Case Study: OVR Technology achieves rapid prototyping and low-volume production of its scent-enabled OX1 with Protolabs' Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing

OVR Technology turns to Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing at Protolabs to evolve VR experiences

OVR Technology, a Burlington, Vt. medtech startup, developed the OX1 — a patented, scent-emitting device that attaches to VR headsets — and faced the challenge of prototyping and low-volume production for a part that must be smooth, durable, and close to final-material properties to avoid trapping scent molecules. Traditional FDM left grooves that retained odors and in-house SLA lacked strength and finish, so OVR Technology turned to Protolabs’ Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printing to meet these requirements while keeping costs and turnaround time low.

Protolabs used its MJF process to deliver high-quality nylon prototypes and low-volume end-use parts with fast turnaround, instant design analysis/pricing, and the mechanical properties needed for testing (drop, electromagnetic, etc.). As a result, Protolabs enabled OVR Technology to get devices into clinicians’ hands sooner, iterate designs without paying for tooling, order short runs (typically 10 units) during beta testing and sustain low-volume production up to about 1,000 parts before considering injection molding—clearly accelerating validation and reducing time-to-market.

OVR Technology

Erik Cooper

Head of Design and Co-Founder