Challenge
Create high-quality, high-impact product in a short timeframe to capture attention and interest in a trade show setting.
Solution
3D printed and injection molded scale models, produced, assembled, and finished by 3D Systems manufacturing services.
Results
- 1:40 scale tractor models devised from digital rendering
- 500 hand-finished products delivered in 4 weeks
The Steyr tractor brand began in the late 1940s and has been evolving ever since to keep up with the demanding needs of life on a farm. Like many in the agricultural machinery and equipment industry, Steyr takes part in the global exhibition AGRITECHNICA to connect with current customers and make contact with new ones. In order to stand out in the hustle and bustle of the trade show environment, Steyr wanted to do something creative and memorable by providing visitors with a beautiful and accurate scale model of its product.
With the help of 3D Systems’ manufacturing services team in Italy, Steyr’s vision became a reality in the form of 500 1:40 scale models, executed to perfection. Using a product render provided by Steyr, 3D Systems got to work and delivered the final, hand-finished order in just four weeks.
Quick turnaround on high quality appearance models
It was important to Steyr to keep to a certain budget on this project without sacrificing quality. 3D Systems’ manufacturing experts therefore recommended a combination of selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing and injection molding in order to get the most realistic and aesthetically sophisticated final product.
3D Systems’ manufacturing team used Steyr’s rendering to create a 3D printable design made up of an assembly of eight separate components, half to be 3D printed and half to be injection molded. The printed components were produced on 3D Systems’ sPro™ 230 machines in DuraForm® PA. This high strength nylon material is widely used for functional applications, such as snap fits and living hinges, and is popular for both its durability and visual appeal. After printing, the parts were painted to match the color and finish of the life-size product before assembly and final detailing.
Steyr was thrilled with the models and so were their customers. For help connecting with your customers in unique and memorable ways, contact our manufacturing experts.
Whether you need fast turn 3D printed parts, advanced prototyping with assembly and finishing services or low volume manufacturing including CNC, urethane casting, and injection tooling, 3D Systems’ manufacturing services can help advance your project, timeline, and goals.
