Avular is a Dutch robotics company that helps its clients design, develop and implement new technologies in the field of mobile robotics – custom robots, controllers, PCBs or device interfaces. Avular uses 3D printing both for prototyping and for the production of structural elements. 3D printing enabled the integration of cable guides, latching mechanisms, battery holders and PCBs that would not have been possible with other manufacturing methods. The company works closely with Belgian Materialize, which helps implement its solutions using HP MultiJet Fusion technology.
When Avular started 3D printing, they used entry-level 3D printers, which resulted in low-quality parts and inefficient production times. In 2014, the company partnered with Materialize – the only 3D printing service provider that was able to meet the technical requirements they needed – especially in terms of wall thickness and weight reduction.
Materialize is present in over 20 countries around the world – including Poland, in Bielany Wrocławskie. The company helps enterprises bring innovation to the product development cycle and access to a wide range of potential technologies and materials. With a business strategy of manufacturing on demand, the 3D printing services it offers have allowed Avular to gain the advantage of design flexibility whenever their customers require revisions to their drone designs.
“The reason we chose Materialize is because they have the material we want to print with, which is HP 3D HR PA 12, and we can totally rely on the quality of the results,” said Albert Maas, CEO and founder of Avular.
The ability to iterate and adapt on the fly was an equally important reason why Avular decided to work with Materialize. “Product development no longer has to be a linear process. Designs can be adjusted on the fly, which gives them the ability to get products to market faster and continuously update and change over time, which is a significant advantage over traditional technologies that 3D printing offers,” said Pieter Vos, marketing director at Materialize Manufacturing.
Avular’s confidence in its relationship with Materialize grew when the service bureau became a member of HP’s Digital Manufacturing Network (DMN) in early 2019. “We were one of the first partners HP turned to when they started developing HP Multi Jet Fusion technology,” he said. Vos.
In late 2018, HP 3D Printing reached out to Materialize with the idea of networking with some HP Multi Jet Fusion early adopters and like-minded companies. Through this platform, members could share experiences and ideas, and establish a centralized and certified network to which HP could direct potential customers. “The existence of the network is a confirmation of the fact that we are a leader in the adoption of 3D printing as a production technology. It’s important for us to be part of this network and be seen as the leader that we are.”
By leveraging HP Multi Jet Fusion Materialize technology, it can meet Avular’s needs for custom drone parts at a low cost: “We don’t have to order our parts in large quantities,” said Maas. “We can customize designs and prints to meet specific customer needs.” Vos has high hopes for the future of Materialize and the HP Digital Manufacturing Network: “We have always been for co-creation within the industry to connect the different parties in the 3D printing ecosystem; whether machine builders, material suppliers or other service companies.”
If you are looking for the opportunity to test or purchase HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology, we encourage you to contact Integart Sp. z o. o.
Source: materiały prasowe Integart