NEW TECHNOLOGY OFFERS NEW POSSIBILITIES

17 April 2024
Know-how
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We are constantly on the search for new innovations, particularly in the area of technical bags. Since the end of 2023, Halfar has been utilising the innovation of a 3D printer, which is used specifically for the prototype development of technical bags and textile solutions.

Interview with Jan, our designer for special bags:

How did the decision to invest in a 3D printer come about and how does it influence the development of our technical bags?

The decision to invest in a 3D printer was significantly influenced by the increasing complexity of our customers’ enquiries in recent years. This development has led to a significant increase in the demands on our development performance. The introduction of the new technology now enables us to offer faster and more customised solutions to problems by creating and printing 3D designs directly on site. In the past, prototyping our specialised bags and textile solutions was a lengthy process that often took weeks or months.

How are 3D printers used in the prototyping process?

We use the 3D printer right from the start of the development process. We start by designing 3D models either by hand or directly on the computer using specialised software. Once we have developed a solid model, we print out the prototype to test its functionality, fit and aesthetics.

We are currently using the technology in two different areas:

In customer projects where we are involved in the development process at an early stage. In this way, for example, we can help design the housing when developing a defibrillator that merges with a bag to form a functional unit, to ensure that the textile components can be optimally attached to the device. To this end, we produce the components using our 3D printer and can therefore quickly check their feasibility. This saves an enormous amount of time and costs during development.
For our own components, where we either want to pursue our own ideas or adapt existing components, such as device mounts, to our requirements.

And what advantages does the 3D printer offer?

The biggest advantage is certainly the speed. In the past, we had to have every designed part sampled by external parties and wait for their feedback, which took a lot of time. With our 3D printer, depending on the size of the part, we can now produce prototypes in-house within a few hours and at low cost, quickly test designed solutions and receive immediate feedback. This allows us to perform iterative design processes and achieve better results faster.

Are there specific industries or areas of application in which the 3D printer is used particularly frequently for prototyping, and why?

The 3D printer is generally widely used in various sectors such as the medical sector, industry and the automotive sector and is conceivable for every area of application. For example, special feet can be designed for transport bags or prototypes can be quickly constructed for shells that ultimately become EVA padding for protective bags. Plastic components that are permanently integrated into our textile solutions, such as device holders for industry, can also be printed and tested quickly.

Are there specific design challenges that 3D printing solves in the development of technical bags?

One of the biggest challenges in developing technical bags is ensuring that they are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. 3D printing allows us to realise complex and innovative features that were often difficult to achieve in the past. This allows us to achieve the optimum performance for each application.

How do you see the future of 3D printing in the field of technical textiles and bag development?

I am convinced that 3D printing will play an increasingly important role. The technology is constantly evolving and we are already seeing new materials and manufacturing methods coming onto the market that will allow us to realise even more complex and powerful designs. I am very excited to see how this development will continue in the coming years and what new possibilities will arise for the design of technical bags. We would like to thank our designer Jan for these insightful insights into the role of 3D printing in the development of our technical bags.