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Description of the component:
After extensive development, uvex has succeeded in designing a spectacle temple that can be produced using the 3D printing process. The aim was to produce a temple that not only looks good, but can also withstand special protection requirements in accordance with the EN166 standard (e.g. protection against mechanical impacts). The additively manufactured temple is part of the uvex pheos cx2 safety spectacles.
Challenges:
The challenge and goal at the same time was to develop safety eyewear with a unique, attractive design that is as comfortable to wear as possible and meets the necessary safety requirements. As the 3D-printed temples are used in safety eyewear, the requirements of the EN166 occupational safety standard must be met. Here, for example, mechanical resistance to impact at 45 m/s - equivalent to 162 km/h - is required. The structure of the temples and their production using 3D printing make them more fragile than conventionally manufactured spectacle temples for the occupational safety sector.
It was therefore a particular challenge to optimize the structure to such an extent that the standard requirements in terms of protection could be met. The uvex group's motto is "protecting people", which is why the focus here was particularly on protecting customers.
Solution:
By using an additive manufacturing process, both design and safety requirements can be met. As 3D printing is not limited by tooling technology, the technology offers a greater degree of freedom in design compared to injection molding processes. By producing the temples using 3D printing, not only can the weight of the temples be significantly reduced, but an optimal ergonomic fit can also be generated that is individually tailored to the wearer. In addition, 3D printing offers the possibility of a high degree of customization compared to standard injection moulding. This is particularly relevant for customers who want to generate safety eyewear in their own design and/or with their own logo and have high demands on the fit. While customization with standard processes usually involves high quantities for acceptance as well as high costs and investments in new tools, 3D printing enables customization with very small quantities (batch size 1) and significantly lower costs. Investment costs for new tools are completely eliminated. To create an optimal temple structure, uvex has taken inspiration from nature. The special bionic structure of the temples not only makes the design particularly attractive, but also provides the required mechanical strength to meet the standard requirements.
Conclusion:
The project has shown that the additive manufacturing of spectacle temples offers a high degree of flexibility and enormous added value. In addition, the use of suitable structures makes it possible to meet the standard requirements in the field of personal protective equipment. For uvex Arbeitsschutz GmbH, this was the first completed project in the field of 3D printing. As the trend towards individualization in personal protective equipment is becoming increasingly relevant, uvex will continue to focus on this type of production for future product developments and projects and drive forward developments in line with the motto "value follows innovation".