3D Printer technology evaluation study
Top quality dispensing service
Espy & Iris was founded by a family from Cork with a fun spirit and a simple objective; to offer high quality on trend eyewear at amazing prices. Their founder is a practising optician therefore you can trust Espy & Iris to deliver a top quality dispensing service. Each order will be carefully checked and glazed by our in house optician
Espy and Iris invest in the latest technology to ensure the best clinical care. Primary issues to be addressed:
- A technical feedback on the characteristics of the prints
- Cost analysis of 3D printing as a means of design and rapid prototyping
- Post-print work: tooling and re-work required
Available 3D printing options
Espy and Iris approached the Nimbus Research Centre curious to investigate how far 3D printing technology has progressed for producing high quality frames for wearable glasses. This innovation voucher will work closely with the client, design a typical set of frames and examine what 3D printing options are available, print where necessary and examine associated costs.
This voucher will also expose the staff to the relevant technology and teach them what needs to be considered to realise a high quality 3D print.
Using various technologies which include 3D scanning, 3D modelling and 3D printing, the researchers in Nimbus were able to demonstrate and provide technical expertise on the feasibility of these technologies in the eyewear sector. The impact on end-to-end design, rapid prototyping and production of eyewear frames of 3D printing technology is revolutionary with increase wide-adoption and latest emerging innovations are set to change the landscape of manufacturing.
Along with technical research, Nimbus have provided the client with 3D printed eyewear frames using various technologies and methods to outline the process from 3d modelling right through to post-rework.
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family business
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technical study
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Innovation Voucher
“We were very satisfied with the technical experience and the quality of the people working with us on this project. The findings and recommendations from this study have been very informative and have opened several possibilities for us to consider when moving this project forward. It was a pleasure to work with the Nimbus team on this successful project and we look forward to future collaborations within the MTU family. We highly recommend the Nimbus Centre to companies looking to explore technical feasibility studies.“
Christine Brosnan
Co-Founder, Espy & Iris
The Espy & Iris & Nimbus Technology Gateway partnership
The company is now better informed on whether to take on in-house design and production work by investing in an industry-grade printer or to partner with existing local production and manufacturing company to assist with their proprietary eyewear designs.