APC Technology
UniSA Testlab offering rapid-turnover
of 3D printed soft-touch buttons.
APC Technology is a full-spectrum technology manufacturing company, who offer in-house design, prototyping, advanced manufacture and testing. They create and maintain world-leading technologies that are purpose built to survive in the toughest environmental conditions.
Like many SMEs during COVID, looming deadlines and supply chain challenges saw APC Technology connecting with UniSA’s Industry 4.0 Testlab to manufacture a 3D printed soft-touch button prototypes for a newly developed Generic Vehicle Architecture (GVA) Smart Display.
The 10.4” GVA Smart Display is designed to process data rich information in real-time and capable of hosting the C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) application for tactical and combat vehicles.
APC Technology had an urgent need for soft-touch buttons to ensure a prototype could be showcased during Land Forces 2021. An international land defence expo with a potential 12,500 visitors from industry, government, and defence, there was a significant business opportunity not to be missed.
Iterative printing with the Stratasys J735 Polyjet printer allowed the Testlab to facilitate a rapid turn-around of the required buttons for preproduction display. The first print was a glossy finish, but this left a sticky surface feeling. With the multi-material capability of the J735 printer, the Testlab team produced a second print in a matte finish using the rubber-like Agilus material and this proved to be successful.
Proof-of-concept model GVA Smart Display.
The print sets were completed in four hours and four minutes with minimal clean up and were ready for use the next day.
Scott Begbie, APC Technology’s Managing commented on the process. “From start to finish Testlab understood our requirements, the tight timeline and the need for a high-quality solution. The first version did not hit the mark, but they were able to use an alternate material and still ensure we achieved the deadline.”
This allowed APC Technology to showcase their proof-of-concept, unlocking the possibility for million-dollar contracts and demonstrating themselves as the first Australian company to supply a GVA smart display designed and built onshore.
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