【3D Printing Application】SLS Modification Savior: New Accessories for Old Equipment!
Radio Kraków, a Polish radio station, has been using the same audio recorder for many years. However, its accessories have become difficult to use due to wear and tear. The NAGRA "Ares-M" recorder, a model from over a decade ago, is still in service; whether used for recording broadcasts, movies, or other purposes, it consistently delivers high-quality audio. However, any device will wear out after thousands of uses in rushed operations and various environments, and the weakest part is often the frequently opened and closed battery cover.
The friction and stress generated by frequently opening and closing the battery cover can cause parts to break. In such cases, plastic covers typically start to fail at contact points of varying thicknesses. When manufactured by plastic injection molding, even a thickness error of a few tenths of a millimeter can lead to internal stress in the material, as it causes uneven cooling of the product and subsequent cracking at the contact points, which is not the desired outcome.
Solving the Problem Fundamentally
Before printing a new casing with the Sinterit Lisa, repair technicians frequently had to use glue to fix the recorder, an inefficient and time-consuming practice. To overcome this issue, they redesigned the battery cover and manufactured it using 3D printing. This not only allowed it to fit the recorder but also made it more durable than the original structure. The designer first measured the original battery cover, created a 3D model, and printed it, making adjustments based on prototype testing.Although the new cover designed after the initial measurements was fully functional, the designer decided to refine certain details because even a 0.1mm difference in the interlocking structure could affect the durability of the 3D-printed product. The revised casing had a better surface than the original, and finally, the company name "RadioKraków" was marked on the recorder to prevent loss.
The high precision required for the interlocking structure on the battery cover made SLS technology and PA12 Smooth powder the optimal choice. Furthermore, 3D printing offered maximum efficiency in terms of molding time and the number of prototype modifications. Using SLS 3D printing technology allowed all versions requiring testing and modification to be arranged within the printing volume. All design variations could be tested immediately after a single print, and this characteristic of SLS printing made it quicker to design the optimal accessory than with other technologies. (Further reading: Comparison and Overview of 3 Common 3D Printing Technologies)
(SLS printing involves filling the entire volume with printing powder before 3D printing. Therefore, printing objects can fill the entire volume, making it the most economical and efficient method.)
A New Lease on Life
This approach has practically helped the radio station save money and time, eliminating the need to repurchase and retrain staff on new recording equipment due to minor parts damage. Currently, Sinterit Lisa has many application cases in various industries. We invite you to refer to our other articles; if you need parts manufactured, we also offer high-quality printing services using original 3D printers to ensure you achieve the same high-quality results.Follow our Facebook page and don't miss any updates: https://www.facebook.com/3dmart.com.tw
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