Protecting & enhancing the usability of this portable music making device with SLS 3D Printing
Job Information
| Pocket Operator Case | Batch Production |
|---|---|
| Technology | Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) |
| Material | PA12 Nylon |
| Finish | As Printed |
| Part Size(s) | 63 x 108 x 10 mm |
| Quantity | 100 |
| Unit Cost | £6.98 / product |
Customer Info / Context
Teenage Engineering Pocket Operators are Ultra-portable groove boxes. Their unique style features an open PCB design that you can use without any enclosure. However, there is a large fanbase that still wants to protect their beat machines from damage.
Issue / Challenge
The PCB is designed to be used without any casing; the challenge with this design is to protect the unit and enhance the useability of the final product. Four parts of the PO must stay functional with the case. These four functionalities of the device we’re integral to our design process on this product.
The grid of buttons must still be accessible.
The stand must flip out as expected.
The case must not silence the microphone.
LED lights must be visible through the casing.
What are the benefits of using additive manufacturing?
For our client, they chose to use SLS 3D printing for their online store. Some of the reasons being:
Reduced number of components through design freedom
Manufacture parts on-demand
Custom versions / limited edition runs
Economical price for low numbers of units
Solution
With SLS 3D Printing, we can include a butterfly button design feature in the design. A button design like this means that we can have moving parts included in a single print. Utilising the flexibility of PA12 Nylon, the user experience of the buttons was not only functional but also improved.
With no labour in assembly, the final product is ready for shipping right after 3D printed manufacturing.
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