High Density Stacking Capability Enhances Productivity in 3D Part Production at Decathlon
Technology Category
- Wearables - Augmented Reality Glasses, Headsets & Controllers
Applicable Industries
- Equipment & Machinery
- Glass
Use Cases
- Additive Manufacturing
- Virtual Prototyping & Product Testing
Services
- Testing & Certification
The Customer
Decathlon
About The Customer
Decathlon is the world’s largest sporting goods retailer. The company was facing a challenge with a mold injection problem on a small component for shooting glasses that connects the frame to the lenses. In order to solve this problem and increase efficiency in production, Decathlon decided to test the new 3D stacking solution developed by 3D Systems. After conducting a feasibility study, the company confirmed the productivity and economics of additive manufacturing and decided to use this solution for batch-run production of the final product. Decathlon’s additive manufacturing lab (ADDLAB) uses 3D Systems’ Figure 4 3D printing solution across a range of applications.
The Challenge
Decathlon, the world’s largest sporting goods retailer, was faced with a mold injection problem on a small component for shooting glasses that connects the frame to the lenses. The company was seeking a solution that would avoid the expense of tooling and increase efficiency in production. They decided to test the new 3D stacking solution developed by 3D Systems to evaluate additive manufacturing for production. After conducting a feasibility study on the Figure 4 solution and stacking feature, Decathlon’s teams confirmed the productivity and economics of additive manufacturing and decided that this solution could be considered for batch-run production of the final product.
The Solution
Decathlon’s additive manufacturing lab (ADDLAB) uses 3D Systems’ Figure 4 3D printing solution across a range of applications, and is now considering using the new high density part stacking capability of 3D Systems’ 3D Sprint software to facilitate direct production. The new stacking feature helps users print high volume batches with an efficient file preparation workflow. To use the stacking feature, users import a part and base file, define the stack in terms of orientation and part quantities, and use automated tools to replicate consecutive vertical stack layers and supports. Decathlon is using the Figure 4® PRO-BLK 10 material for this functional eyeglass component, citing the material’s strong rigid properties and fast print speeds as key benefits. The Figure 4 Modular system is used to print stacks of 100 parts in 85 minutes, which is equivalent to just 42 seconds per part. The high-density stacking capability of Figure 4 brings efficiencies of scale to post-processing as well as part building, allowing Decathlon to treat a batch of parts the same as a single part.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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