Innovation in Action
Wurtec’s Additive Manufacturing Breakthroughs with LC Magna
At Photocentric, we’re proud to be working with businesses to redefine their prototyping and production processes through the benefits of our 3D printing technology, and Wurtec is an excellent example of this.
Wurtec delivers innovative tools, equipment, and systems for the elevator industry, including safety solutions, hoisting supplies, precision components, and testing tools. Their expertise extends to custom tooling and design, tailored to meet the unique needs of their customers.
Innovation in Action
Wurtec’s Additive Manufacturing Breakthroughs with LC Magna
At Photocentric, we’re proud to be working with businesses to redefine their prototyping and production processes through the benefits of our 3D printing technology, and Wurtec is an excellent example of this.
Wurtec delivers innovative tools, equipment, and systems for the elevator industry, including safety solutions, hoisting supplies, precision components, and testing tools. Their expertise extends to custom tooling and design, tailored to meet the unique needs of their customers.
Over the past year, Wurtec has integrated two of our LC Magna LCD 3D printers into their production process, achieving remarkable success with over $300,000 in annual savings. This milestone was accomplished by producing four components in-house—totalling 38,500 pieces per year – rather than outsourcing their additive manufacturing (AM).
In a high-mix, low-volume environment, Wurtec showcases how adopting LCD 3D printing can deliver substantial cost advantages. Without reliance on specific, expensive tools for each part, and with the LC Magna embedded in their production process, Wurtec has the combined ability to scale production efficiently, maintain prototyping and design flexibility, as well as drive high quality – a win-win.
Wurtec’s adoption of the Photocentric LC Magna has demonstrated the financial advantages of in-house additive manufacturing through LCD 3D printing:
- Rapid Payback Period: The first LC Magna printer paid for itself in just six months, while the second achieved ROI in a stunning two weeks.
- Eliminating Outsourcing Costs: By shifting from external AM suppliers to in-house AM, Wurtec has significantly reduced expenses while maintaining full control over their production.
- Flexible Manufacturing: Traditional manufacturing methods often require costly tooling for design changes. With LC Magna, Wurtec can adapt designs on demand, saving significant time and money.
Strategic benefits
Accelerated Time to Market (TTM)
Wurtec has significantly reduced its prototyping lead times by 8-24 weeks, depending on the complexity of the tool. Through deploying our LCD 3D print capability, they validate designs faster and more confidently. This capability allows Wurtec to accelerate the release of innovative solutions in the competitive elevator and escalator industry.
Enhanced Agility
LC Magna provides Wurtec the flexibility to adapt designs quickly in response to customer feedback. For example:
- Improved Product Design: Wurtec redesigned a camera mount to eliminate a problematic feature, integrating a sleeker, flush solution while retaining compatibility with existing installations.
- Rapid Problem-Solving: When PCB damage arose during the installation of their elevator communication product, WUR-COM, the team were able to design and produce a protective cover in just one week – a process that would traditionally take 8-16 weeks with traditional Injection Moulding (IM) techniques.
Empowering Innovation and Organisational Impact
- The introduction of LC Magna has not only provided access to advanced additive manufacturing (AM) technology but also helped advance Wurtec’s existing culture of innovation. With the ability to quickly take ideas from concept to physical prototype, the team can now explore new design possibilities, from natural structures to multifunctional products. The adoption of LCD 3D print technology eliminates constraints imposed by traditional machining methods, enabling bold and cost-effective innovations.
- Beyond the tangible benefits of cost savings and improved time to market, adopting LC Magna has transformed the team’s approach to problem-solving and product development; fostered a more innovative, agile, and customer-centric approach.
$300,000 in annual savings. This milestone was accomplished by producing four components in-house—totalling 38,500 pieces per year using LC Magna.
Technological Advantages of LC Magna for Wurtec
The Photocentric LC Magna stands out with features tailored to high-performance manufacturing:
- Large Build Volume: The 510 x 280 x 350 mm print area provides capacity for producing significant quantities of parts in a single print job.
- High Resolution: ensuring precision and quality, meeting Wurtec’s high standards and requirements.
- Efficient and Reliable: Powered by Blow-Peel technology, enabling consistent, high-quality prints to be produced at scale.
- Material Versatility: By leveraging our validated resins and materials from trusted partners like BASF, Wurtec achieves outstanding part quality while minimizing material costs.
Ready to unlock breakthroughs in your manufacturing process?
Technological Advantages of LC Magna for Wurtec
The Photocentric LC Magna stands out with features tailored to high-performance manufacturing:
- Large Build Volume: The 510 x 280 x 350 mm print area provides capacity for producing significant quantities of parts in a single print job.
- High Resolution: ensuring precision and quality, meeting Wurtec’s high standards and requirements.
- Efficient and Reliable: Powered by Blow-Peel technology, enabling consistent, high-quality prints to be produced at scale.
- Material Versatility: By leveraging our validated resins and materials from trusted partners like BASF, Wurtec achieves outstanding part quality while minimizing material costs.
Ready to unlock breakthroughs in your manufacturing process?