Most promotional merchandise looks the same. A pen, a mug, a cap with a logo on it. They get handed out, tucked in a drawer and forgotten. So when Hiko Electrical approached us with a different idea, it got us thinking.
Hiko wanted a scaled-down replica of an electrical component they supply, something their customers would recognise instantly, keep on their desk and talk about. The product itself becomes the gift.
The brief
A miniature replica needs to look like the real thing. Proportions, edges and surface detail all matter, because the whole point is that people recognise the product at a glance. It also needed to feel solid enough to be handled, passed around and left on a desk. And with a firm deadline, the turnaround had to be short.
Combining two additive manufacturing technologies
No single process was the obvious answer, so we combined two. We used SLA for the fine detail and smooth surface finish that make a replica convincing, and HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) for the durable, engineering-grade polymer parts that hold up to real handling.
Using both let us play to the strengths of each, rather than compromising on detail or durability. Because additive manufacturing needs no moulds or tooling, there was no upfront tooling cost, and we could move from concept to finished parts within the time Hiko had available.
A first run of 50, and a reorder on the way
The first run of 50 units was delivered to the brief and on time, and it was so well received that Hiko is now looking to order more.
That is the advantage of low volume manufacturing for this kind of project. A run of 50 would never justify the cost of injection moulding tooling. With additive manufacturing, 50 is a perfectly sensible order, and a second batch can follow whenever it is needed, with no minimum quantities or stock sitting on a shelf.
Something to think about before Christmas
If you supply a product that people recognise, a miniature version makes a memorable gift for customers, staff or trade partners. It works well for:
Client and end-of-year gifts
Trade show and conference giveaways
Staff recognition and milestone awards
Sales team samples that show a product's form at a glance
With Christmas not far away, now is a good time to start the conversation. The sooner we have your product details, the more time we have to design, test and produce your run.
Your product, in miniature
This is a different way to use our additive manufacturing capability, but it draws on the same things we do for manufacturers every day: careful design, the right process for the job, and reliable delivery. Whether you need 50 pieces or several hundred, we can help.
Have a product that would make a great promotional piece? Contact us to discuss your manufacturing challenge or product development project, and let's see if we can help you get to market more efficiently and cost effectively.
