Case Study: Solarytics speeds solar panel testing with UltiMaker METHOD and METHOD X 3D printing

California-based solar technology startup Solarytics uses the MakerBot METHOD platform to create optimized testing rigs for its cutting-edge solar panel technology

Solarlytics, a solar technology startup, faced a challenge in developing complex test rigs for its heavy solar panels, a process that was labor-intensive and risked damaging the equipment. Their previous, cheaper 3D printers required extensive calibration and failed to produce parts with the necessary tight tolerances, while outsourcing was prohibitively expensive at up to $10,000 per part.

UltiMaker's METHOD platform, specifically the METHOD X printer with dissolvable SR-30 support material, provided an in-house solution. This allowed Solarlytics to quickly and reliably print complex, single-piece components like a specialized wheel clamp assembly. The solution drastically reduced the part cost to $83 and cut production time from 20 days to just 2 days, enabling efficient prototyping and safeguarding their valuable solar panels during testing.

Solarytics

Doug Raymond

Engineer and Co-Founder