3D Printing Saves Time & Money for ASSA ABLOY

The Challenge

ASSA ABLOY engineers were actively searching for a new development process optimization for their customized opening solutions. Traditionally, their standard approach included injection molding for prototyping, which incurs high costs and long lead times. Finding an alternative technology presented a challenge, as several critical application requirements needed to be met. These requirements include a tough material that offers long-term durability and could withstand 120,000 cycles but still have an excellent
surface finish.

The Solution

After garnering no results from their internal search, they reached out to Cotu, an experienced service bureau with experience in photopolymer 3D Printing for industrial segments. Cotu once again looked to expert materials provider Henkel Loctite and determined that LOCTITE 3D 3843 HDT60 High Toughness Matte Black was the most suitable material to meet part requirements from Loctite’s extensive 3D printing materials portfolio. By using LOCTITE 3843 together with Asiga’s PRO 4K 3D printer, Cotu was able to 3D print these opening solutions that met all the part requirements.

Benefits

By using LOCTITE 3843 on the Asiga platform, Cotu reduced costs and shortened lead times dramatically by circumventing injection molding tooling. Previous traditional manufacturing methods could take up to 8 weeks or even more. By leveraging LOCTITE 3D 3843 HDT60 High Toughness on Asiga’s PRO 4K, Cotu was able to print 500 parts in a 15-minute print job and deliver the parts within the same week. These 3D printed prototypes were so precise that they allowed for more mechanical tests in the early development stages, and this pre-testing significantly decreased final product test failure.