Global sporting goods leaderDecathlonhas integrated3D Systems’ Figure 4additive manufacturing technology into its supply chain. The French retailer claims the resin-based technology has streamlined functional part development and shrunk production cycles, while providing a “major competitive edge in terms of speed, precision, and versatility”.
Savings at the additive manufacturing lab
这line of Figure 4 Modular systems is currently situated at Decathlon’s dedicated additive manufacturing lab (ADDLAB). One of the earliest successes for the engineers working there was the development of a set of fresh water carp fishing weight sinkers. When the team realized their competitors only offered one product option, they sought to diversify their own range with multiple mold designs.
当时，DeCathlon的主要霉菌供应商没有能力生产主图案，因此，工程师不再找到次要供应商，而是自己打印自己的印刷。主模式需要能够维持其细节在160°Cand pressures in the region of about 180 bar, so the team opted forFigure 4 HI TEMP 300-AMB, a rigid, transparent polymer suitable for high temperature environments.
AddLab在短短两天内将重量沉降片的图案打印到模具供应商之前（通常需要一个月的过程）。除了节省时间外，在内部打印模式还意味着十项全能也节省了产品开发和服务成本 - 双赢。
Material versatility
除生产级增材制造技术外，图4平台还提供了非凡的材料多功能性。雷电竞充值除了HI Temp 300-amp树脂外，AddLab工程师还利用各种3D系统的产品。这Figure 4 PRO-BLK 10, with its fast print speeds and thermoplastic-like behaviour, is great for dynamic assemblies and interchangeable attachments.
这team has also been usingFLEX-BLK 20, a fatigue resistant black polymer not too dissimilar to polypropylene. It has since found its place in many end-use bike components destined for the store shelf. Finally, theFigure 4 RUBBER-BLK 10resin has been great for simulating deformation in prototypes. It’s a slow-rebound, rubber-like material suitable for grips and shoe insoles.
Decathlon claims its mission is to sustainably commercialize sporting goods for everyone, and cites its new Figure 4 tool as the ace up its sleeve. The ADDLAB team intends to continue working with 3D Systems’ technology and may increase its production power with the addition of more modules in the future.
这Figure 4 machine and materials portfolio is constantly expanding to encapsulate more applications. Just last month,fiv推出3 d系统e new resinsfor use with its machines:Figure 4 RUBBER-65A BLK, Accura Fidelity, Accura Bond, Accura Patch, and Figure 4 JEWEL MASTER GRY. The materials have varying mechanical properties suitable for jewelry casting, electronics seals, and functional prototypes.
Earlier in the year, the company also launched amachine dedicated to jewelry production– the Figure 4 Jewelry. The system has a 125 x 70 x 196mm build volume and is described as “ultra-fast and affordable”.
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Featured image shows master patterns made of HI TEMP 300-AMB. Photo via Decathlon.
