Project background
Recently, a client with whom we work is working on the development of driverless trucks for use in ports. They are facing challenges related to the tight timeline required for testing the core components of the navigation system, as well as the high demands regarding the ability of these systems to function in outdoor conditions. The design plans for various components such as the multi-sensor integration framework, GNSS antenna covers, and domain controller housings for these driverless trucks have been finalized, and it is necessary to produce three complete prototypes of the navigation system within 12 days in order to conduct tests at the port. Traditional machining and molding methods would take more than 35 days to complete such tasks, and it is difficult to meet the requirements related to durability in outdoor environments and protection against salt spray corrosion; as a result, there is significant pressure to advance this project.
Given the tight deadline and stringent environmental requirements, the client turned to its existing suppliers right away. However, all of these traditional suppliers stated that they were unable to produce components that met the port’s environmental standards within such a short time frame. The port features high salt mist levels, high humidity, and large temperature differences, which place extremely high demands on the weather resistance, corrosion resistance, and sealing properties of the components used in navigation systems. Traditional manufacturing methods make it difficult to achieve rapid integration and protective treatment of these components, as a result of which the client’s development project for driverless trucks came to a standstill, facing risks of delays in port testing and setbacks in the project timeline.
Solutions and project outcomes
To overcome the delivery challenges and ensure the customer’s research and development progress, the customer promptly reached out to the RPS team. Upon receiving the request, RPS quickly put in place a specialized development process, abandoning traditional manufacturing methods in favor of industrial-grade 3D printing technology to meet the requirements of the outdoor environment. The production process was advanced efficiently throughout. The team worked round the clock to optimize the printing parameters and adjust the formulas for the weather-resistant materials, using UV-resistant and corrosion-resistant engineering resins to create complex structures that matched the precision and sealing standards of the navigation system components. Additional post-processing steps such as salt spray protection and waterproof sealing were carried out to ensure that the components could function properly in the harsh conditions of ports.
Thanks to its advanced material processing techniques and high efficiency, RPS managed to complete the production and post-processing of three complete prototypes of port-based driverless truck navigation systems within 10 days. A total of 28 core components were delivered, with dimensional accuracy maintained within ±0.05 mm. These components passed all the customer’s tests, including salt spray testing, high and low temperature cycling tests, waterproof sealing tests, and assembly verification. To minimize the testing time, the team sent technicians to the port site to carry out on-site installation, debugging, and technical support.
In the end, RPS managed to help the client shorten the development and testing cycle for the navigation system used in driverless truck fleets, thereby saving on costs related to mold production. This enabled the client to proceed as planned with the field testing phase at the port. This case clearly demonstrates RPS’s technical expertise and professional services in the field of outdoor industrial-grade 3D printing; its efficient and reliable performance in fulfilling commitments has enabled it to support the development of intelligent driverless equipment for use in ports, earning the client’s high appreciation and interest in maintaining a long-term partnership.