A long-standing client of Prototype Projects, The Technology Partnership (TTP) was founded in 1987. Within a matter of years, a relationship between Prototype Projects and TTP was formed; this has continued and strengthened ever since.
Based in Melbourn, TTP’s scientists and engineers collaborate to invent, design and develop new products and technologies on behalf of both start-ups and bluechip organisations worldwide.
Diagnostic device development
TTP was approached by a start-up company in 2017 to develop a novel point of care diagnostic device aimed at helping clinicians prescribe the appropriate antibiotic for a certain medical condition.
When developing such products, it is of critical importance that both the function and cosmetic appearance are to an extremely high level, since at every stage prototypes are used for Engineering development, usability assessment and (especially with start-ups) fund-raising activities. It was decided, therefore, the 3D print the parts using SLA technology to achieve the look of an injection moulded part with similar functionality.
Prototyping the device
After considering several alternative prototyping bureaus at various price-points and quality levels, TTP engaged Prototype Projects who, using their high-quality, industry-standard SLA machines, produced exceptional prototypes. These were painted in Prototype Projects’ modelling workshop to represent a finished model before being delivered to TTP using Prototype Projects’ free, local delivery service.
Peter Crossley of TTP said:
“Prototype Projects understood the importance of the finish quality we needed to achieve for the device. They knew the prototypes needed to look great and be geometrically very precise. The results were impressive and the turnaround was very fast.
“The team at Prototype Projects always deliver on quality and speed. The result of their work on the various iterations of the device’s development has enabled our client to progress quickly towards commercialisation.”
Clinical trials
TTP’s client, in partnership with TTP, is now moving quickly towards clinical trials. Assuming the trials are as successful as anticipated, the device will then transfer to manufacture.
Peter said:
“The development for this project has been fast. In less than three years, we have taken the concept for this diagnostic device through various iterations and prototyping, to clinical trial and, all being well, into manufacture.
“We have built a good relationship with the team at Prototype Projects over many years. We continue working with the team because they understand our need for speed in the development of all of our projects. Equally important is the quality of their 3D printing and finishing, which is incredibly high and consistent. It’s why we keep coming back to Prototype Projects.”