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Cutting and Profiling Subcontracting Services
News Release from: 3T RPD | Subject: Prototyping services
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 06 May 2004
NXT's Unique Technology Enhanced by 3T's
Expertise
With 3T RPD functional prototyping services, NXT reduced the development cycle of its Reference LCD Television from six months to just three.
NXT SoundVu technology represents the most significant advance in loudspeaker technology since the piston speaker was invented more than 80 years ago Combined with 3T RPD functional prototyping services, NXT reduced the development cycle of its Reference LCD Television from six months to just three, enabling them to unveil it at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January this year
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 19 Apr 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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NXT SoundVu technology is a further development of NXT technology and enables the design and construction of completely transparent, ultra-thin loudspeakers that bring sound and vision together.
Perfect for the home entertainment market, the screen becomes a loudspeaker and re-creates the cinematic experience of having the speaker sit behind the screen rather than above or to the side.
Three years ago NXT produced a 21-inch-LCD TV utilising NXT SoundVu technology.
Further reading
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To meet demands for larger fast prototyped parts, and larger batches, a subcontractor has installed what is believed to be the world's largest laser sintering machine.
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What may be the world's largest laser sintering machine is now fully installed and operational at a UK-based rapid prototyping facility.
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Since then, NXT has made a number of Plasma demonstrators, but with LCD now firmly established in the marketplace, they considered it time to revisit this display technology and build a larger, more adventurous showpiece to flaunt its technology.
Hence, the Reference LCD Television was developed and launched in Las Vegas.
The aim was to create the "ultimate centre channel" - where the centre channel in a 5.1 surround system is replaced with an NXT SoundVu display, to give perfect locking of the dialogue to the picture.
Built around a 26" LG.Philips LCD module that has only just been released to manufacturers, NXT's design engineers incorporated several new ideas.
The NXT SoundVu technology panel itself is just 2mm thick and spaced a maximum of 3.5mm from the LCD screen, so the installation adds a barely perceptible amount to the assembly's overall thickness, the TV itself being less than 105mm front to back when complete.
Due to the timescales involved and the massive cost advantages over other means of manufacture, 3T was asked to produce Glass Filled Nylon parts using their Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology for some major mechanical components of the LCD TV.
These components included the rear cover and connector panel, the LF bass enhancement enclosures and the enclosure grilles.
The parts were of such a high standard that they could easily be mistaken for full production mouldings.
Martin Roberts, Manager of Design and Prototype Engineering at NXT's Technology Centre in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire says: "NXT's relationship with 3T was born in mid 2002 and has gone from strength to strength since.
To date 3T has been involved in over 25 design projects and played a key role in enabling NXT to deliver stunning project specific products cost effectively and to very tight timescales.
This demonstrator model has impressed everyone who's heard and seen it.
At CES it was shown to the trade in private demonstrations and the reaction was extremely positive.
Safe in a purpose-built flight case, it is now being shuttled between potential clients worldwide to demonstrate its unique blend of acoustic benefits and host system adaptability." As a technology licensing company, NXT accesses a diverse range of industry groups such as automotive, commercial and consumer audio, computing and multimedia, mobile communications, TV and display, and special applications including toys, novelties and promotions.
By removing the need for conventional loudspeakers, manufacturers of such products benefit from enhanced design flexibility and an easy, space-saving means of producing sound, without compromising on quality.
3T's ongoing Research and Development programme into new techniques and applications enables them to continue to make technological breakthroughs in the developing Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing markets.
Working closely with NXT's in-house Design and Prototype Engineering division, vital days can be squeezed out of product development schedules, ensuring that deadlines are met and budgets adhered to.
Currently running the largest sintering capability in the UK, early 2003 saw the acquisition of 3T's first EOS P700, the world's largest laser sintering machine.
Just six months later a second P700 was installed, placing them in the top 3 worldwide! Uniquely, 3T is able to offer prototypes built on both EOS and DTM machines.
As well as the two EOS P700's, its suite of machinery includes two EOS P360 machines and a DTM 2500 Plus, thus providing customers with the optimal machine to meet their requirements.
Large parts can be built in a single piece on the P700 machine, with build volume of 700 x 380 x 580mm; the reduced need for joints increasing their functionality.
The P360 allows parts to be built up to 620mm x 340mm x 340mm, and smaller parts with finer detail can be produced on the DTM.
Paul Edwards, Business Development Manager of 3T says "Whilst high-tech design software can provide photo-realistic images ideal for the concept stages of product development, a physical prototype is far more effective in functional testing and assembly trials, and is ideal for exhibition and marketing purposes.
We pride ourselves on developing partnerships with our customers, providing the optimal solution to their prototyping requirements." Tim Plunkett, CEO of 3T RPD Ltd summarises; "NXT's projects are exciting and innovative, and the working relationship that we have developed is extremely beneficial to both parties.
We are delighted to assist NXT in the continued development of their pioneering technologies.".
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