filament and the Multi Jet Fusion technology, where each layer is made through the fusion of a Nylon powder.
The former is particularly suitable for the manufacturing of equipment and prototypes, thus supporting our Technical Department in the initial assessment of the ergonomics of the product under development. The second instead, with features and performance aimed at the mass production of functional objects.
Flexibility and creativity of design: the great advantage of 3D printing of electronic enclosures
“One of the main reasons that prompted us to implement 3D printing is the enormous freedom in the geometries that can be created” stated Alessandro Vignaga, CEO and Sales Manager of MCS. “We can offer to our customers products with even very complex designs and shapes, sometimes unattainable with CNC machining. MJF 3D printing (Multi Jet Fusion) allows us to produce elements suitable for a definitive application, mechanically performing, with an excellent surface finish (invisible layers) and at competitive costs”.
The MJF technology solidifies Nylon PA12 powders, which has a high resistance to high temperatures, alcohols and chemicals; strong and not subject to breakage, it is also resistant to abrasion. Components made from this material are strong, reliable and long-lasting.
“To get the best result, the part must be designed specifically for 3D printing and managed properly. Our knowledge of this technology and the difficulties of post processing, the experience in the sector and in understanding the customer’s needs, allows us to orient the piece to be molded in the most effective way, sometimes sacrificing production optimization and price. Our goal is not to manufacture the greatest number of pieces for each printing session, but to guarantee the customer the best quality and the greatest added value”.
High level of customization for customers
Thanks to 3D printing, MCS offers its customers a high level of customization.
“For us, customization means above all that 3D printing integrates perfectly into a mix of chosen technologies to offer an original design, to make the product more functional and/or more reliable, to ultimately offer a solution that stands out from all the others on the market.
It also happened that some customers asked us to modify a product in production to adapt it to the demand of their particular customer. With 3D printing it was possible to do this without redesigning the entire production process, but simply modifying the 3D model, and thus producing small batches of customized products. I am convinced” concludes Alessandro Vignaga, “that in this sector the customization in design is an important factor of competitiveness”.
Text by MCS Marketing Department