Problem
For ZEISS, accuracy is one of the most crucial components of their design process; often down to the highest of resolutions. Due to the nature of their business, customers of ZEISS use their products in order to confirm perfect results, time after time.
Each machine that ZEISS produces is used by its users to align light to optimal measurement axes. For each alignment, ZEISS uses bespoke brackets and screws which must be adjusted depending on the context of each alignment. That means that for each customer, ZEISS has to complete the work on the item manually which can be quite time and cost inefficient when compared to alternative methods.
Solution
With the introduction of 3D printing, the solution is now far more time and cost efficient. First, the ZEISS team measures the angles required for the customer’s machine. Then, using an Ultimaker 3D printer, they are able to print an adaptor plate which makes sure that the light is being directed in the correct direction; into the device’s sensors. This process is used for every microscope in serial production, with every bespoke angle being accounted for. Now, ZEISS has found itself able to iterate upon their solutions at a faster rate, ensuring that they can serve customers at a quicker pace and therefore meet more demand.
