3D Hubs as a 3D printing platform really can help the independent 3D printer do business with large companies - that was something that struck me when a 3D printing opportunity presented itself recently.
I worked for a long time in the automotive industry in the UK and am still in touch with some of my ex-colleagues. One of them, who now works for one of the largest global suppliers to the automotive industry, contacted me about some production problems they were having in the assembly of a plastic cap onto an ECU housing at one of their manufacturing sites. They had some ideas on how to possibly solve them but wanted to try out a few alternatives with physical parts. He asked me if the plastic part in question would be suitable for 3D printing and after a quick look I decided it was perfectly suited apart from the clipping area which had some very small detail in it.
As the clipping of the part to the ECU was one of the areas that they were experiencing difficulty with they wanted to experiment with some alternatives in this area so they added some additional material to the model that could then be modified by hand re-work post printing to try out various solutions. This additional material also resolved any 3D printing issues with the part
So we were all set to do business. But a very large company like this one wouldn’t set up a business account for an independent self-employed 3D printer like myself especially for a one-off job, and in the normal course of events the opportunity may have ended there. That’s where 3D Hubs came in, as it provides the platform for people like me to deal with larger businesses. They were happy to order online using their company credit card as the amount was quite small, and I was happy because I’d won myself a print job.
The biggest problem we faced was with the file upload because the browser security settings employed in some large businesses prevent these actions. Linda Zouad from Support was quickly on the scene to help diagnose the problem, so that was another benefit of belonging to the 3D Hubs community.
Once the order came through I produced a batch of the modified parts and shipped them off. They were delighted with the turn-around time, the quality of the parts that they got, and the fact that experimenting with them enabled to find out a lot more about what was causing the problem and what the correct course of action was.
This experience proved to me that another one of the strengths of 3D Hubs is it’s ability in connecting people to do business where it wouldn’t normally have happened.
Steve - Birmingham Hub
12 Likes
Wow, really nice story. Thanks for this Steve @HiQuality_Hub! Seen this @Linda_Zouad? 
Thanks for sharing your story with us Steve @HiQuality_Hub, that’ really nice to hear! I am glad to see that everything worked out nicely for you, it was a pleasure helping you and Ian going through with your order
1 Like
Thanks @Filemon,
Having worked in a a large organisation in the past I know the difficulties and complexities in trying to deal with small, independent people even when they’ve got something that you really want.
So having experienced this on the other side of the fence I really appreciated in this case how 3D Hubs supplied the business connection to allow me to successfully take on this opportunity.
Interestingly the first reaction of the company involved once they’d seen the parts was that they should get a 3D printer themselves, but then they recognised at this stage that it’s probably better to use the expertise of the Hub rather than for them try to undertake all of the detailed learning of how to successfully 3D print. So that’s another plus point for the 3D Hubs platform!
Steve - Birmingham Hub
5 Likes
This is really great to hear.Thanks for the positive vibes!
Quick Details
Brand Name:J GROUP ROBOTICS
Model Number:P0010
Place of Origin:India
Packaging & Delivery
Packaging Details:3D Printer - 1 quantity 3D Printing Filament - 1 quantity Charger - 1 Quantity Warranty Card valid upto six months. Shipping, Duties & Taxes extraDelivery Detail:3 WEEKS
- Print size ( X Y Z ): 420 MM X 720 MM X 420 MM
- The Layer Thickness : 0.05mm to 0.2mm
- Layer Resolution : 50 microns to 250 microns
- Chasis : Aluminum
- Printing Filament : PLA,ABS,NYLON,PVA,PP,TGLASE,WOOD,STONE,CARBON FIBER & MORE
- Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
- Nozzle Diameter: 0.5mm - 0.3mm all metal
- Machine Dimensions: 650 mm x 480 mm x 850mm
- Shipping box dimensions : 700 mm x 580 mm x 570 mm
- Machine weight : 16kg
- Shipping box weight : 19 kg
- Maximum Print speed : 100 mm/s
- Recommended Print speed: 70 mm/s.
- Print Plate Size : 250mm x 250mm.
- Print Plate (Build Platform) : Heated bed Glass.
- AC Input: 100-240 Volts , 50-60 Hz
- No.of Extruders: 2
- Power Requirements: 24 volts , 14.5 Amp
- Connectivity (Interface): Usb, SD card
- Electronics: Arduino 2560 sheild with LCD & SD Card holder
- Operational Environment (recommended) : 15-32 degree celcius
- 3D printing Software : Printware
- CAD Input data file format supported : .Stl, .obj
- Client Operating System : Windows, Linux, Mac
- Print in dual color : Yes
- Warranty : One year - Limited Warranty
- Price - 9500$ USD
- Contact: sales@jgrouprobotics.com
