Lead Time & Costs are Majorly Reduced with the Help of 3D Printing

The Challenge

Valeo is a French global automotive supplier and partner to automakers worldwide. They require test benches for automotive component climatic tests. The test benches are holders for car interior parts that stay in the orientation needed under tough conditions to aid in testing car components against extreme weathering conditions, such as wind, humidity, dust, and temperatures. The main challenge was to find a material that could withstand the application requirements. The application required sufficient toughness to keep parts in position at -40 to +85C, minimal water absorption, resistance to humidity level 95+/-4%, and UV stability.

The Solution

Valeo reached out to local service bureau, Cotu, a 3D printing service bureau with expertise in photopolymer 3D printing for industrial end-use parts. Cotu  looked to Additive Manufacturing, specifically the DLP 3D printing process, as they felt it was the right fit to satisfy the customer’s needs. Cotu determined that Loctite 3D 3843 HDT60 High Toughness in Matte Black was the best material solution for this project.

Benefits

By utilizing LOCTITE 3D 3843 HDT60 High Toughness and the DLP printing process, Cotu was able to create a cost-effective solution for Valeo. The cost of these end-use parts was reduced by up to 50% in comparison to the multijet fusion process. Printing in-house resulted in a lead time reduction of several months in comparison to traditional manufacturing methods.