A quick-release mount

A quick-release mount for special units

We developed the mount for an elite police unit, to guidelines we were given at the start of the project. We began by defining what the end user needed – in this case, operators in an elite unit. We went on to define their working environment – built-up, confined ground – and from there into a short development cycle.

During the project we printed several prototypes and let the operators try them out. Each time we did, we took their feedback and improved the version, up to the final product. Working with the operators was critical, because of how the product is used and the specific requirements of the client.

The technology we used in production is MJF printing, and the material chosen was nylon 12 powder. We chose 3D printing to make the finished product for several reasons:

1. The relatively small number of units we were asked to supply – up to 100.

2. The time allowed for the project – it mattered a great deal to deliver the finished product within a month, development included.

3. The size of the product allowed a competitive price across different production technologies.

The technology and the material

The project was produced in MJF – Multi Jet Fusion, nylon powder printing. The part is built layer by layer inside a powder bed, with no supports, and the whole build volume is available for parts. That is what makes the technology suit small runs exactly: the chamber can be filled with dozens of different parts in one build, with no dedicated tooling to pay for.

The material is nylon 12 (PA12) – an engineering material with good mechanical durability, dimensional stability and an even matte finish. See more on choosing a material.

Why MJF and not another technology

The product is for use in the field by operators, which means it has to take knocks, not chip at the edges and not deform in heat. Nylon 12 in MJF gives a combination of stiffness and impact resistance that resin materials do not have, and the matte finish does not reflect light – a point that matters in operational use.

Why we chose 3D printing

• Small quantity – tens of units, not thousands. An injection mould does not pay for itself at that volume.
• Timescale – days to weeks, rather than months for tooling.
• Room to change – the file can be corrected and a new version printed without starting development again.
• Geometric complexity – shapes that cannot be milled or cast come straight off the printer.

Work with customers in the defence field carries its own documentation and confidentiality requirements. See 3D printing for the defence industry.

A similar project of your own?

Send us a file or a description of the problem and you will get a recommendation on technology, material and timescale – talk to an engineer. See also product design and development and 3D printing production.