In order to keep their product development up-to-date, Pierro Astro recently turned for the very first time to 3D printing. Pairing up with Sculpteo, the Pierro Astro team were quick converts:
“The first time we used additive manufacturing, we were working on a high precision focus Cassegrain reflector. The quality of the 3D printed components was perfect for our product,” said Pierre Franquet, CEO of Pierro Astro.
Pierro Astro saw the benefits of 3D printing particularly when looking at small batch requirements. The team can think up, design, prototype, and test new astronomical products in only a couple of weeks using 3D printed pieces — rather than by using traditional, subtractive manufacturing techniques that cost far more and can take several months.
Small batches are important to Pierro Astro; some of the products are prototypes, and others are simply so specialized that it would be silly to order more than what amateur astronomers would be likely to use. Sculpteo’s Batch Control tool offers the ability to produce limited numbers of a piece at a time, as well as to open up other options. Through the Batch Control tool, users are able to select printing definition, layer thickness, and finishes. Batch Control also allows for options that can significantly reduce prices — up to 80% — when activated. That seems pretty ideal for a company interested in offering low-cost, high-quality, precision-printed products.
Sculpteo also offers the polyamide material that is best suited to Pierro Astro’s needs — which has lower-cost, higher mechanical properties, with faster production times. Its finishing options also added to the draw, as polyamide has a good surface look. Sculpteo’s polyamide is sintered together via SLS printing using their EOS Formiga P100, P110, P395, and P730 3D printers, which offer extremely high resolutions. These 3D printers offer layer precision of 100-60 μm, with the 60μm option available when Batch Control is activated.
Pierre Franquet is frank with Pierro Astro’s impression of their inaugural experience: “It’s our first try with 3D Printing, but we have many more projects to come using this revolutionary producing method.”
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