Case Study: Spirax Sarco Inc. achieves 25–30% faster design cycles and major prototyping cost savings with 3D Systems

Spirax Sarco Inc. Brings Prototyping In-House for Cost Savings and Speed

Spirax Sarco Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of Spirax Sarco Engineering and a national leader in steam-related products and services, faced high prototyping costs and long lead times—simple valve prototypes cost $600–$800 and took two weeks, and sets of options could run into the thousands—slowing product development and limiting design iteration.

By bringing 3D printing in-house with a 3D Systems ZPrinter, Spirax Sarco cut prototype cost and wait time (saving $600–$800 and two weeks per part), compressed its design cycle by 25–30%, and enabled more iterations for higher product quality. The technology quickly expanded beyond basic prototypes—reducing investment casting costs by about $5,000 and four weeks per part, producing lightweight sales and tradeshow models, and even helping win a $600,000 contract—paying for the printer within a year.

Spirax Sarco Inc.

Leslie Penfield

SSI Product Development Engineer