| Many of the projects worked on by 3T
are subject to their clients' confidentiality restrictions. In order
to increase the database of knowledge surrounding their SLS technology
and the functionality of their prototypes, 3T devised an innovative
project to actively demonstrate their capabilities. In
early 2004 they purchased a Smart Car
with the intention of replicating or re-designing components, re-building
them in SLS and testing them in true working environments.
They worked with several partners on the project;
Crucible Industrial Design Ltd, Newbury College
and University of Portsmouth; and various SLS components
were fitted to the car and subsequently driven in everyday conditions
for over 2,000 miles, whilst being taken to exhibitions and roadshows,
and showcased at customer sites.
Crucible re-designed
the complete front end of the Smart car. Two versions were built
in SLS, fitted to the car and driven in every road and weather condition
imaginable for over 1,000 miles each, with no detrimental effect
to the SLS components!
3T also offered the opportunity to Final
Year Students in the South East region to work on the
car for their design projects, and various parts were designed,
built and fitted to the car. Whilst these were removed when the
car was driven on the open road, they were fitted to the car for
fit and function testing, and demonstration purposes.
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| Crucible’s concept sketch of initial
design |
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Rendered image of
new design |
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| SLS components fitted
to smart Car |
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Crucible Industrial
