3D Systems Revolutionizes Skateboard Design and Manufacturing with IoT
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
Applicable Industries
- Aerospace
- Automotive
Applicable Functions
- Product Research & Development
Use Cases
- Additive Manufacturing
- Virtual Prototyping & Product Testing
About The Customer
3D Systems, based in Rock Hill, South Carolina, is a leading innovator in 3D printing technology. The company has a rich history of accomplishments, including the invention of 3D printing with Stereolithography (SLA) and its commercialization in 1989, as well as the invention and commercialization of Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) in 1992. Today, 3D Systems’ wide range of 3D printers are used for production-grade manufacturing in various industries including aerospace, automotive, patient-specific medical devices, and a variety of consumer, electronic, and fashion accessories.
The Challenge
3D Systems, a pioneer in 3D printing technology, was approached by the Cooper Hewitt – Smithsonian Design Museum in New York to participate in an exhibit highlighting innovative software and new manufacturing methods. The challenge was to design and 3D print a structurally sound, lightweight skateboard, a product that has remained largely unchanged for many years. The team at 3D Systems aimed to revolutionize the way a skateboard is designed and produced, with the goal of creating a skateboard lighter than others on the market.
The Solution
To meet this challenge, 3D Systems utilized solidThinking Inspire to optimize the deck and trucks of a traditional skateboard design. The software was used to generate 20-30 different concepts, each of which was analyzed to identify any weak points in the design. The winning concept was then refined into the final design to be 3D printed. The deck of the board was manufactured with PA-12 Nylon using 3D Systems’ Selective Laser Sintering technology, while the trucks were printed in titanium using Direct Metal Printing. Future plans include using Inspire to redesign and print the wheels of the skateboard, and a second version of the skateboard printed using glass filled nylon for increased stiffness.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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