CREAT3D Case Study
"Time is the best outcome of using Additive.
To manufacture something traditionally is generally 2-3 weeks. Now we can design something and have it on our desks the following morning"
"We have been able to enhance the design of components for better functionality. Now, we have a flexible product that can be manufactured with or without threading – same design, easily adapted to each specific requirement. Due to 3D printing, we can choose to drop in a Nylon insert lock nut, or not, at the same low cost and short lead times.”
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Steve Randall, Operations Director, ECS Special Projects
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> ABOUT ECS SPECIAL PROJECTS
Established in 2011, ECS Special Projects, based in Dorset UK, is a specialist manufacturer of mechanical equipment and assemblies for marine, sub-sea, and defence industries. Supplying clients internationally, ECS Special Projects specialises in the research, development, design and manufacture of bespoke EOD products and innovative ROV autonomous solutions.
> THE PROBLEM
One of the strengths of ECS Special Projects is in their core capability of R&D and bespoke product manufacture. Due to the nature of sub-sea EOD (explosive ordinance disposal) and autonomous ROV (remote operating vehicles), each solution is unique to an application, resulting in a product range that is high value and low unit volume. To use traditional manufacturing techniques would be costly, take weeks to manufacture and is restricted by minimum order quantities.
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> THE ADDITIVE SOLUTION
Using Markforged composite 3D printers to design, develop and manufacture has strengthened ECS’s ability to deliver innovative, bespoke solutions, and quickly. ECS use their 3D printer prominently in R&D. The high level of accuracy and functionality of the printed parts enables quick testing, design iteration and proof of concept. But further to R&D, the high quality of the 3D printed part has resulted in new revenue opportunities by manufacturing low batch volumes of end products for external customers.
Shock Tube Strain Relief Clip
TRADITIONAL FABRICATION
Outsourced and machined in Nylon. Minimum order quantity of 200 at £10 per unit
USING ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
Manufactuered as a single unit, in small batches of 50.
Enhanced part performance through ability to drop in a Nyloc.
Cost per part 40p
COST SAVING
96% cost saving
TIME SAVING
Lead time reduction from 2-3 weeks to next day
