About the work, and what the printed parts are for

The project was carried out for the Knesset Channel, who asked us to prepare a new model for a microphone mount.
A development and production project run from the first stages of defining what the client needed and wanted, and preparing two-dimensional sketches. Once the client chose a sketch and the requested changes were made to their instructions, we moved on to developing the design in 3D software.

Developing the model is exacting work, going down to the smallest resolutions in colour and detail in order to reach the client’s full satisfaction.

The client chooses the printing technology, the colours and the level of finish. Those choices go to the production floor to begin making the models.
The product was printed in parts in order to get clean separation between the colours used in printing.

The prototype is printed to check that every requirement is met, that the colours come out correctly, and it is finally handed to the client for approval.
In addition to the prototype, which is made up of 14 different parts, we produced 20 further units.

About the client

The Knesset Channel is a state public television channel, operated by the media company RGE.

A current affairs channel that gives viewers the chance to watch the work of the 120 members of the Knesset, through various programmes and broadcasts from within the Knesset itself. The channel was founded in 2004 and is located inside the Knesset building.

How a development project like this runs

Definition – what the product has to do, where it sits and who operates it
Two-dimensional sketches – several design directions to choose from
3D modelling – developing the chosen direction down to the resolution of details and shades
Choosing the technology, colour and level of finish – together with the client
Production and finishing – printing, polishing and paint

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.

What matters in a studio microphone mount

The product is in shot all day, so it is judged visually first: it has to be clean, not shiny, and not bounce the studio lighting back. At the same time it has to hold without vibrating. Those two constraints are what settled the geometry and the level of finish.

See product design and development.

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.