Case Studies

Client:  Local Startup
Industry: Wearables and Accessibility
Challenge: A local startup needed rapid prototyping for their new wearable tech device. Traditional methods were time-consuming and costly, impacting their time-to-market.

Solution:

• Rapid Prototyping: We utilized our high-resolution 3D printers to create accurate prototypes quickly.

• Iterative Design: Enabled multiple design iterations in a short period, allowing the client to test and refine their product effectively.

• Material Selection: Employed durable materials to ensure prototypes could withstand functional testing.

Outcome:

• Accelerated Development: Reduced prototyping time from months to weeks, expediting the product development cycle.

• Cost Efficiency: Significantly lowered prototyping costs compared to traditional methods.

• Successful Launch: The local to Winnipeg startup successfully launched their product on schedule, gaining a competitive edge in the market.

Client: Pembina Trails School division
Industry: Education
Challenge: Pembina Trails School division required custom educational tools to enhance their STEM curriculum but faced limitations with off-the-shelf solutions.

Solution:

• Custom Designs: Designed and printed bespoke educational tools, including interactive models and teaching aids.

• Material Durability: Used durable, child-safe materials suitable for classroom use.

• Scalability: Provided the ability to produce multiple units efficiently to meet the school’s needs.

Outcome:

• Enhanced Learning: Improved student engagement and learning outcomes with hands-on, customized tools.

• Tailored Solutions: Created resources tailored specifically to the school’s curriculum requirements.

• Positive Feedback: Received praise from teachers and students for the innovative and practical tools.

Client: Local Printing Press
Industry: Manufacturing

Challenge:
A local printing press was struggling with frequent equipment downtime due to the unavailability of replacement parts for their decades-old machinery. This situation led to significant productivity losses, as finding compatible parts for such outdated equipment proved increasingly difficult and time-consuming.

Solution:
On-Demand Parts: Leveraging our advanced 3D printing technology, we developed and produced replacement parts on-demand. Traditional suppliers couldn’t offer the needed components, but our 3D printing capabilities allowed us to recreate and even improve upon the original designs.

Material Optimization: We carefully selected materials that not only matched the strength and durability of the original parts but also exceeded them in some cases. This ensured that the newly produced parts could withstand the rigors of daily use without compromising the machine's performance.

Quick Turnaround: Understanding the urgency, we implemented a rapid production process to minimize downtime. Our streamlined workflow enabled us to deliver the parts within a fraction of the time it would have taken to source them traditionally.

Outcome:
Reduced Downtime: By providing timely replacement parts, we significantly minimized equipment downtime, allowing the printing press to maintain continuous operation.

Cost Savings: Our solution reduced costs associated with emergency repairs, expedited shipping, and the prolonged search for hard-to-find parts. The company also avoided the potential expense of replacing entire machines due to part obsolescence.

Operational Efficiency: Ensuring the availability of essential parts enhanced overall operational efficiency. The printing press could now rely on our on-demand service for future needs, securing a smoother and more consistent production process.

Case Study: Personalized Guitar Keychains for Fall Jam Event

Industry: Event Planning

Challenge:
As a gesture of goodwill, we aimed to create a memorable and unique gift for the Fall Jam, a popular local music festival. The objective was to design something that would resonate with the event’s musical theme and serve as a lasting memento for the attendees.

Solution:
Custom Design: We crafted custom guitar keychains that embodied the spirit of the Fall Jam. The design was carefully chosen to represent the event’s musical essence, with each keychain featuring a guitar shape that would appeal to music lovers.

3D Printing for Precision: Utilizing our 3D printing technology, we produced the keychains with intricate details that highlighted the craftsmanship. This approach allowed us to create high-quality, custom items quickly and efficiently.

Outcome:
Thoughtful Gift: The guitar keychains were well-received by the Fall Jam organizers and attendees. As a token of appreciation, these keychains added a personal touch to the event and provided attendees with a tangible keepsake to remember the experience.

Positive Impact: Our gift contributed to the overall success and ambiance of the event. The keychains reinforced our commitment to community engagement and showcased the potential of 3D printing for creating personalized items.

Case Study: Custom 3D-Printed Glasses Display Rack Part for Optical Retailer

Introduction

A local glasses store approached Print That with a unique challenge: to recreate a display rack part that securely holds glasses by the nose bridge, allowing each pair to remain stable yet fully visible. The store had been struggling to find a replacement for the existing part, which had broken and wasn’t available from the original manufacturer. We took on the project with the goal of creating a custom, durable solution that would match their display needs and aesthetics.

Challenge

The key requirements were to design a holder that would:

• Securely hold glasses by the nose bridge

• Maintain an elegant and unobtrusive look to preserve the display’s aesthetic

• Be durable enough to support frequent adjustments and handling

Initially, the client requested a clear material to match their display, so we decided to prototype the part in black PLA for testing and functionality assessment, with the plan to produce the final version in clear PETG.

Process

1. Modeling: The modeling process took approximately two hours in total, during which I developed two different designs:

   • Replica Version: A direct recreation of the original part, designed to fit seamlessly into the existing display with minimal adjustments.

   • Strengthened Version: An improved design featuring additional ridges for enhanced durability. This version was intended to provide extra support, especially where the original part had failed.

2. Prototyping: Both versions were printed in black PLA, chosen for its durability and ease of handling during the prototyping stage. This allowed me to evaluate each design’s functionality and compatibility with the store’s display. The replica provided an exact visual match, while the strengthened version showed promising durability, especially for the high-contact areas of the rack.

3. Material Selection for Final Production: Upon successful prototyping, I recommended using clear PETG for the final product, as it would meet the store’s aesthetic request while offering enhanced flexibility and durability compared to PLA. PETG’s transparency and impact resistance make it ideal for display applications where both visibility and longevity are important.

Outcome

Currently, the client is reviewing both prototypes, but based on initial feedback and testing, the designs meet the functional and aesthetic requirements. I’m personally satisfied with the results, particularly the strengthened version, which should provide added resilience for high-traffic display environments.

Conclusion

This project highlights Print That’s commitment to custom solutions and customer satisfaction. By blending functional and aesthetic considerations, we’re helping clients solve unique challenges in their displays and other setups. For businesses like optical stores, where presentation and durability are essential, our ability to prototype and customize with materials like clear PETG ensures they receive a tailored product that meets their exact needs.