Solid object printer cuts Alcatel's design time

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 23, 2000

ThermoJet is playing a vital role in the development of a new submerged repeater, helping Alcatel to reduce time-to-market schedules.

A ThermoJet 3D solid object printer from 3D Systems Europe, is helping to reduce product development cycles at Alcatel.

The ThermoJet printer is installed in the design office at Alcatel's Greenwich facility, where it is being used by the Submarine Networks Division to produce 3D output both for design verification and fit for function testing.

In particular, ThermoJet is playing a vital role in the development of a new submerged repeater, helping Alcatel to reduce time-to-market schedules.

Typically, this type of repeater will have an operational life of up to twenty-five years, submerged on the sea bed, so excellence in design and engineering is crucial to ensure both performance and longevity in an environment where maintenance is difficult and costly.

One of the key criteria in the development of the new repeater is to minimise the size of the unit and ThermoJet is making a particular contribution in this area, as it enables the design engineering team to quickly and easily output 'to size' system components and physically check design and fit.

Furthermore, the company is confident that the ThermoJet printer will make a valuable contribution in helping them to meet contract deadlines on major projects.

Prior to the installation of the ThermoJet solid object printer, Alcatel subcontracted the production of 3D models to an external bureaux.

As a number of design iterations can be produced for a single component, the design and development team found this process to be expensive and often experienced lengthy lead times.

Christine Jacques, Manager of Computer and Product Data Systems for the Submarine Networks Division of Alcatel explains, "In common with any other manufacturing organisation, the company is under continual pressure to reduce both time-to-market schedules and production costs, without sacrificing product quality or innovation.

The installation of the ThermoJet solid object printer enables us to produce 3D output in a fraction of both the time and costs previously incurred using the external contractor.

Additionally, having an in-house system which sits comfortably within the design office environment, provides us with far greater control in the development process." Alcatel is the world leader in submarine turnkey solutions, developing, installing and maintaining complete telecommunication systems from ocean to city across the globe.

Complementarily to wireless systems and satellites, the submarine telecommunication cable industry is exploding.

In particular, Internet has created a huge demand for increased bandwidth, generating a requirement for new sub-sea telecommunications networks and creating many additional opportunities for Alcatel.

"As a market leader we are continually looking to both develop new products and evolve existing technologies to ensure continued growth," comments Christine Jacques.

"The functionality provided by the ThermoJet printer helps to reduce development cycles for products and systems which will keep us at the forefront of the submarine networks industry.".