Medical device specialist, ITL Group has enhanced its research and development department by investing in new 3D printing technology.
Last year saw ITL invest in two 3D printers that helped to reduce design costs and timescales and also contributed to better designs by enabling adaptations with multiple iterations in a matter of hours.
The company has seen demand for 3D printing rising and in response has purchased a new 3D printer that will improve component quality and design flexibility. The company’s recent upgrade enables it to experiment with different techniques and printing materials such as PETG filament, which is stronger and can withstand higher temperatures. Flexible materials such as TPU opens up the potential for ITL Group to produce previously unachievable features such as living hinges and flexible parts.
Tom Haydon, mechanical systems engineer at ITL, describes the positive impact 3D printing has had on the research and development department: “3D printing continues to be an invaluable resource in R&D, allowing us to rapidly develop, prototype and advance designs at a speed and cost not achievable with traditional manufacture methods.”
Ollie Aylett, mechanical systems engineer at ITL, explains how 3D printing is used across the whole department: “3D printing gives an extra level of versatility to the R&D department and is a real asset to the mechanical design and development process. From prototype design variations in an instance to end use fixtures and fittings it has transformed the way we bring products to life.”