Case study - Microsoft
Case study
Microsoft: tough PolyJet prototypes for assembly and snap-fit testing
Redmond, Washington (USA) · Hardware development · PolyJet (ToughONE)
Microsoft’s Advanced Prototyping Center (APC) is a 26,000-square-foot facility. Its makers turn concepts into prototypes for designers and engineers. The mantra: “fail fast”.
The challenge
PolyJet was already the APC’s go-to technology for full-color, multi-material models. But the material strength was a limit. Prototypes that had to be drilled, fastened or snapped together needed tougher parts.
The solution
With PolyJet ToughONE, the APC prints parts that can be drilled and machined like SLA resins and cast ABS. Full-color, multi-material prototypes now also work as functional test parts.
“PolyJet has been our preferred prototyping technology in the APC, but material strength was a limitation. With ToughONE, PolyJet can now produce robust engineering parts, expanding its role in Microsoft hardware development.”
The results
- Functional testing of assemblies and snap-fits
- Prototypes that survive drilling, fastening and assembly
- Earlier design validation and fewer late-stage changes
- Faster time-to-market and higher-confidence decisions
Application: Assembly & snap-fit validation
Check that clips, hinges and mating parts come together as intended, before production tooling is ordered.
Source: Stratasys Application Guide and Stratasys case material. Photo: Stratasys.
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