[3D Printing Applications] SLS 3D printed parts, a major contributor to ignition systems!

[3D Printing Applications] The Unsung Hero of Lighting – SLS 3D Printing Parts!

Firefighters' safety relies on high-quality equipment, especially during wildfire season (when dry, hot conditions cause fires in grasslands or forests). A rapid and effective jet of water is essential, so how does SLS 3D printing technology help speed up the manufacturing process of the water pump's rotating shaft by three times compared to conventional prototyping processes?


Image source : https://pixabay.com/en/users/skeeze-272447/

The immense losses caused by natural disasters are well-known. Among them, forest fires or wildfires are particularly dangerous, causing not only injury, burns, smoke inhalation, and even death to humans, but also impacting animals and even leading to the deterioration of natural resources. Wildfires also incur costs; according to data from the Forest Service, direct losses per hectare can reach as high as $5,000, while indirect ecological losses can reach as high as $25,000.


Image source: https://pixabay.com/en/forest-fire-wildfire-blaze-3747355/

Rescue teams and fire departments frequently use buoyancy pumps to combat wildfires, which can individually pump large amounts of water, approximately 1200 dm³ per minute. Therefore, improving the functionality of water pumps is crucial, which requires linking their physical characteristics (such as pressure and efficiency) with the engine's power (such as engine speed).



To meet this engineering challenge, the shape of the pump's rotating shaft blades had to be redesigned. In a typical prototyping process, engineers must employ eight consecutive workflows, including 2D documentation and subsequent casting and post-processing. 3D printing, however, helps reduce this to just two processes: creating a 3D model by omitting machining, polishing, and drilling, and then directly printing the part in 3D , significantly accelerating the part's production process.



The SLS (Laser Sintering) 3D printing technology used in the Sinterit Lisa 3D printer helps achieve this goal. The printed elements have a smooth surface texture, and due to the physical strength and mechanical properties of SLS powder molding , it is possible to practically provide testing for water pumps and determine the final shape of the rotating shaft.



In this context, a 30% improvement in the production process of the rotary shaft makes a significant difference, reducing the number of production steps from eight to two while ensuring printing accuracy. The elimination of support materials and additional post-processing such as disassembly and grinding makes Sinterit Lisa an excellent choice for pump manufacturers. Furthermore, any design changes or rapid prototyping requirements can be easily and cost-effectively modified directly in the 3D software .





We are happy to share various examples of 3D printing's practical applications in industry and daily life. These changes not only contribute to technological progress and promote human development, but also help avert disasters and improve the environment. Furthermore, Sinterit Lisa already has experience in practical applications in medical development; if you are interested in related topics, please refer to more of our articles. If you also have needs for product or component development, please feel free to refer to our 3D printers or high-quality printing services . All the latest news will be announced on our fan page , so please follow us to stay updated!

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Original source: https://www.sinterit.com/use-case/rotor-prototyping-how-sls-3d-printing-helps-to-fight-the-wildfires/