Worcester, UK - Quantel, a world-leading developer of innovative, high performance content creation and delivery systems for fast-turnaround TV production and high quality film and TV post production, has purchased a Stratasys uPrint SE Plus 3D Printer in order to speed up its prototype production process.

Quantel has systems installed at broadcast facilities and post production houses worldwide. The company creates bespoke news and sports production solutions for a variety of broadcasters including the BBC, Fox, ESPN and WDR.  In addition, its post production systems are relied on by businesses serving major movie studios in LA, New York, London, Toronto and Tokyo.  

Having searched online for relevant 3D printer suppliers and having spoken to a number of people, Quantel bought the 3D printer from SMG3D, the 3D printing division of The Stanford Marsh Group.   Quantel is using the printer to create prototypes of the casing and parts – such as switches and hinges – for its production and post production systems. 

On the decision to purchase a 3D printer, David Throup, Group Leader within Quantel Research Department, explains, “We’d determined that we needed to improve turnaround in our prototype process and decided that a 3D printer would make the biggest single impact.  Having reviewed the various options available, we selected the Stratasys uPrint SE Plus as it was able to meet the performance requirements we needed at the right price.  It was the best fit for our needs.” 

The Stratasys uPrint SE Plus 3D Printer enables users to print professional-grade 3D models from their desks.  It builds accurate, functional concept models, rapid prototypes and product mock-ups straight from a CAD file.  The printer can create models and functional prototypes that are durable, stable and pinpoint accurate in a matter of hours enabling users to evaluate form, fit and function in everything from ergonomics to manufacturing processes.

The printer was installed at Quantel in 2013 and has been a great success.  David explains, “We can now go from concept to a physical object in a day.  Previously we outsourced our prototyping and it would have taken approximately 10 days and cost us many hundreds of pounds.  We’ve saved a lot of money and time by removing the need to outsource prototyping.  The printer creates the same prototypes in just hours – and at a fraction of the cost.  The Stratasys printer effectively paid for itself within six months.”

That’s not the only plus for Quantel.  David adds, “The 3D printer also enables us to be more adventurous with our solutions and try out more ideas in a very cost-effective manner.  The printer is in use almost every day.”

Dave Moore, Analyst, at SMG3D, adds, “Since the creation of our 3D division in 2011, we have been able to provide companies with the equipment to fundamentally change the way they work.  As proven at Quantel, these printers can save companies an enormous amount of both time and money and prove to be invaluable.”