Discover how the BigRep STUDIO enables AFYS3G to produce 3D printed lab equipment housings for the life science industry, creating high-quality devices faster and cost-effectively in-house.
Change is constant in life sciences, and keeping up with change is a big part of 3D printing’s DNA. AFYS3G which is based in the Netherlands, specializes in producing lab devices for the life science industry with a focus on equipment that handles and tracks biological samples. Their devices mark and label labware for easy identification, scan barcodes to keep track of samples, thaw frozen specimens, and mix or heat samples for experiments. All of these tools are designed to make everyday lab work faster, more reliable, and easier to manage.
To produce the equipment that houses and supports these devices, AFYS3G required a flexible and cost-effective manufacturing method.
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“We needed a large-format 3D printer to create housings for equipment. We didn’t want to invest in large amounts of tooling like die casting, injection molding, or vacuum molding. So we thought 3D printing would be a good alternative.”
– Harry Epping, Manufacturing Process Engineer at AFYS3G
Why the BigRep STUDIO Was the Right Choice for 3D Printed Lab Equipment
1. Large-Scale Build Volume
The STUDIO’s 1000 x 500 x 500 (mm) build volume delivers the space needed for large housings and mechanical parts without occupying a massive production floor space.
2. Closed Build Envelope for Safety & Compliance
With its insulated enclosure and BOFA air filtration system, the STUDIO ensures safe operation and full compliance with health and safety regulations while working with any potentially hazardous materials. The dedicated output safely directs any and all fumes into its filtration system which then the HEPA filters purify.
3. Reliable End-Use Parts
Using BigRep’s filaments, such as the HI-TEMP, AFYS3G produces rigid, highly accurate parts with minimal warping and an aesthetic surface finish. Post-processing these components makes them indistinguishable from injection-molded or die-cast parts, while maintaining the strength needed.
4. Remote Monitoring with BigRep CONNECT
BigRep CONNECT allows AFYS3G to track print progress from anywhere. Engineers can keep a virtual eye on the print, access analytics, prevent errors and optimize workflows.
The impact was so significant that AFYS3G invested in a second BigRep STUDIO to keep up with demand and reduce bottlenecks caused by long print cycles.
3D Printed Housing for AFYS3G’s Labware Marking System
Once the BigRep STUDIO finishes printing all the housing parts, AFYS3G has a trial assembly. This step ensures that every printed component aligns correctly, that all fastening points and interfaces fit as intended, and that no adjustments are needed before post-processing. After this check, the 3D printed lab equipment housing is sent out for post-processing.
The post-processing workflow includes sanding the surfaces smooth, filling any small imperfections, and preparing the parts for painting. Different parts of the housing are given different finishes: some have a paint coat for a clean, functional appearance, while another part has a high-gloss black finish. These aesthetic treatments create surface finishes comparable to conventionally manufactured parts.
The internal parts of the housing have inserts for mechanical stability, and since they are out of sight, only minimal post-processing is needed. This balance between detailed external finishing and efficient internal treatment allows AFYS3G to meet both functional and aesthetic requirements without unnecessary cost or time wastage. The 3D printed lab equipment housings are nearly indistinguishable from those made through injection molding, die casting, or vacuum forming.
Results: Faster Production, Lower Costs, Greater Flexibility
By integrating the BigRep STUDIO into its production line, AFYS3G:
- Reduces lead times from months to weeks
- Saves time and cost when compared to tooling
- Has the flexibility to quickly prototype, test, and refine designs
- Prints quality end-use parts with the perfect strength-to-weight ratio
The Next Era of Equipment Manufacturing
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“We use 3D printing for almost everything. If there is a possibility to 3D print parts, we will always take the opportunity.”
Said Harry Epping.
Life sciences move fast, and 3D printing is becoming a lifeline in shaping the tools to make research possible. From prototyping to end-use parts, for AFYS3G, 3D printing is a cornerstone in their production workflow.
