When the BOSEbuild team began designing their next build-it-yourself product, BOSEbuild Headphones, they needed a smooth and fast prototyping process. With Ultimaker 3D printers in their office, they were able to design and print parts of the headphones, which was crucial for testing and development before mass production, directly saving time and money by making internal modifications.
Joey, BOSEbuild's Head of Sales and Marketing, has over 10 years of 3D printing experience and is very familiar with the convenience and reliability of the printing process. He knows Ultimaker printers well and highly values their reliability; they remain the preferred choice for rapid turnaround and low-cost needs. BOSEbuild is composed of a small team dedicated to seeking new opportunities for its parent company, BOSE, by creating durable, high-quality, and educational products. Following the success of developing the BOSEbuild Speaker Cube product, the team began designing and making a pair of DIY Bluetooth headphones, exploring the concepts of sound waves and microphones, thereby inspiring children to explore how speakers work and the science behind healthy headphone use.
．Prototyping for Rapid Testing
Joey stated that the challenge in creating these headphones was that his team had to prototype the assembled fixtures, simulate head-worn usability and acoustic coordination, while also providing wearable devices for market research and target audience feedback. While BOSE's rapid prototyping service was used for major components, early versions of the BOSEbuild headphones arrived from the factory without connected earcups; this is where the Ultimaker 3D printer excels, allowing us to print the necessary test parts in-house and make improvements.
Our Ultimaker can easily handle various colors, allowing everyone on the team to test the headphone design and usability.
"The only reason we were able to test the headphones so quickly and cost-effectively was because the team had access to in-house Ultimaker printers. Instead of spending three days and $30-$40 outsourcing, it took only 3 hours and a few dollars to print new parts on the Ultimaker. By 3D printing on the Ultimaker, valuable time and money were saved, allowing the BOSEbuild team to focus on other necessary conditions to complete the design process," said Joey.
"Rapidly printing flexible, adaptable prototypes, product testing enables early developers to get everything done," said Darius Mober, BOSEbuild Chief Engineer, who prints 10 or more original parts each week for colleagues in engineering, marketing, and operations. "These fully functional, flexible yokes adapt to head movements and allow application, firmware, and acoustics teams to complete necessary testing."
．Inspiring Curiosity
Between prototyping and educational projects, their Ultimaker printers can run all day during peak hours. In addition to prototyping, the BOSEbuild team also uses Ultimaker printers to create unique displays that teach children about magnetic fields. Plastic parts created on the Ultimaker serve as safety latches and magnet holders displayed during exhibitions, further expanding BOSEbuild's 3D printing applications.
BOSEbuild's mission is to inspire curiosity, foster a learning environment of exploration and discovery, and design and manufacture high-quality, durable products that children will cherish as they grow. Whether they are creating self-made prototypes for an upcoming exhibition or 3D printing components, the BOSEbuild team knows they can rely on Ultimaker printers to get the job done.
3D printers can help you complete design and testing processes faster, with the most economical production costs and time. If you have a similar project underway, feel free to consult our professional, high-quality printing service. If you wish to learn more about the machines, you can also refer to other articles on our website or schedule a visit.
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Original link: https://ultimaker.com/en/stories/52696-bosebuild-accelerating-design-and-testing-phases-with-3d-printed-parts