Case Study: Cooper Environmental Services achieves six-week faster mold turnaround with 3D Systems' Quickparts

Cooper Environmental Puts SLS 3D Printing into Production to Save Time and Money

Cooper Environmental Services (Beaverton, OR), led by mechanical designer Carol Connors, needed a production‑quality mold for a fitted vulcanized rubber shell used on its continuous emissions monitoring system. The traditional process could take three to four months, involved shipping expensive one‑off assemblies to vendors, and required proof that 3D‑printed materials could withstand oven conditions (325°F at pressure) and long‑term use.

Cooper worked with 3D Systems’ Quickparts to test materials, select DuraForm PA, and produce the mold on an sPro 60 HD SLS printer. The digital workflow and 3D‑printed mold cut about six weeks from the schedule, eliminated costly technician travel and handling risk, enabled on‑demand replacement molds, reduced downtime and expense, and led Cooper to expand use of Quickparts for other production and machined parts.

Cooper Environmental Services

Carol Connors

Mechanical Designer and Document Control Manager