Case Study: Bounce Imaging accelerates production and protects tactical ball components with Protolabs rapid manufacturing

Bounce Imaging turns to rapid manufacturing to protect internal components of its tactical ball and accelerate its speed to market

Bounce Imaging, a Boston-based startup, developed a tactical camera device called the Explorer to help first responders safely assess dangerous environments. Their challenge was to produce a durable, protective shell for the device's sensitive internal components that could withstand significant impact while remaining cost-effective to manufacture. They turned to the rapid manufacturing services of Protolabs to overcome these design and production hurdles.

Protolabs provided Bounce Imaging with a variety of services, including CNC-machined aluminum prototypes and selective laser sintering (SLS) for initial parts. Ultimately, Protolabs' injection molding service was used to manufacture the final production-ready polycarbonate shell and lens holders, which were strong yet flexible enough to protect the internal electronics from impact. The feedback from Protolabs' interactive quoting system was instrumental in redesigning the parts for manufacturability. This partnership allowed Bounce Imaging to accelerate its speed to market and begin production of its first 100 units.

Bounce Imaging

Francisco Aguilar

Chief Executive Officer