Success story: Manufacturing customized parts
Manufacturing customized parts
Manufacturing through 3D printing, together with our PET-G filament, has allowed our company Recreus to re-design the container packaging for the PP·3D polypropylene filament 'primer', allowing us to create an ad-hoc and customized solution that is difficult to find in the market. Let's take a closer look at this practical success story in which a problem has been solved, in addition to the cost and time savings for the company.
"For the replacement of the new container, we needed a model with very specific characteristics that we could not find on the market. In addition, we wanted the cap to incorporate a brush applicator and it was not profitable to buy a huge print run. As it was impossible to find something like this, the most efficient option was to manufacture it ourselves."
Mª Ángeles Pérez, COO of Recreus
Challenge
Non-existent container in the market
At Recreus we set out to replace the 'primer' container, which goes along with our PP·3D polypropylene filament, with a much more optimal solution that meets a number of requirements:
- Glass or plastic container to guarantee watertightness.
- Solvent resistant.
- Size and shape capable of fitting into the spool hole: capacity for about 30ml and with maximum dimensions of 50mm in height and 50mm in diameter.
- Incorporating a brush for easy application.
In our search we realize that it is impossible to have a container that meets each and every one of the requirements and none of the alternative packaging options fit us. The containers that incorporate the wide brush applicator brush are for formats with a capacity equal to or greater than 125 ml and, therefore, too large. Containers with a capacity of 30-40 ml and with the measurements we need are not manufactured with an applicator brush or the brush is too thin.
Metal container with brush applicator, which is to be replaced by a new more optimal design
Solution
Manufacture and 3D print the end-use part to obtain the container we need
At this point, and after evaluating all the budgets and alternatives analyzed, the best solution is to purchase several components separately and manufacture the missing part with 3D printing. That is why we acquired the glass containers, which fit us in terms of capacity and measures, and the brushes.
The next step is to design and print a coupling to fit the brushes to the lid of the container.
STEP 1: RECREUS WHITE PET-G PRINTED COUPLING PIECE
STEP 2: BRUSH APPLICATOR
Result
A customized container that meets all of our needs using our PET-G filament
Finally, by printing this coupling part with our PET-G filament, we were able to design a container model that meets all our requirements and at the same time delivers:
- Security
- Protection
- Space saving
- Packaging optimization
The container now fits into the central hole of the PP·3D polypropylene spools to occupy less space in the packaging, optimizing the space and volume of the product and protecting it more. The following video shows in detail how the packaging is configured:
Next Steps
Evaluate the 3D printing manufacturing of the entire container
The current global supply crisis has affected all sectors and when placing an order for a part we are finding the lack of such material and the delay in delivery. That is why the next challenge we face is to be able to eliminate dependence on a third party and design and manufacture our own packaging internally with 3D printing technology. A topic that we are going to evaluate.
The advantages we would gain would be considerable:
- Eliminate uncertainty of material supply from a third party or due to unfavorable market conditions
- Eliminate dependence on a third party
- Shorten lead times and waiting times
- 100% adaptation of the packaging design to our needs
- Stock reduction. Controlled manufacturing and under our own demand in smaller quantities
- Cost savings
