AFYS3G, a Netherlands-based lab equipment manufacturer, needed a faster and more flexible way to produce the custom housings and parts that make up their instruments. Instead of relying on slow and expensive tooling, they turned to large-format 3D printing with the BigRep STUDIO. The result was a major reduction in lead times, cutting production from several months down to just days.

The Challenge

AFYS3G builds instruments that label, scan, mix, and heat biological samples for laboratories around the world. Producing these machines requires precise and durable parts that are often large and complex. Traditional methods like injection molding or die casting did not allow for quick design changes or small production runs, so the team needed a more adaptable solution.

“We needed a large-format 3D printer to create housings for our equipment,” said Harry Epping, Manufacturing Process Engineer at AFYS3G. “We didn’t want to invest in large amounts of tooling, so we thought 3D printing would be a good alternative.”

Why They Chose the BigRep STUDIO

The BigRep STUDIO fit AFYS3G’s goals perfectly. Its 1000 × 500 × 500 mm build volume lets the team print full-size parts in one piece. The enclosed chamber and filtration system make it safe and reliable in a lab setting.

By printing in-house, AFYS3G can produce parts faster and with more control over design iterations. The workflow has become so efficient that they have already added a second STUDIO to meet growing demand.

From Design to Finished Product

AFYS3G’s process starts in CAD, where parts are designed and then printed directly on the STUDIO. After printing, the parts are sanded, painted, and assembled into functional products. Some components are finished to a high polish for visual appeal, while others are left unpainted when appearance is less important.

The end result is a set of production-ready parts that look and perform just like traditionally manufactured ones, but with much shorter turnaround times.

The Results

With large-format 3D printing, AFYS3G has cut lead times, reduced costs, and gained new flexibility in how they design and build their equipment. What once took months now takes days, and small production runs are both practical and affordable.

As Epping put it, “We use 3D printing for almost everything. If there is a possibility to 3D print parts, we will always take the opportunity.”

Why It Matters

AFYS3G’s success shows how additive manufacturing can change the way high-precision equipment is made. For engineers, researchers, and small manufacturers, large-format 3D printing offers a faster, more adaptable way to move from concept to production.

If you are ready to bring manufacturing in-house and work at the speed of innovation, explore the BigRep STUDIO and other large-format 3D printers available at MatterHackers.