Geberit Saves Time and Improves Quality with an Objet Eden System - Objet - #1

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At a Glance Company: Geberit Group URL: www.geberit.com Location: Jona, Switzerland Industry: Developer, manufacturer and marketer of sanitary technology products such as plumbing fittings, drainage and waste water systems Challenges • Build one-step multi material parts in order to considerably reduce post-process assembly Solution In-house prototyping using the Eden260 3D Printing System Results • Product design is now optimized earlier in the process • Feasibility testing with customers is now done prior to production • More cost effective development process • Faster time to market The Geberit Group is the largest European market makers of sanitary technology products. More than 130 years old, the company’s longevity and successful worldwide market penetration are due in part to Geberit’s emphasis on innovation. Prototypes play an important role in the Geberit development process, with some produced using CNC machining and others using 3D printing. For many years, all 3D printing was handled by a service bureau, but in 2005, Geberit decided to bring it in-house. Opting for a clean process, high model quality, and winning value Geberit considered several options before deciding to purchase an Eden260 3D Printing System from Objet Geometries. Objet’s solution topped the list because of its environmentally friendly post-processing, superior surface quality, and overall cost-effectiveness. The ability to completely remove all support structures, allowing fluid testing during the development phase, was another important factor in the decision to purchase the Eden260. Two-stage testing using Objet models saves development time The Eden260 is now well integrated into Geberit’s new product development workflow. In the first stage, an Objet model of the concept is tested for form; the parts and assembly are tested for fit; and the whole model is evaluated for function using a neutral environment fluid flow test. After product feasibility evaluation using the Objet models, Geberit moves to the second stage – function testing, in which the Objet models are subjected to fluid testing in a real-life environment of high water pressure, continual water flow and more. “Our ability to generate an Objet model at the beginning of the ideas development phase allows us to assess the product‘s feasibility,” says Hugo Arnold, Head of Prototype Manufacturing at Geberit. “In the past we had to return numerous times to the same phases due to difficulties with our desired products. With Objet, we can now optimize our product already in Phase I and carry on further testing in Phase II. This approach saves us both time and money, which is crucial in today’s competitive market environment.” Geberit Saves Time and Improves Quality with an Objet Eden System “We believe we have a competitive edge in our industry thanks to Objet” Hugo Arnold, Head of Prototype Manufacturing, Geberit Case Study