Z Corporation 3D Printing Technology Helps Humanetics ATD Make Intelligent Crash Test Dummies

By DE Editors

The persistent demand for sophisticated new products and features in the field of anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs), explains why Humanetics Innovative Solutions of Huron, OH uses 3D printing technology from Z Corporation.

“ZPrinting lets us make new parts for the client in a day and a half instead of the week or more it takes when we need to machine new steel or aluminum molds,” said Humanetics Project Engineer Kris Sullenberger. “It’s also probably a 10-to-one cost savings in materials and machine work, meaning we save hundreds of dollars each time.”

Sullenberger’s team purchased its ZPrinter four years ago to execute a project for the US Department of Defense during the second Iraq war. The client needed a sophisticated head model to test a new generation of goggles and face shields. The head model consisted of a dozen segments representing facial bones, each requiring impact data collection sensors.

Although most of Humanetics’ ZPrinting is for mold and pattern production, the company also prints samples for marketing and sales, which it often uses to help explain concepts better than words or CAD images.

“People often don’t know what they’re looking at in a picture. But it drives the information home when you print a part, split it in half, and let the person pick up the pieces, examine the internals, and put them together themselves.” Sullenberger said.

For more information, visit Humanetics Innovative Solutions and Z Corporation.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.