Brief
The startup’s founder brought a rough 3D model of the enclosure. The model was made in an online tool and was not ready for printing. It did not allow space for the electronics, the connector openings were in the wrong places, and the design was not adapted to FDM technology.
The customer needed a functional prototype, not just a visual one. The enclosure had to hold the electronics and be able to open and close.
Solution
We started with a consultation, where we went through the model and marked the problem areas. In Autodesk Inventor we adjusted the joints between parts, the placement of openings and the reinforcement of highly stressed walls.
We printed the first version from PETG, which suits functional prototypes. The customer tried fitting the electronics and sent comments. Based on them, we adjusted the enclosure and printed two more versions.
Why several versions? Iteration is normal in product development. Each version shows something new, and the purpose of prototyping is to find mistakes before a production run.
Result
The final version of the enclosure met the customer’s requirements. The electronics fitted, the enclosure could be opened and the openings were in the right places. The customer went to the presentation with a working device in hand.
- Number of versions: three
- Material: PETG
- Process: model adjustment, printing, adjustment according to comments