3D Printing Drastically Reduces Lead Time & Cuts Costs

The Challenge

RELMAG’s customer required a very specific purpose relay, completely custom designed. There was a question of how to prototype this part while avoiding the standard process where injection molding is required. The process of injection molding is not practical for smaller projects due to its economical inefficiency. As well as that, the lead time for these injection molded parts was 6 weeks which also posed some challenges.

The Solution

RELMAG decided to turn to Service Bureau, Cotu and move away from traditional manufacturing methods to solve their problems. After evaluating the Loctite 3D printing materials portfolio, Cotu determined that Loctite 3D 3843 HDT60 High Toughness Matte Black was the best solution to meet part requirements. The new and improved custom designed relay components were created by leveraging LOCTITE 3D 3843 and the DLP printing process on the Asiga PRO 4k printer.

Benefits

By leveraging 3D Printing and the additive process, Cotu were able to create a cost-effective solution using LOCTITE 3D 3843 HDT60 High Toughness for RELMAG. Printing with Loctite 3D 3843 High Toughness ensures that outstanding mechanical properties are delivered, high durability and excellent surface finish meeting all the requirements of the traditional production parts. The cost of these end use parts was significantly reduced as there was no need for injection molding. The lead time was also reduced dramatically.