Cable clasp printed in Versatile Plastic. Image by Voytek Medical
It doesn’t matter whether you’re experimenting with prototypes or printing final products. Wherever you are in the 3D design process, Versatile Plastic can be used to help you create the perfect end product.
The Many Benefits of Versatile Plastic
Versatile Plastic is ultra thin, incredibly flexible and can be used well for parts like hinges and springs. Printed on EOS P770, P396, and P110 machines through Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), when printed in a thick form, it can be strong enough to be used as structural components. Versatile Plastic is also heatproof to 175C/350F, skin-friendly and dishwasher safe.
Clearly, these features of the material provide a multitude of possibilities, and that’s precisely why Voytek Medical — a company focused on creating and developing products that lock all patient cables to a desired bedside monitor or roll stand without voiding warranties or modifying equipment — has utilized it so vastly.
Cable clasp printed in Versatile Plastic. Image by Voytek Medical
“Voytek Medical has been using Shapeways in every stage of production, from concept to prototype and end-user products,” the company explained. Their job is difficult for many reasons, especially because the products they create need to be able to withstand different chemicals that they come in contact with in a hospital setting. To create their desired products, the company has been using Versatile Plastic and has seen great results from doing so. Before coming to Shapeways and using Versatile Plastic, however, there was a long trial-and-error process.
“In the trial-and-error phase of our designing, the use of extrusion desktop 3D printing in ABS was the best option available to us at the time. This material was far from precise, very brittle, and the layers tended to separate over time. From that point, stereolithography was used that brought us into the world of really designing with a purpose and good quality. The resin was brittle and dust and other mirror issues made consistent prints impossible to mass manufacture.”
Experimenting with Shapeways’ Materials
However, when they discovered Shapeways and began experimenting with the possibilities here, everything changed. For starters, they were able to continue to try out new products at an affordable cost, which allowed them to “grow and thrive at a comfortable and manageable pace.” Soon after, they discovered Versatile Plastic and its many benefits.
“In our testing, hospital cleaning chemicals had no effect on the finish or hardness of the Versatile Plastic. These chemicals are known to destroy some plastic surfaces by making them more brittle, etching and fogging on clear membranes of other equipment. In destruction testing, the material withstood all tools available to hospital staff on a regular basis.”
Finding Undeniable Success with Versatile Plastic
Now, after trying out the product for quite some time, Voytek Medical uses this material and Shapeways exclusively to print their products.
Cable mount printed in Versatile Plastic. Image by Voytek Medical
“Shapeways materials have exceeded our performance testing. We have received no returns due to manufacturer defects from the 300+ units sold over the past 6 months. Customer service has been nothing short of phenomenal thus far, turn around times have been accurate and timely.”
Grow Your Business
Want to know more about how you can use Versatile Plastic to benefit your designs? Get in touch now and we’d love to help you with your business needs.
Check out our Material of the Month series on Versatile Plastic:
Part One: Material Overview
Part Two: Voytek Medical Uses Versatile Plastic to Transform the Landscape of Healthcare
Part Three: How Strong and Flexible is Versatile Plastic?
Part Four: Stayed tuned! We’ll be answering your questions about Versatile Plastic in the last part of our series.