Multiple sectors and companies have been able to take advantage of the great possibilities and advantages of 3D printing, due to the benefits that its integration entails, especially in terms of efficiency and productivity.

About ASE Optics

ASE Optics is one of the companies that has recently opted for the incorporation of a 3D printer in order to simplify the manufacture of prototypes and adapters for different optical systems.

ASE Optics is one of the leading companies in optical engineering, design and manufacturing for the development of these products. They design and manufacture a variety of custom optomechanical and optoelectronic systems, precision optics, and prototypes.

In addition, they have a clear commitment to research and development of new uses and applications of current techniques for different sectors, such as industry and science. In this way, they promote innovation in each and every one of the solutions they create for their clients. This firm commitment to R&D made them want to experiment with 3D printing.

The challenge: Increase productivity in the manufacture of prototypes and adapters

The ASE Optics company is mainly dedicated to the manufacture of prototypes and adapters for optical systems, for test benches or system alignment. His objective was to improve agility, reducing production times, costs and thus, achieving greater flexibility.

Previously, they worked with external machinists or with 3D printing Service Bureaus. With the integration of additive manufacturing in your facilities, manufacturing and delivery times to your customers are reduced, as well as production and logistics costs.

In turn, ASE Optics did not want to diminish the quality of its prototypes and adapters. In this way, the best option was to opt for a printer with high-quality industrial capabilities.

La solución: Fabricación de prototipos y adaptadores con tecnología SLA

Given their needs and with a subsequent evaluation, we came to the conclusion that the most appropriate option was the incorporation of the Formlabs Form 3 3D printer. An affordable industrial quality printer perfect for printing accurate and repeatable prototypes and parts.

The technology used is stereolithography or SLA, which offers a very high quality and great amount of detail. The material they use is Formlabs Black and Gray Resin, which are prepared for end-use parts.

Likewise, this 3D printer allows them to continue researching new projects, with new tests and validations, as well as the possibility of experimenting with other materials.

Project results: Reduction of production times by 85% and manufacturing costs by 60%

The technology used is stereolithography or SLA, which offers a very high quality and great amount of detail. The material they use is Formlabs Black and Gray Resin, which are prepared for end-use parts.

Likewise, this 3D printer allows them to continue researching new projects, with new tests and validations, as well as the possibility of experimenting with other materials.

Thanks to the integration of a 3D printer, they have managed to create parts that were very complex to manufacture through mechanization. What's more, right now they are working to bring new products to the market. They also use the printer to make fixtures for their factory, such as tools to adjust optics or washers with rather unique measurements.

With the incorporation of a 3D printing team, they have managed to reduce the manufacturing time of the prototypes. With an external machine it took around 20 days and with the integration of Form 3, they have managed to obtain the part the same day or the next day, which has meant a reduction in production times by 85%.

They have also reduced manufacturing costs by almost 60%, compared to other manufacturing methods, as well as a reduction in risks in the R&D departments during the creation and innovation phase.

In short, with the incorporation of the Formlabs Form 3 printer, a world of possibilities has opened up for them and has meant a very noticeable change in the ASE Optics company in terms of productivity, efficiency and agility.

The INTECH3D 3D Consulting process

INTECH3D we are business advisers and consultants, in the field of the integration of additive production technologies in the value chains of companies. We take responsibility for the correct integration of the teams in the value chain of each company or business:

• Advice during the choice of the right technology
• Marketing of equipment, consumables and spare parts
• Training for the use of the necessary Hardware and Software
• Integrated equipment maintenance
• Official technical service for all products marketed

The INTECH3D technical team has more than 6 years of experience in various 3D printing technologies. We have different technologies and manufacturing materials with 3D printing, to cover the different technological or business needs of each sector:

• Conceptual prototypes
• Functional prototypes
• Final components
• Workshop tools
• Spare parts
• Short and medium production series.

It is also very important that all the departments of the same company know all the possibilities and benefits that 3D printing can bring to their sector:

• Risk reduction in manufacturing
• Reduced manufacturing costs
• Reduced manufacturing time
• Validation with a prototype before making an investment in final manufacturing
• Manufacture "on demand", without discarding material.
• Reduction of the "Time to Market" of the final product
• Manufacture of "Bridge" series to know its fit in the market
• Possibility of making short production series
• Elimination of time in the provision of Stock

If you want to apply 3D printing technology in your company or business, do not hesitate to contact us. We are at the service of companies for the immediate resolution of any doubt or query related to the use of the equipment.