Customer Profile
Hong Kong-based AIC Technology, which specializes in providing 3D printing services for customers, is now able to achieve a higher profit margin from streamlining their production process after acquiring a Stratasys J826.
The trend among many people now is creating miniature figurines as momentos for themselves, loved ones, or even pets. Instead of 2D photos, parents would order figurines of their children before they grow up.
Challenge
Their first foray into producing the figurines wasn’t particularly successful, as the high-end powder-based 3D printer that they used yielded many issues:
- Post-processing was labourious
- Printed surface was rough
- Figures were fragile and prone to breakage
- Lack of detailing and overall quality
- Color tone was often inaccurate
- Print yield success rate was only 80%
- Printhead lifespan was 1/3 of advertised
Mr. Jiang wanted to provide the best-in-class products to his customers at a reasonable price: if the customer had a yellow dog, he should not receive a figurine in orange.
Solutions
After much frustration, Mr. Jiang sought a professional solution and was recommended the Stratasys J826, a PolyJet 3D Printer known for its high-speed, full-color, and easy processing.
Faithfulness is key to customized figurines, and every figurine looks hyperrealistic when printed with the J826. With its large tray size (255 × 252 × 200 mm), the J826 could print multiple figurines in one run, with dimensional deviations as low as 0.1 mm.
The PANTONE validation capability of the J826 also ensured exact reproduction of colors (hair, skin, clothing, etc.). Stratasys photopolymers provided high toughness, heat resistance, and even simulated the soft touch of skin.
Impact
The J826 simplified post-processing immensely, as soluble supports could be removed with high pressure or dissolved. With savings on post-processing, Mr. Jiang reduced the cost per figurine by 74%, enabling higher margins and more attractive pricing.
AIC also optimized their workflow, enabling fast turnaround for customers:
- Digital orders ready in 1–3 minutes after scanning.
- Files polished within 15–30 minutes post confirmation.
- Printing time depends on size (10 cm figurine takes ~3 hrs)
- Post-processing requires ~30 minutes.
- Customers receive figurines withing 2 days.
“The Stratasys J826 streamlines the whole process, making everything simpler, easier, faster, and more cost-effective.” - Jiang Yi-Min, Founder of AIC Technology Co., Ltd
Discover the key benefits and features of Stratasys J826 Prime Printer or choose our AM Consultancy Service to manage your entire product development process.
