Fast, risk-free product design and prototyping
Using 3D printing technology, Julian Hakes can now make as many as five iterations per prototype, creating designs that weren’t possible before. Model scaling is easy, and it’s far simpler to communicate ideas with colleagues and business partners.
Greater design innovation with 3D printing
“Ultimaker is a fantastic machine to have in the studio. 3D printing technology will allow the creation of much more bespoke footwear – and whilst at the moment it is limited to accessories, it won’t be long before we can make a solid, reliable, wearable shoe, directly from 3D printing.”Julian Hakes, fashion designer
Challenge and solution
Challenge
In the past, designers like Julian had to depend on 3rd party contractors, which meant he was forced to work to their schedule. As a result, making iterations took a lot of time and money. Sometimes, creative teams had to wait weeks just to make a single change to his design.
Solution
After considerable research and testing, Julian selected an Ultimaker 3D printer. He liked the machine’s speed, accuracy, and reliability, which were ideal for his requirements. He was able to create multiple prototypes in-house and perfect his designs.
Cost comparison
Mojito shoes
“Material costs are irrelevant,” Julian says. “And if you know it’s going to take a long time, you can simply print it smaller.”
External suppliers |
Ultimaker 3D printers |
|---|---|
| Iterations /product3 | Iterations / product50 |
| Cost / prototype$400 | Cost / prototype$50 |
| Time / prototype8 weeks | Time / prototype1 week |
In 18 months, Julian made over 100 prints and modifications – far more than would have been possible using 3rd party suppliers. Material costs and printing times are successfully managed by adjusting the model size, and it’s much easier to modify, collaborate, and get innovative with the manufacturing process.
Results
Greater flexibility
3D printing means Julian can experiment with design in a fast, cost-effective way. Through multiple prototypes and iterations, the design evolves naturally over time, without time or financial constraint.
Better collaborations
Having a tangible model makes collaboration a lot simpler and faster. Having Ultimakers in-house made it easier for Julian to communicate ideas between his partners and colleagues in London and Hong Kong offices.
More reliability and control
Using Ultimaker products gave Julian the confidence to leave the machine printing overnight, knowing that he’d be pleased with the results in the morning. This helped his team save weeks of model creation.
