A local electrical engineering firm needed a custom enclosure solution for its printed circuit boards (PCBs) that met strict safety and performance standards. Traditional manufacturing methods weren’t suitable due to low production volumes and tight timelines, prompting the search for a more flexible, local alternative.
Huddersfield-based electrical engineering company, Genco Tech, required a bespoke solution to house and protect its custom-designed printed circuit boards (PCBs). The enclosures needed to meet specific performance and safety requirements, including compliance with Flame Retardant (UL94 V0) and RoHS regulations.
Traditional manufacturing routes such as injection moulding were not ideal for the project due to the need for rapid turnaround and low production volume. Genco Tech therefore sought a flexible and local solution that could deliver high-quality, flame-retardant enclosures without the cost and lead time of large-scale tooling.
The 3M BIC technology team worked closely with Genco Tech to 3D print flame-retardant cases using ABS-FR polymer on its Bambu Lab X1 Carbon printer. Several test samples were first produced to assess dimensional accuracy, durability and fit before full production. A total of 100 sets were printed and delivered, followed by an additional 50-set batch to meet continued demand.
This approach gave the client fast turnaround times, local collaboration for smoother communication, and flexibility to test and refine designs. It also enabled cost-effective small batch production without expensive tooling, while supporting sustainable practices by reducing waste and transport emissions.
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The 3D printed enclosures provided precise, flame-retardant protection for Genco Tech’s PCBs while meeting all its compliance requirements. The collaboration demonstrated the value of additive manufacturing for low-volume, high-quality production, particularly when regulatory standards such as UL94 V0 and RoHS must be met.
The success of the project led to repeat orders and highlighted how 3D printing can bridge the gap between prototyping and production for specialist electrical applications.
“Having access to advanced 3D printing capabilities locally through the 3M BIC team made a huge difference. We were able to quickly produce flame-retardant enclosures that met all compliance standards, without the delays or costs of traditional manufacturing. The flexibility, speed and hands-on support were exactly what we needed.”
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