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Area of expertise 04

Prototype development

From test rig to finished machine – a development in four stages. Development, manufacturing and installation from a single source.

Test rig
1 · Test rig
First design in 3D CAD with section view
2 · Design in 3D CAD
Finished development with guard and operator panel
3 · Finished development
Real build of the finished machine
4 · Real build
FASTANDARD PARTSpneumatic cylinderaluminium profileprinciple worksdrivespring packfixturestrokecontrol systemoperator panelguardsafety equipmentbuiltcommissionedacceptedACCEPTED1 · test rig2 · first design · section a–a3 · finished development4 · real build1234

Function comes first. A test rig built from standard parts shows whether the principle works – before a single manufacturing drawing is made. Only then does the principle become a design and the design a machine: with guard, control system, operator panel and safety equipment, built for daily use.

For functional models, fasteners and small series we work with our partner company novoprint3D in Pforzheim: we design, novoprint3D prints – using FDM with high-performance plastics such as ULTEM, Nylon 12CF and PC-ISO: up to 406 × 355 × 406 mm in its own print room, up to 914 × 610 × 914 mm in one piece on a partner machine, larger parts from segments. Consulting and handling from a single source on request.

More at novoprint3D (in German): trade show models · functional models · design + 3D printing

fdm 3d printing · layer by layer406355406novoprint3D print room: 406 × 355 × 406 mm3d modelsplit into layers+ support under the overhangtop viewlayer010203040506070809101112contourinfillsupport materialremoving supportfinished partfinished part
  1. SlicingThe 3D model is split into thin layers.
  2. Contour & infillFirst the contour, then the infill – then the build platform lowers.
  3. Removing supportIt supports the overhangs during printing and is removed afterwards.
  4. Finished partAs a functional model, fastener or small series.
Functional models, fasteners and small series are built layer by layer using FDM – printed by our partner novoprint3D in Pforzheim, up to 914 × 610 × 914 mm in one piece (large parts on a partner machine).

Scope of services

Test rig

A test rig built from standard parts verifies the working principle – quickly, inexpensively and meaningfully, before anything is designed.

Design in 3D CAD

Drive, fixture, spring pack, guides: the principle becomes a design – the section view makes every function easy to follow.

Finished development

Guard, control system, operator panel and safety equipment – the machine is built for daily use.

Build & commissioning

Built in our network of proven partner workshops, commissioned and accepted – with one contact until handover.

3D printing & small series

Functional models, fasteners and small series using FDM at our partner company novoprint3D – ULTEM, Nylon 12CF, PC-ISO, up to 914 × 610 × 914 mm in one piece (large parts on a partner machine).

Series readiness & documentation

From prototype to series: manufacturing drawings, parts lists, as well as operating instructions, risk assessment and CE marking by our technical writer.

How we work

  1. The test rigStandard parts, test rig, proof of function.
  2. The first design3D CAD with section views, simulation where needed.
  3. The finished developmentGuarding, control, operation, safety – manufacturing drawings and parts lists.
  4. The real buildManufacturing, installation, commissioning, acceptance.

Tools

Designed in the CAD system of your choice, printed at novoprint3D, manufactured in our partner network.

  • Inventor
  • SolidWorks
  • CATIA V5
  • FDM 3D printing novoprint3D
  • ULTEM · Nylon 12CF · PC-ISO
  • Keyshot

What you get

  • Proof of function on the test rig
  • 3D model, manufacturing drawings and parts lists
  • Printed functional models and small-series parts
  • Machine built, commissioned and accepted
  • Documentation and CE marking for use

Examples from our projects

Test rigThe test rigDevelopment in four stages · stage 1Real build of the finished machineThe real buildDevelopment in four stages · stage 4AquaPol MiniAquaPol MiniDevice development

Frequently asked questions

Is an idea enough, or do you need a requirements specification?

An idea is enough to start. We work out the requirements specification and the working principle together in the concept phase – the test rig then shows whether the principle works.

Which parts can be 3D printed?

Functional models, fasteners and small series – using FDM with high-performance plastics such as ULTEM, Nylon 12CF and PC-ISO, up to 914 × 610 × 914 mm in one piece (large parts on a partner machine). Printing is carried out by our partner company novoprint3D in Pforzheim.

Who builds the prototype?

Manufacturing runs in our network of proven partner workshops; we support installation and commissioning – development, manufacturing and installation from a single source.

Other areas of expertise

From Pforzheim for clients throughout Germany – with on-site meetings as well as installation and assembly support. More about the region