Case Study: Eckhart achieves Industry 4.0 transformation and improved safety and efficiency with Proto3000

Eckhart - Customer Case Study

Eckhart, a manufacturer focused on improving factory-floor safety, reliability and efficiency across industries from medical devices to automotive, faced the Industry 4.0 challenge of modernizing tooling and ergonomics while speeding up iteration for major OEMs (Ford, Mercedes, Airbus). To meet high‑duty‑cycle demands and reduce repetitive‑strain risks, Eckhart partnered with Proto3000 to deploy additive manufacturing (3D printing) solutions using engineering‑grade materials such as Nylon 12 with carbon fiber and ULTEM™ 1010 resin.

Proto3000 produced custom 3D‑printed jigs, fixtures and ergonomic tools integrated into Eckhart’s smart‑factory workflows, enabling parts that withstand harsh assembly use (typically 60 uses/hour over 8‑hour shifts, 3 shifts/day, 6–7 days/week). The result was durable, field‑proven tooling that reduced operator strain, accelerated design iteration and boosted productivity (allowing one operator’s output to match several), delivering measurable improvements in uptime, safety and speed to market. Proto3000’s solutions helped Eckhart advance its Industry 4.0 goals.

Eckhart

Andrew Storm

President & Chief Executive Officer