LeftShift Ltd

LeftShift Ltd, based in Lancaster, design bespoke electronic hardware devices targeting markets ranging from personal wearables to industrial sensing applications.

The Challenge

The was approached with the brief to design an enclosure that would house the existing electronics that LeftShift Ltd had developed. Engineering Design Academy expertise was therefore required, through the SusDRAM: EDA project, to establish a suitable design considering ingress protection rating, weight and shock constraints. The company were introduced to the capabilities of 3D printing, to further understand the cost and time-saving benefits the process has to offer during the development of the product.

Expertise Sought

• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology
• 3D printing

The Solution

A prototype enclosure was produced using SLS technology, to allow the addition of electronic components, gaskets and a battery. This provided confidence in the design and informed the development process. Consideration of the environment that the device would be used in was required, alongside provision for housing a touch screen display; PCB stack; USB point; various buttons; a battery; and charging point.

Cost

This work was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the SusDRAM: EDA project, which provides SMEs in the northwest of England with mechanical engineering support.

Impact

Producing a prototype in this manner proved to be a quicker and less expensive method than traditional subtractive manufacturing methods.

Benefits to the company

• Provided company with a prototype for the new product
• Saved the company time and money