Case study

BAE Systems: a 4-meter underwater vehicle model for trade shows

United Kingdom · Defense · FDM and PolyJet (with Laser Lines)

BAE Systems wanted a one-third scale model of its Herne XLAUV (Extra Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) for trade shows and events. The model is 4 meters long.

The challenge

The project started in April 2024 with a deadline in late August. The model had to look faithful, be light enough to travel and be easy to assemble at every show.

The solution

Stratasys partner Laser Lines printed the hull in its Banbury bureau. Stratasys delivered the payload bay, the most detailed part. FDM was used for the large external parts and PolyJet for the detailed areas. Most of the model is printed in ASA.

The design was split into five parts, joined with a simple system of rivets and bolts.

The results

Delivered within a six-week deadline
60–70% shorter lead time
33% material savings through geometry optimization
No tooling costs, modular transport and fast replacement of parts from digital files

Application: Marketing & trade show models

Detailed, robust scale models tell a product story better than a screen, and travel from show to show.

More about prototyping

Source: Stratasys Application Guide and Stratasys case material. Photo: Stratasys.

Want to explore this application?

SEIDO Systems is Stratasys Platinum Partner across Benelux, France and the Nordics. Contact us for advice, a demo or a test print.