Hugo Arnold, Head Of Prototype Manufacturing


The Geberit Group is the largest European market makers of sanitary technology products. More than 130 years old, the company’s longevity and successful worldwide market penetration are due in part to Geberit’s emphasis on innovation.

Prototypes play an important role in the Geberit development process, with some produced using CNC machining and others using 3-D printing. For many years, all 3-D printing was handled by a service bureau, but in 2005, Geberit decided to bring it in-house.

Opting for a clean process, high model quality, and winning value
Geberit considered several options before deciding to purchase an Eden260 3-Dimensional Printing System from Objet Geometries. Objet’s solution topped the list because of its environmentally friendly post-processing, superior surface quality, and overall cost-effectiveness. The ability to completely remove all support structures, allowing fluid testing during the development phase, was another important factor in the decision to purchase the Eden260.

Two-stage testing using Objet models saves development time
The Eden260 is now well integrated into Geberit’s new product development workflow. In the first stage, an Objet model of the concept is tested for form; the parts and assembly are tested for fit; and the whole model is evaluated for function using a neutral environment fluid flow test.

After product feasibility evaluation using the Objet models, Geberit moves to the second stage – function testing, in which the Objet models are subjected to fluid testing in a real-life environment of high water pressure, continual water flow and more.

“Our ability to generate an Objet model at the beginning of the ideas development phase allows us to assess the product‘s feasibility,” says Hugo Arnold, Head of Prototype Manufacturing at Geberit. “In the past we had to return numerous times to the same phases due to difficulties with our desired products. With Objet, we can now optimize our product already in Phase I and carry on further testing in Phase II. This approach saves us both time and money, which is crucial in today’s competitive market environment.”

New competitive edge
According to Mr. Arnold, Geberit is seeing benefits from Objet’s technology that extend far beyond R&D. In fact, in many different respects, Objet is changing the way the company is doing business. For example:

Speeds development of graphics and packaging – Objet models are painted and photographed for packaging and marketing materials. With no need to wait for the pre-production series, Geberit saves vital time and cost.

Supports marketing efforts – The Objet-built models are fitted with a shell of existing components to create the look and feel of the final end product. The “Objet model” is then presented to top management, customers, focus groups, and others to generate valuable market feedback ahead of production.

Facilitates internal communication and innovation – Objet models enable Geberit team members to easily communicate their ideas for new products and they allow customers, suppliers and partners to convey their ideas for alternations.

Enhances external communication – Objet models can be finished (sandblasted, painted, etc) to create a close resemblance to the end product, which can then be used in the sales field to gather customer input. Adjustments can be made to optimize the product design according to real market needs – saving the expense and time of making changes after the product has already reached pre-production.

Such things all add up to a real business benefit. “We believe we have a competitive edge in our industry thanks to Objet,” says Mr. Arnold.

Anticipating more Objet models
In the first six months following the installation of their own system, Geberit’s use of Objet models grew by 150% over what it was when they worked with a service bureau. Within a year of acquiring an Objet system, 20% of all prototypes were generated by the Eden260 system, with the rest still handled by regular CNC machining. But not for long.

Mr. Arnold: “I believe that not too long in the future, the percentage of models generated from the Objet machine could reach 50% of all models built here at our workshop.”


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