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3D printed components are actually commonplace in end-use purposes, however not all are utilized in as exacting an surroundings as those utilized by Planet Ocean, primarily based in Camberley, UK. Planet Ocean is a specialist within the provision of high-quality, marine scientific devices for analysis, survey, naval, and operations assist. The corporate represents among the world’s foremost producers of oceanographic and marine meteorological tools masking a large spectrum of disciplines from radar wave measuring techniques to seabed evaluation techniques, and autonomous underwater and floor automobiles.
ecoSUB Robotics — an organization spun out of Planet Ocean to interact within the design and manufacture of underwater automobiles — repeatedly makes use of 3DPRINTUK as a provider for quite a few key 3D printed components. These 3D printed elements must function in saltwater, in very low temperatures, and below excessive stress some 2,500 meters under sea degree, whereas on the identical time remaining water-tight and intact.
Jeremy Sitbon, Chief Robotics Engineer – Marine Robotics Programs at ecoSUB Robotics mentioned: “For certain, the components that we use in our underwater automobiles must be sturdy and sturdy, and completely conform to design intent. 3D printing is most well-liked over injection molding as we discover the expertise extra versatile, and the design freedom permits us to innovate nice components. Additionally, our volumes are low (possibly 10 components monthly) so injection molding wouldn’t be economical. Add in the truth that with 3D printing we are able to customise designs for particular person shoppers, and the selection is evident. We use 3D printing for prototyping and manufacturing purposes and transitioned from Additive to 3DPRINTUK as the 2 corporations merged in 2021. For us, it’s important that the prototype and manufacturing components that we order are competitively priced, prime quality, and speedily delivered, and in 3DPRINTUK we discover all of this and extra. Key to the success of our relationship is the inherent information and expertise that resides throughout the 3DPRINTUK group. They’ve a ‘can-do perspective, and their understanding of Design for AM (DfAM), and the administration of the 3D printing course of to maximise efficiencies and subsequently scale back prices per half are of significant significance to us.”
All of the 3D printed components utilized by ecoSUB Robotics for manufacturing are trialed in small prototype batches and built-in into the marine automobiles earlier than manufacturing portions are ordered. The explanation that price is so essential to the corporate is that they see monumental potential for his or her underwater automobiles not simply for use by professionals throughout the army and oil and gasoline sectors, but additionally analysis scientists gathering essential details about local weather change. Worth is vital to creating this superior expertise accessible to a large person group. ecoSUB Robotics is ready to benefit from each the MJF and SLS companies provided by 3DPRINTUK to maximise the advantages of the totally different polymer powder mattress fusion (PBF) processes.
Sitbon continued: “We’re consistently looking out for probably the most cost-effective 3D printing answer for our underwater automobiles, however we can not compromise on high quality in any respect. There are two totally different sorts of components and elements within the automobiles, exterior components that may be seen, and inner components that can’t. The exterior components must be yellow for the sake of visibility, and we use SLS for these because the expertise produces whiter components than MJF, and in our opinion, this makes the addition of a coloration that rather more particular and placing. MJF components are considerably greyer, and this makes the processed coloration much less vivid. For components used internally, which don’t must be coloured and don’t must be aesthetic, we use MJF components as they’re usually cheaper. So, I assume we’ve the notion that SLS as a course of is extra versatile when ending and dyeing are required, however as we’re satisfied over time that MJF improves on this respect, we’ll almost definitely shift all components to MJF resulting from worth issues and the truth that extra exacting tolerances could be made repeatably with this 3D printing course of that means improved detailing on components. It’s vastly worthwhile to us that 3DPRINTUK has each applied sciences at its fingertips, and has the information and experience to advise on the perfect expertise for every utility.”
ecoSUB Robotics see professionals and cons with each SLS and MJF however discover that MJF components appear to have a greater end earlier than post-processing, and this may be a bonus for exterior coloured components which when made through SLS are inclined to get soiled and look worn over time and below heavy utilization.
Sitbon concluded: “The evaluation of SLS and MJF will proceed, and we’re joyful to be guided as to which course of to make use of for inner and exterior purposes by the 3DPRINTUK group. Due to the tough environments that a few of our automobiles are utilized in, the integrity of the fabric chosen is all the things, and we’re amazed by each processes which may face up to intense chilly, excessive stress, and the corrosive nature of saltwater, and nonetheless cross rigorous water-tightness exams. We are going to proceed to make use of 3DPRINTUK as we’ve not discovered an internet ordering system that comes near theirs when it comes to ease-of-use, and the group has an infinite depth of data in materials choice, DfAM, and print optimization that advantages us on each degree”.
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