Case Study Archives - Europac3D

Hitting The Target – Reverse Engineering and 3D Printing Archery Grips for Great Britain

Mark Beckett — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 12:11:41 +0000

3D Scanning and 3D Printing

Hitting The Target – Reverse Engineering and 3D Printing Archery Grips for Great Britain

Europac3D was recently approached by a member of the junior Great Britain archery squad asking if we could help with the reverse engineering and subsequent 3d printing of a replacement grip for his recurve bow used in competitive archery.

Typically standard grips, at this level of competition, need to be reshaped/adjusted relative to hand size and shooting style. Once this manual fettling is complete it is then necessary to reproduce/copy these adjustments for replacement grips and different bows. This is perhaps easier said than done and due to the manual fettling process results in no two grips ever matching perfectly.

To solve this problem Europac3D 3d scanned a grip that had been perfected by Thomas over time and fitted his hand perfectly. An Artec Space spider was chosen to complete the scanning because of its high accuracy and repeatability for relatively small components. The Artec scanner was born out of the need to scan objects in outer space and hence the name ‘Space Spider’, it has thermal stabilization and blue light technology that enables objects to be captured at incredible detail and precision. Total scan time was less than 5 minutes and a triangulated mesh surface model was then created inside of Artec Studio software.

Reverse Engineering with Geomagic Design X

The next stage for this reverse engineering project was to remove the original manufacturers logos and digitally re-cut the fixing holes to create precise parametric geometry ready for final 3d printing. The digital file was imported into Geomagic Design X software to make these adjustments. Design X allows the operator to quickly and easily interrogate imperfect scan data, create parametric CAD models that can be used in downstream CAD packages.

3D Printing Service for Archery Grip

The corrected CAD model was then passed to the 3D print team in order to manufacture 3 grips in total. PA12 nylon was chosen as the most suitable material for the grip, using SLS technology. PA12 produces exceptionally strong, durable parts suitable for ‘end-use’ parts such as this one. After 3d printing the models were then tumbled in a vibratory finishing machine to create a super smooth finish on the final grips.

The final grips were shipped within 7 days from receipt of the original part and the customer was extremely pleased, shooting more than 2000 arrows within the first week.

Complete UK 3D scanning and printing Service

Based in Cheshire, UK the Europac3D team has the unique position of being able to help customers at all stages of their 3D requirements, whether that be 3d scanning, reverse engineering, quality control inspection and/or 3d printing. Our unique skills set us apart from other 3d print bureaus by being able to help a customer even if they have no 3d modelling capability themselves.

If you would like to discuss a project with our team please call us on 0330 229 0175 or e-mail – sales@europac3d.com

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Wallace And Gromit Bench Statue

Mark Beckett — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 16:28:33 +0000

3D Scanning and 3D Printing

Wallace And Gromit Bench

Europac3D was recently commissioned to 3D scan a small maquette of the famous animated characters Wallace and Gromit, as part of a project to create a 7ft bronze statue in the centre of Preston. The maquette was designed by Aardman Animations and depicts Wallace and Gromit in the 1993 movie The Wrong Trousers.

3D Scanning Wallace And Gromit maquette

The task for the Europac3D team was to produce an extremely high-resolution 3D scan of the model, in order that all the original thumb prints and handmade artist impressions could be translated into the larger than life bronze statue. The Artec Space Spider was chosen for the job because of its high data collection rate of 1,000,000 points per second. This incredible resolution means that even the smallest of details can be captured by the 3D scanner and translated into the final sculpture.

The whole 3d scanning process took about 45 minutes to capture and then the huge data point cloud was converted into a triangulated CAD surface model or STL file using Artec Studio software. In addition, our in-house artists were tasked to add details such as the text on the newspaper which was prepared By Aardman animations.

The candidate model was then rendered using Keyshot software to help visualise how the statue might look when manufactured in bronze. This enabled, all parties such as Preston Town Council, Aardman animations and even Nick Park himself to inspect the digital model before actual production had begun. In addition to these rendered still images, the digital model was uploaded to Sketchfab, a 3d model visualisation platform, and given to Ian Banks of Atoll UK. Ian had been commissioned as the Public Art Consultant for the project by Preston Town Council and he was able to use the digital model for augmented reality visualisation in the proposed site for the installation. Using the camera of a smartphone or tablet the digital model of Wallace and Gromit could be placed virtually in position and walked around from all angles. This is a great tool to get a real sense of how the final sculpture might look like long before manufacturing begins.

Casting In Bronze

On approval of the final digital sculpture, the team at Europac3D then began to work closely with Castle Fine Arts Foundry to scale and cut the model into sections that could be formed to create the final 7ft bronze sculpture. A mixture of milling and 3d printing was used to create the pattern pieces. Milling was used for the large smooth sections, while Europac3d 3d printed the more detailed, complex shapes.

The finished bronze consists of a full size but stretched traditional street bench where Gromit sits to one side reading his local newspaper. Behind, Wallace wearing the ex-NASA ‘Techno Trousers‘ first bought for Gromit’s birthday in the film, and tilted on one leg, offers passers-by a happy thumbs-up.

End to end Service

The whole project has been an incredibly interesting challenge and has been a great example of how the traditional expert knowledge of bronze foundry casting can be combined with modern 3d scanning and printing techniques. The two teams at Europac3D and Castle Fine Arts Foundry continue to push forward into new and exciting projects that perhaps previously would not have been attempted.

If you would like to discuss a project with our team please call us on 0330 229 0175 or e-mail – sales@europac3d.com

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3D Scanning For Sculptors

Mark Beckett — Fri, 15 May 2020 11:08:57 +0000

How the arts are benefiting from the precision of 3D scanning and printing

Sculpting the future in 3D

Sculptors are turning to the technological advantages of 3D scanning and printing to assist with the artistic process. Useful throughout the life cycle of a creative project, from capturing the form and detail of work, to scaling models as well as digital archiving on completion; 3D modelling can become one of an artists most useful tools.

Recently British Sculptor Antony Dufort recruited the scanning team at EuroPac3D to assist him in the design process for one of his incumbent works. His vision for the commission involved numerous clay sculptures that would need to be scaled in order to work together as one piece. EuroPac3d scanned each individual piece using a portable handheld 3D scanner. The raw data point cloud was registered and then converted into a triangulated polygonal mesh.

The individual meshes were then scaled and visualised digitally next to each other in order to check proportions for the final artwork. At this final stage the triangulated 3D models could be 3D printed for Dufort to reference, before committing to producing the final piece.

For this project Europac3D utilised the innovative Artec Leo 3D scanner. This wireless, handheld device is the first 3D scanner to offer onboard automatic processing, making 3D scanning as easy as taking a video. As an object is being scanned the user is able to see the 3D visualisation being built in real time on the device’s touch panel screen, ensuring that all areas have been captured and allowing any detail that has been missed to be digitally filled.

Fast, Easy and Portable

Artec leo Handheld 3D Scanner

Artec Leo provides a fully mobile scanning experience as the smartest 3D scanner on the market.

Mark Beckett, Technical Director at EuroPac3D explains why Artec Leo was the best choice for this work.

“Leo provides complete freedom of movement when scanning, allowing you to move around the part quickly and easily. With a large field of view even large objects and scenes can be reconstructed fast and accurately. If even greater precision is required we are able to point the scanner closer to the object to pick up intricate detail, just as you would zoom in with a video camera. A live video stream to an additional screen provides the artist with a real time view of their piece being scanned. The full scan data is then quickly uploaded at the touch of a button. This means we are able to have open dialogue with the artist at the point of scanning to allow us to establish we have captured the information required.”

EuroPac3D has a long established relationship with Antony Dufort working together on several projects. Artec Leo was also used to capture his ‘Free Miner’ public sculpture in 3D. Accurately capturing the detail and texture of the bronze sculpture.

For more information please get in touch

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Combination 3D Scanning

Mark Beckett — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 10:32:46 +0000

NEWS STORY

Combination 3D Scanning To Solve Complex Tree Scanning

There is an ancient forest buried beneath the beach between Borth & Ynys Las on the west coast of Wales, north of Aberystwyth. 6000 years ago, a rise in sea levels covered the land, which has resulted in the forest being buried beneath the sands of the beach. Today, at low tide, gnarled & eroded stumps are revealed, preserved by the sand and the peat in which they lie.

Recently Europac3D was approached by Robert Davies a contemporary artist living in the area, with the task to implement combination 3d scanning of an oak tree like the ones that once dominated the area on Borth beach. The final goal of the project is to cast a single Ceredigion oak tree in the inter-tidal zone on the beach adjacent to, but not within, the visible section of the ancient forest. The idea relates to our changing climate, evidenced by the work of the IPCC, and the rise in sea levels that is being recorded. It has resulted in Natural Resources Wales declaring that ‘there will be managed realignment from Ynys Las 2025 and Borth from 2055’. Tree will draw attention to this unfolding narrative and will relate to the last time this landscape was inundated. It will interact with the tide as it falls and rises twice each day (the submerged forest is only visible about 25% of the time). Tree would communicate these changes and make reference to an historical past around which myths and stories, like the Cantre’r Gwaelod, exist. These stories are central to the culture of Wales.

ARTEC3D WHITE LIGHT, LEICA TERRESTRIAL AND DRONE COMBINATION 3D SCANNING

The technical Task

The primary role for Europac3D was to create a digital replication of an authentic Ceredigion Oak Tree that could be used in the manufacture of the physical manifestation of the tree. To make the task particularly challenging Robert identified a tree located on a steep hillside, a couple miles inland from Borth beach that best represented his vision.

From a technical perspective the 3d scanning of a tree is perhaps one of the more challenging objects you might come across, combine this with a steep hillside, densely populated wood and you now have a serious challenge. The technical bods at Europac3D were scratching their heads for a little while, but then concluded that to do this job properly they would need to literally throw the ‘kitchen sink at it’ to solve the many complex technicalities of completing such a job. They called in a crack team of 3d scanning professionals, all leading experts within their chosen fields of specialism.

It was decided to use just 3 technologies, in order to best capture the tree from all angles and perspectives. To capture the lower parts of the tree in high resolution an Artec Leo handheld 3D scanner was chosen, then a Leica terrestrial laser scanner was used for the mid-section of the tree and finally airborne drone photogrammetry was used for the high bits that traditional scanning techniques could not reach.

This Artec Leo was the perfect choice of 3D scanner for capturing the lower areas of the tree, with a capture window of 500mm by 800mm it was the ideal choice to rapidly capture the geometry of lower areas and guaranteed that the most visible, intricate areas of the final physical tree would be captured in the highest quality. Beyond winching our operator into the canopy of the tree there is a limit to what you can realistically capture with this type of technology and therefore to reach the areas beyond hand scanning height Europac3D brought in our good friends from Efficacy4D. A specialist in terrestrial laser and drone photogrammetry scanning Efficacy4D bring a wealth of knowledge in large object scanning that is renowned throughout the film and TV sectors.

Using a Leica terrestrial Laser scanner, Duncan Lees of Efficacy4D, was able to enthusiastically and energetically manoeuvre the scanner about the hillside to capture those areas beyond which a handheld 3D scanner simply cannot reach. Strategically positioning the scanner in key locations about the forest, Duncan was able to maximise his extensive experience to capture the higher areas of the tree to (up to 10M high) that cannot be reached with traditional handheld scanning technologies.

At this point our technicians had captured the lower and higher parts of the tree, however all from a low-level perspective, which means essentially that the tops of the branches had no 3D data. To solve this problem, the experts from Visualskies were brought in to add the vital 3^rd technology to complete the jigsaw of this 3D scanning conundrum. Drone photogrammetry, which involves the capture of high-resolution images taken from a SLR camera attached to a drone, was then used to collect data from above the canopy of the surrounding trees. The combination of these 3 technologies gave our engineers the best chance of capturing 100% data of the chosen tree in question.

What is perhaps significant here is that these are 3 technologies that are not ordinarily combined. Terrestrial laser scanning is most commonly used within the surveying industry for capturing buildings and structural measurements, while handheld scanners are typically used for applications such as medical, engineering and artistic design. These 3 technologies have their own industry standard software and workflows, however, are rarely combined.

The 3 sets of point cloud data were carefully registered and combined by the experts at Europac3D to provide a composite 3D mesh surface model in the form of an STL (Stereolithography) file, which is suitable for many downstream applications including its future physical manufacture. It is also possible to visualise the digital version of the tree in many AR/VR applications, giving an impression to how it might look when it takes its physical manifestation. If anything, this may well be the legacy of this project, a piece of digital artwork that helps communicate and visualise our past and the consequences of climate change.

As a technology solution provider, Europac3D has perhaps the broadest range of 3d scanning and printing technologies on the market in the UK and it is this ‘application knowledge’ that sets us apart in our offering. Please contact us if you have tricky application requirements, this is the bit where we excel!

For More Information Contact Europac3D on 01270 216000 or sales@europac3d.com

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ARTEC HANDHELD 3D SCANNER – REVERSE ENGINEERING LEGACY TRACTOR EQUIPMENT

Mark Beckett — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 10:56:48 +0000

NEWS STORY

ARTEC HANDHELD 3D SCANNER REVERSE ENGINEERING LEGACY TRACTOR EQUIPMENT

Taylor Attachments, a UK-based manufacturer of tractor headstock conversion brackets, frequently receives damaged equipment from its customers in need of restoration.

Normally, the company would sit down and spend hours manually drawing the parts needed to restore the piece of tractor equipment before making prototypes and revisions. The process altogether could take Taylor Attachments up to three weeks to complete: a lengthy and costly process.

The company came to Europac3D to look for a solution that would save it time and money in re-engineering legacy equipment.

As a gold-certified reseller of Artec 3D scanners, Europac 3D recommended the Artec Eva 3D scanner: a fast, affordable and easy-to-use 3D scanner, perfect for capturing medium-sized objects.

Quick to set up and easy-to-use, with extremely fast scanning, a 536 x 371mm capture window and the ability to grab 16 frames per second, large objects can be digitised with speed and efficiency – the Artec Eva 3D scanner is the market-leader in hand-held 3D scanning.

The object is stitched together frame-by-frame on the screen in real-time, allowing the user to see exactly what they have captured as the user moves around the object being captured.

Using the Artec Eva scanner, Taylor Attachments has reduced the time it takes to produce a digital model of the required equipment from weeks to just a single day.

“With Eva, it takes only about 20 minutes to scan an entire headstock, then another 20 minutes to post-process everything in Artec Studio – and after that, the 3D model from Studio is sent over to our in-house design team,” commented Mark Taylor of Taylor Attachments.

“What they do is use the Xtract3D add-in for SOLIDWORKS to create a beautiful, highly-precise 3D model that’s 100% ready for protection. After that, it’s immediately sent over to one of our laser cutting partners.

“What we are looking at in terms of individual project time with Eva? Everything from start-to-finish in less than 24 hours. That’s it. Compare that with the seven days to two-to-three weeks it took us when we were doing it the old way. There’s simply no going back for us.” finished Mark Taylor.

For more information on how businesses can use 3D scanners and get ahead of the competition, contact us today on (0)1270 216000 or via email at sales@europac3d.com

Artec Eva 3d scanning tractor headstock

Artec Eva handheld 3D scanner

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HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D Printing shaping the future of the Fashion Industry

Mark Beckett — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 10:49:23 +0000

NEWS STORY

HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D Printing shaping the future of the Fashion Industry

The reality of 3d printing within the fashion industry is now upon us, technology such as HP’s Multi Jet Fusion 3d printers are giving designers the opportunity to manufacture customisable bespoke solutions that fit exactly to an individuals shape/form, on demand and at a speed/price point that is commercially acceptable.

Here at Europac3D we recently teamed up with Annie Foo, a young Fashion designer who studied at Central St Martins before recently completing a masters degree in Fashion Womenswear at the Royal College of Art in London. Annie’s vision is to explore innovative methods of making whilst merging style with desire to help reduce the impact fashion has on the future environment. A keen eye on combining traditional shoe making with new and innovative technologies that will push the boundaries of industrial fashion design and manufacture.

Annie started her quest by 3d scanning shoe lasts and human feet to create a digital base model from which to develop her designs around. Using software such as Gravity Sketch VR, Annie’s freehand brush strokes were captured perfectly while still conforming to the underlying base digital model. The designs were then refined in software such as Rhino3D and a 3D printable solid model was created in the form of an STL file.

The use of 3d scanning technology to scan the human form is highly significant in moulding the way we will acquire fashion in the near future, the time whereby completely customised fashion garments are manufactured on demand and fit exactly to the individuals form is just6 around the corner.

3D Printing shoes on HP 4200 Multi Jet Fusion

The next task was to 3d print the designs in a material that was strong enough for functional prototypes to be made. Annie worked in close collaboration with the engineers at Europac3D to calculate the optimal material for production of a working shoe that could withstand the weight of a human, without compromising the original design aesthetics.

The second iteration of designs was a complete success, the shoes were 3d printed using a HP 4200 Multi Jet Fusion 3D Printer based at our offices in Cheshire, UK. The material chosen was a PA12 Nylon, which offered an excellent balance between strength and flexibility for this application. A pair of shoes takes just 3 hours to build and the raw material cost is at a point that would not be out of place on the high street. The significance of this is 3d printing until recently has been limited primarily to concept modelling and early prototypes, before manufacture being switched to traditional methods for mass production. The HP technology now offers an alternative route to manufacture with the added benefit are being able to digitally manufacture each individual shoe to a person’s shape/form or to customise each item bespoke to the individual.

The final pieces that were used for the catwalk were painted and finished with leather. Annie comments, “There is no such things of zero waste fashion unless we don’t consume,”. “The only solution is to buy less and select fashion products carefully. Only buy the clothes and shoes that perfectly fit your body and use materials that last for longer.”

With these sustainability issues in mind, Annie decided her creations not only needed to look good visually, they also needed to meet demands of durability. The use of innovative scanning and 3D printing technology has enabled Annie to show us the future fashion manufacture whereby items will be custom made on demand, but still with an eye on sustainability and traditional processes.

For more information about the HP 5200 3d printer series in the UK please contact us on 01270 216000 or sales@europac3d.com.

HP 5200 3D Printer Series UK

The digital factory of the fututre

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Bowman International Select HP & Europac3D For Production 3D Printing

Mark Beckett — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 10:07:00 +0000

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CASE STUDY

Bowman International select Hp And Europac3D for Production 3D Printing

Bowman International, a leading innovator in bearing design and manufacture, has invested in a HP 4200 Multi Jet Fusion 3D printer for the manufacture of end use bearings, seals and cages. The HP machine, supplied by UK Channel partner Europac3D, will help reduce the cost of parts whilst increasing the functionality of end products and speed to market.

An Evolution in bearing case design

By embracing 3D printing technology Bowman International have been able to develop a modern, bespoke solution for the production of their bearing cages. As there are few design constraints restricting how a part can be manufactured, 3D printing has allowed Bowman to design specific products around the technology. As a result Bowman’s patented ‘Rollertrain’ cage technology is truly a stand-out innovation.

The Rollertrain Cage boasts a unique interlocking structure which uses the rolling elements to pin together each section of the cage. This revolutionary, design creates enough additional space around the circumference of the cage to incorporate two to four more rollers than comparative products. It is these additional rollers which allow the load to be spread over a higher number of rolling elements that increase the performance of the overall cage, making it a suitable specification choice for any application which would benefit from higher load capacity or extended life expectancy, without having to amend any other part of the bearing assembly.

Bowman have reported an up to 70% increase in the load bearing capacity of its split bearings and an increased working life increase of up to 500%. This is revolutionary for additive manufacturing as performance has been improved through the use of 3D printing.

Jacob Turner, Head of Bowman Additive Production explains; “The Rollertrain cage combines the very latest in 3D printing with world-renowned materials science. Together, this offers OEMs and plant maintenance engineers a split bearing which delivers superior performance and longer product life, alongside simplified mounting and maintenance procedures – not forgetting less vibration and noise during operation.”

The Evolution of a partnership – Europac3D & HP with Bowman International

Working alongside Europac3D, Bowman International tested the parts and were impressed both with the capabilities of the HP Multi Jet Fusion’s printed polymers as well as the speed and accuracy of the part production.

When testing the parts from the HP machine the Isotropic properties of the bearing cages were significant; the parts had equal strength in X Y and Z directions. This was a huge advantage in comparison to relative technology that has suffered from deficiencies in parts, accountable to weakness in the Z, or vertical, axis of the printer. As the HP machines has such rapid fusing speed in layers the Z axis strength passed production tests with flying colours and therefore delivered the preferred choice for Bowman.

Bowman’s HP Multi Jet Fusion machine is the first of its kind in the UK to use PA11 nylon polymer, a fine bioplastic polyamide powder which provides end products with the elasticity, durability and functionality required for use with in rolling element bearings. The PA11 nylon has a superior thermal resistance and is characterised by good elasticity, high elongation at break and high impact resistance as well as resistance to chemicals, especially hydrocarbons, aldehydes, UV, alcohols, detergents, oils, fats, mineral bases and salts.

John Beckett, Managing Director of Europac3D, comments; “Bowman International’s use of the HP’s Multi Jet Fusion printer is illustrative of how the part production market is being truly revolutionised by 3D printing. The new HP printers are able to accurately mass produce bespoke parts which in turn can cut costs and speed up production times.”

Since the new HP Multi Jet Fusion printer was introduced to the market in Spring 2017, the demand for the product has been unprecedented from both bureau printing businesses who rely on the quality of build and speed of printing, through to businesses looking to 3D print bespoke parts that are robust, accurate and available for immediate use.

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Crispin Orthotics Invest In HP Multi Jet Fusion and Siemens NX Software

Mark Beckett — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 14:38:47 +0000

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CASE STUDY

Crispin Orthotics Invest in HP Multi Jet Fusion and Siemens NX software

Crispin Orthotics are a leading HCPC registered clinic specialising in the production and maintenance of orthosis. The company provides services to both public and private healthcare sectors from the 3D design and print of orthotics through to repairs and aftercare, all undertaken by highly qualified technicians.

Crispin Orthotics approached Europac3D seeking a new 3D printing solution and Computer Aided Design (CAD) software package that could meet the growing demand for orthotics while reducing printing costs and increasing the speed of part production.

The HP and Siemens Solution

Europac3D were able to provide a solution for Crispin by introducing them to HP’s Multi Jet Fusion 3D printers which deliver a solution that is up to 10 time faster and at a 50% cost-per-part reduction, to comparable SLS technology. The increased speed and cost reduction achieved from the new HP machines means that hundreds of customised and completely personal orthotics can be 3d printed overnight in one twelve hour build process.

Another consideration for Crispin is that the parts produced were strong enough and have enough flexibility to endure the rigours of every day human movement. The sample parts produced on the HP machine passed all the tests and what is particularly significant with the HP multi jet fusion technology is that the parts produced have homogeneous strength in all three axes of build and therefore the orientation of build does not affect part strength or quality.

The HP 3D printer was paired with Siemens NX software featuring topology optimisation, which not only enables technicians to strip weight from the design but also add strength to key areas. The software also provides a ‘nesting’ capability which organises multiple 3D parts to fit perfectly together on the printer bed, reducing the number of print runs needed – thus increasing the speed while reducing the cost of production.

Crispin orthotics was able to use their Siemens NX CAD software and HP Multi Jet Fusion printer for a recent project. The new 3D technologies allowed Crispin to develop a 3D printed orthotic for the arm with an integrated joint at the elbow and an attachment at the end of the device which allows for the use of prosthetic devices. The single printed part was made from durable nylon material which is also very light weight and durable.

Mark Thaxter, Managing Director of Crispin Orthotics, comments: “3D scanning and printing has revolutionised the speed and quality of parts we’re able to produce for clients.

“Having the ability to create a bespoke devise that is lightweight, durable and accurate to 0.2mm has obvious benefits to the user. The business also benefits from the speed of 3D printing parts as well as cost savings of approximately 40% on each part by removing the need for multiple components in the supply chain and assembly.

“Using 3D scanning and printing also provides greater freedom on the design of products particularly those with complex geometry. Having the ability to vary the thickness of the device in certain parts also allows us to produce devices not possible with current methods of manufacturing.”

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3D Printing Bureau Attracted by Speed of HP Jet Fusion

Mark Beckett — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 14:39:36 +0000

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CASE STUDY

3D Printing Bureau Attracted By Speed of HP Jet Fusion

Digital manufacturer, Fluxaxis, is the UK’s first bureau 3d printing company to invest in HP’s new 4200 Jet Fusion 3D printing solution. The high-tech, high-investment start-up is a new venture from Stage One, the creative manufacturing & engineering services company supplying projects to architects, designers, producers and artists.

Investment

The investment will open the technology up to a wide customer base allowing more to benefit from the machine’s faster and higher print quality at a 50% cost-per-part reduction.

The HP 4200, supplied by Europac3D, was chosen for its ability to produce parts for prototyping and final use manufactured parts at a speed previously unachievable by other technologies. A full build, regardless of the number of parts contained within it, takes just 10 hours to complete and looks set to disrupt the 3d printing services market of traditional SLS parts.

Edwin Stokes, Director at Fluxaxis, comments; “We are thrilled to be amongst the first to back the HP Multi Jet Fusion. We were attracted not only by the speed and quality of printing but by the fact the HP Multi Jet Fusion is an open platform that allows external companies to create new materials with enhanced properties and at lower costs. The next couple of years are going to be extremely exciting as new materials are developed for applications across the medical, engineering and creative industries.”

The new HP Jet Fusion printer, with the additional purchase of a HP fast cooling station, allows for continuous 24 hour 3D printing. After a print is complete, a build unit can be removed from the machine and immediately wheeled into the fast cooling station, which rapidly cools the parts contained within. This is a huge leap forward dramatically reducing cooling times.

The addition of an extra build unit allows for this to be inserted into the 3D printer immediately after the last build has finished, thus meaning a continuous rotation of build jobs throughout a 24 hour period.

Europac3D

These benefits have helped Europac 3D secure more than £1m in sales in the first six months of the printers being available in the UK, as companies and organisations look to benefit from the technologies.

John Beckett, managing director of Europac 3D, comments; “It’s becoming increasingly evident that these new technologies from HP are going to revolutionise 3D printing and open up the technologies to new and exciting markets. Coupled with an open platform system we’re excited by the opportunities and look forward to further developments in months to come.”

The print services supplied by Fluxaxis will be looking to gain new customers in a wide variety of verticals and gain market share in the 3D printing bureau industry throughout the UK and Europe.

Europac 3D, headquartered in state of the art facilities in Cheshire, offers a full spectrum of services from the supply of cutting-edge scanners, printers and accessories to installation, maintenance and training of staff in the usage of 3D hardware and software.

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3D Scanning and Printing a Bainbridge Water Fountain

Europac — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 11:11:42 +0000

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CASE STUDY

3D Scanning and Printing a Bainbridge Water Fountain

Europac 3D was recently tasked with assisting a restoration specialist, Lost Art, to replicate a famous water fountain in Teesdale, Cumbria for a client who wanted to reproduce the piece in its full glory.

The scan needed to be carried out carefully to avoid any further damage to the fountain. This is where Europac 3D came into action with a unique combination of using Artec Eva and Artec Spider 3d scanners to capture the unique shape and dimensions of the water fountain.

The pair of scanners were particularly adept at scanning the fountain, being able to scan outside on a sunny day without any loss of accuracy or capture quality. They were used with a battery pack, which allowed for easy set up next to the fountain and freedom of movement, allowing for the operator to walk freely around the fountain with either of the handheld scanners.

The Artec Eva with its larger field of view was used to capture the larger smoother surfaces of the fountain sculpture, while the Spider was used to capture the detailed intricate parts. Both scans were captured in Artec Studio 12 software and the two sets of data were ‘married’ together to produce a watertight triangulated surface mesh. A unique feature of the Artec Studio 12 software allows for scans from different devices to be combined into one common point cloud and then merged to create a 3D model exactly as the client requested.

The 3D model was then printed in full-size in a ceramic plastic material using a Uniontech Pro Series 3d printer. The restoration artist was then able to add additional details and features such as intricate leaf details that had worn away from the original fountain

The final product was then cast in bronze using the 3d print as a mould template – Creating a new-meets-old final product of the famous Bainbridge water fountain for the client’s personal collection.

For more information please get in touch

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