Case Study: Volvo Construction Equipment cuts prototype cost and lead time with Stratasys 3D printing

Volvo Construction Equipment cuts prototype time from 20 weeks to 2 with Stratasys

Volvo Construction Equipment (VCE), a major manufacturer of construction equipment, faced the challenge of reducing the high costs and long lead times associated with prototyping new engine components. Their goal was to cut development time for large engine projects from 36 to 24 months. To validate a new water pump housing design, VCE partnered with vendor Stratasys and utilized an Objet Eden260V 3D printer to produce a functional prototype.

By using Stratasys 3D printing technology with a transparent material, VCE was able to produce a sealed and functional prototype water pump housing. This solution slashed the lead time from a projected 20 weeks down to just 2 weeks and reduced costs by 92%, from an estimated $10,000 to only $770. The successful test validated the new design and demonstrated that 3D printed parts could withstand the engine's heat and pressure. This project proved the feasibility of using Stratasys 3D printing for future prototypes, jigs, fixtures, and low-volume part production, leading to substantial ongoing time and cost savings.

Volvo Construction Equipment