GoProto ANZ (GoProto.com.au) an Australian 3D printing and manufacturing service bureau, announced the successful delivery of locally printed 3D products to Rheinmetall Defence Australia (“RDA”) as part of its Land 400 Phase 3 offer to the Commonwealth of Australia.
GoProto is the first Melbourne-based 3D printing provider to work with RDA and provide critical product for its LYNX KF41 Infantry Fighting Vehicle.
On the back of the Land 400 Phase 3 roadshow for the Commonwealth’s acquisition of 450 IFVs, GoProto successfully engaged with RDA’s Team Lynx using a range of digital technologies to inspire design prototypes for innovative solutions.
GoProto 3D printed a range of functional PA12 components with Multi-Jet Fusion technology with properties to rival injection moulding. Delivered components included handles and communications panels (as shown in images below).
RDA will embark on an extensive user testing analysis to select the best solution among 3 rugged yet lightweight communications panels for soldiers’ rapid dismounting within vehicles.
Technological evolution and innovation in land combat and protected vehicle capability is integral to Australia’s warfighting edge. The design changes proposed in the 3D printed components aim to improve the soldier’s capability in integration, networking and communications.
Rheinmetall will deliver three LYNX vehicles to compete in RMA Activity trials conducted in Australia from November 2020. The exhaustive testing regime, considered world leading, will put vehicles through a range of trials including lethality, mobility and blast tests.
If successful, the LYNX fleet will be manufactured in Queensland at Rheinmetall’s new Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence at Redbank south west of Brisbane. The signing of the Hungarian Armed Forces as the first LYNX customer also means Australian SMEs will see future potential export opportunities for Australia.
Simon Marriott, Managing Director of GoProto ANZ said:
“GoProto’s 3D printing technology allowed quick, clear and efficient communication around the design of the vehicle connectivity package involving teams juggling work from home lockdowns in different states.
As a SME offering local additive manufacturing services, we are able to respond quickly to design challenges and put different prototypes with full production functionality into the hands of the Rheinmetall team. We look forward to more opportunities to incorporate 3D printing as an Australian industry capability with Rheinmetall and a sovereign advantage for the Australian Defence Force.”
About GoProto ANZ
GoProto is a prototyping and advanced manufacturing service provider dedicated to assisting businesses throughout all steps of the product development cycle.
Utilising advanced 3D printers and HP’s Multi-Jet Fusion technology, GoProto specialises in manufacturing complex, light-weight products with superior mechanical properties to rival injection-moulded parts for Transportation, Automation and Defence industries. As of 3rd November 2020, WYSIWYG 3D has joined forces with GoProto to provide 3D scanning, photogrammetry and 3D CAD modelling services under the GoProto banner in Sydney. As part of a global network, GoProto delivers a suite of solutions including additive manufacturing (3D printing), CNC, sheetmetal, vacuum casting, tooling and finishing processes to provide customers with high quality plastic and metal products.