CREAT3D Case Study
SHORTENING THE DESIGN FEEDBACK LOOP WITH STEREOLITHOGRAPHY 3D PRINTERS
"We are so impressed with the user experience and the results, that we plan to have a suite of Form 3s running various resins to add capacity and flexibility to our prototyping output. We've recently added a 2nd printer which integrated so easily to an already super busy workshop.”
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Matt Wright, Creative Director, Matter
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> ABOUT MATTER
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Matter, the product design consultancy based in Bath, was established in 2003, with the aim of solving client’s design briefs through creativity and innovation. Matter is committed to making a difference and achieving a positive future. Their work covers industrial design, packaging design, foresight, strategy, concept visions, visualisation and prototyping for a huge range of products and experiences. From start-ups to blue-chip internationals, the inspirational team at Matter work on everything from furniture to premium chocolates, alcoholic beverages, to beauty products and consumer product packaging.
> SOLUTION
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Integrating Formlabs Form 3 SLA 3D printers into Matter’s workflow. The Form 3 provides an excellent design development and prototyping capability and is used as an additional design tool in the workshop, alongside CNC, laser cutters, vac forming equipment, lathes and handmade techniques.
> CHALLENGE
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Embedding the right type of 3D printing technology into Matter’s design, prototype and development workflows, to deliver high quality design concepts with minimal finishing all at a low cost.
> RESULTS
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Multiple Form 3s have been embedded into the design process at Matter, used predominately for prototyping, resulting in:
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> Control over the full design process, with faster response to design iterations
> Reduced design costs, saving hundreds of pounds on outsourced prototypes per design project
> Enhanced product development, being able to print functional models that withstand repeat testing
> BENEFITS FROM ADDITIVE
> Versatility of uses, with very little finishing
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Having worked with CREAT3D during the research
phase, the Formlabs Form 3 was chosen as the best fit. The Form 3 is now used from very early design stages, to bring the product to life as soon as possible, as well as in later working methods for production. The versatility of the printer, producing high quality detailed parts with smooth surface finishes, in a range of materials, lends itself to the flexibility needed for a wide range of clients and design briefs.
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One of the key drivers was the ability to print in clear resin, with a high-quality finish. Many of Matter's models are organic in shape and require several stages of iteration, so the 3D printed versions needed to be robust enough to handle and test, as well as require little finishing.
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> More control > quick response > better results
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One of the key benefits the Form 3 has enabled, is the ability for Matter to have more control over projects. To ensure the success of designs, Matter like to understand all stages, from concept, to iteration through to production. Having the Form 3 in-house enables the team to maintain a watchful eye over all stages and allows agility within a faster workflow.
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> Reduced design costs
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With low operating costs, the Form 3 has greatly reduced costs. Previously, parts would have been sent out to print bureaus, or been printed on the older AM technologies. With both of these options, Matter experienced both higher purchase costs, and post-processing costs, with extended lead times. The parts required a lot of finishing before they could progress to the next design phase, which meant individuals would spend more time manually preparing prints, instead of working on design projects.
Now, models are printed on the Form 3, in a matter of hours. The process is cleaner, faster and more efficient, with the product coming off the printer needing minimal attention.
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Jonathan, Senior Maker Lead, explains: “For us the difficulty has always been printing high quality clear parts at an affordable price. The Form 3 represents amazing value and is a dream to use and maintain. It is now a regular part of our process on all sorts of briefs.”
“The Form 3 has enabled us to make high quality clear parts, and also patterns for silicone moulds that need far less finishing than our previous 3D printer, or any of our other rapid prototyping technology would have done. The turnaround from CAD to a finished model took around one third of the time it would have done using the machine that the Form 3 has replaced."
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Jonathan, Senior Maker Lead, Matter
> Enhanced product development
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Printing clear models on the Form 3 has been incredibly important to specific design projects, for fast and accurate design iteration and development. The Form 3 played a huge role in the development of a healthcare project.
Sukha, was a design exploration to engage more women in positive HPV screening experiences, producing end products that tackle this important element in women’s health by breaking down the barriers that prevent women from attending their cervical screening. The clear 3D printed models, allow for detailed testing and analysis, for example filling with coloured liquids to test flow and functionality.
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> Healthcare Product Development
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Printing multiple iterations in clear resin on the Form 3 was critical to the project’s development. Having the 3D printer in-house provided immediate feedback, enabling same day assessments, revisions and development. With very little post-processing required, time was spent on product development rather than model refinement.
"We are so impressed with the user experience and the results, that we plan to have a suite of Form 3s running various resins to add capacity and flexibility to our prototyping output. We've recently added a 2nd printer which integrated so easily into an already super busy workshop. The business decision is a no brainer.”
Matt Wright, Creative Director
