Evaluating 3D printing and Additive Manufacturing

VisionAid evaluates 3D printing and Additive Manufacturing

VisionAid International’s mission is to produce products and software that make reading a pleasure once again for the millions of people who are partially sighted, blind or dyslexic.

The Readit Scholar HD is a portable close up, distance and self-viewing reading machine, autoreader and CCTV system. Weighing just 1.2kg, the product can capture close-up (up to A3) and distant objects. It is designed and manufactured in-house by VisionAid at their site in Spalding, Lincolnshire.

VisionAid wanted to evaluate the use of 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing in the development of prototype and production structural components of the product, and needed an experienced technology partner to work with.

The requirement

With its new product for partially sighted people, VisionAid had very specific requirements for the realisation of its designs – and for its potential prototyping partner.

To begin with, they needed a supplier that could provide early concept parts for visual presentation at a major trade show.

Based on the success of this activity, they then also wanted to use 3D Printed parts in the final manufacturing process, in favour of the alternative aluminium and plastic components produced by CNC machining and Injection Moulding respectively.

Critically, VisionAid realised that the 3D printing process would bring a number of benefits, in particular:

• it would allow VisionAid’s in-house designers more freedom and flexibility to produce part designs for manufacturing evaluation, and
• they could avoid the large up-front outlay required for tooling. This was particularly important because frequent changes to specifications of the 3^rdparty cameras used in the product required subsequent changes to the Readit Scholar HD design itself.

Why VisionAid chose Prototype Projects

VisionAid had three requirements for their chosen 3D printing and Additive Manufacturing partner:

• Fast, efficient service
• High quality product
• Competitive price

They sent a request for quotation to three potential suppliers. Prototype Projects was the first company to respond (within two hours). Their proposal showed how the Selective Laser Sintering process could achieve the goals and was the most competitively priced.

Following an evaluation of the other quotes received, VisionAid strongly favoured Prototype Projects but in the meantime had made some further design changes, necessitating a revised quote.

Again Prototype Projects responded quickly. On receipt of the revised quote, VisionAid placed the order for concept prototype parts, with a view to a subsequent order for additive manufactured production parts.

VisionAid designer Andrew Smith then visited Prototype Projects in Royston, Herts and was shown around the manufacturing facility.

The first products were delivered to VisionAid as promised – on time and to the expected quality.

From 3D Printed Parts to Additive Manufactured Production Parts

Subsequent orders for production parts have now been placed, and those parts have also been delivered.

A major value-added aspect of the relationship is Prototype Projects’ consultative and supportive approach during the process, which have helped VisionAid’s designers adapt their product designs to account for industry changes and additive manufacturing efficiency.

Ellis Ellis, MD of VisionAid International said:

“We are grateful to Prototype Projects because they have provided an outstanding quality 3D Printing service. On top of that, their invaluable additional advice and support has helped us modify our designs for production parts and achieve even more competitive price points on additive manufacturing.”

Ellis continued:

“The smooth surface finish on these laser sintering parts is outstanding. The Prototype Projects finishing team also apply dye and spray colours to create top quality finished production parts for our Readit Scholar HD.

“The design flexibility afforded by the 3D Printing additive manufacturing process from Prototype Projects means we’re likely to continue using them for future product launches. ”