3D-Printed Protective Case

Mandate

To mass-produce a custom-shaped and complex protective casing for the electrical switch of locomotives, to ensure the health and safety of workers.

Goals

• Manufacturing a protective casing for the switch to restrict access to sensitive electronic components that could pose a safety concern.
• Producing a complex geometry piece with cavities and reinforcements.
• Addressing the safety concern within short timeframes.
• Finding an optimal and economically viable manufacturing solution for low-volume production runs of around a hundred pieces at a time.
• Efficiently receiving the parts as “on-demand batches” to accommodate variable monthly needs.
• Ensuring that the parts are of high quality, robust, and durable, suitable for the environment.

Results

• Switch casing characterized by its customized and complex geometry.
• Tolerances and precision that stably hold electronic components, ensuring worker safety.
• Excellent mechanical properties (robustness, durability).
• Surface properties and finish quality meeting expectations.
• Optimal production pace and short lead times.
• Competitive costs in the context of short production runs.