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3D Printed Headphones for the Runway

3D Printed Headphones for the Runway

Monster is the world’s leading manufacturer of high performance cables for audio/video components used in the home, car and office — a widely celebrated product by music lovers, audiophiles, recording studios, sound professionals, musicians, custom-installers and home theater enthusiasts.

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The company came to Fathom in need of prototyping six headphones, a new design that would be worn by celebrities and runway models at an event in Paris where Monster would unveil a new brand partnership. Monster required a quick turnaround since the fully finished models would be hand carried on a plane to Europe in eight days.

“I was tasked with a project that was pretty much impossible to pull off, needing six completed models in just eight days for the largest fashion show in Paris,” said Mike Reickerd, Director of Manufacturing and Quality at Monster. “I discovered Fathom on the web on Thursday, had files and NDA’s on Friday, a design review on Saturday and was 3D printing by that afternoon.”

The Fathom team reviewed the CAD model and advised on changes that would maximize 3D printer speed, increase model durability and reduce project complexity in order to meet the quick turnaround requirements. Monster opted to 3D print the main body, CNC machine small accents and flexible headband and finish the model with custom paint. Additional accents were added.

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“The very next day we were on a conference call with a machinist, a paint expert and a CAD specialist to coordinate our efforts,” said Tony Slavik, Prototype Studio Manager at Fathom. “Given the short amount of time, the Fathom team advised the customer on necessary changes to the internal design.”

The goal was to maintain all aesthetic features while simplifying the assembly so that most of the model could be 3D printed, sanded and painted — shortening production time without altering design intent.

“With the majority of the assembly 3D printed,” said Slavik, “It was easier to simplify the metal accents. This made the CNC machining of those parts relatively simple so the tight deadline could be met.”

The 3D printed assembly was built on an Objet 500 Connex3 in VeroBlue, an ideal material for models that need to be sanded and painted.

“It’s slightly softer than other Vero materials, making the bodywork faster,” added Slavik. “Plus, the color catches shadows well to show off any flaws that still need more sanding.”

Within days, all models were completed and delivered to the fashion show in Paris on time.

Comprehensive Capabilities for Rapid Manufacturing

At Fathom we offer a unique advantage of speed and agility-our experts help companies go from concept to prototype to manufacturing in ways not previously possible. 

90+ Machines  
SLS / / Two-day  SLA / / Next-day 
FDM / / Next-day DMLS / / Three-day 
PolyJet / / Same-day MJF / / Two-day
   

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30 Second Quotes
Prototype Tool / / As soon as 10 days
10K Parts / / 10 days
Production Tool / / As soon as 3 weeks
 

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3 & 5 Axis Milling & Turning
(Plastics, Composites and Metals)

Tolerance Accuracy Range
from +/-0.001″ to 0.005″

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Injection Molding Adjacent
without High Costs of Metal Tools

Most Commonly Used for High-Volume
Prototyping & Bridge to Production

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Finishing, Production Painting and Color Matching

Assembling, Including Embedded Electronic
Components, Threaded Inserts, and More

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CAD, DFAM and DFM Services

Apply Methods to Increase Speed
and Decrease Total Cost

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Highly Trained Staff / / Full-Time & Part-Time
Support as Short-Term & Long-Term Strategy

Decrease Downtime with Customizable
Staffing Accelerates Implementation

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Let’s get started.

Fathom is driven by advanced technologies and methods that enhance and accelerate today’s product development and production processes.

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Manufacturing Locations Across National Time Zones
Manufacturing Locations Across National Time Zones
The Fathom Advanced Manufacturing Platform
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HEADQUARTERS

1050 Walnut Ridge Drive
Hartland, WI 53029
ISO 9001:2015
AS9100:2016
ITAR

ARIZONA

444 W. 21st St. Ste. 101
Tempe, AZ 85282
ISO 9001:2015
NIST800-171 Compliant
ITAR

COLORADO

7770 Washington St.
Denver, CO 80229
ISO 9001:2015
ITAR

MINNESOTA

13758 Johnson Street NE
Ham Lake, MN 55304

TEXAS

1801 Rowe Lane
Pflugerville, TX 78660
ISO 9001:2015
AS9100:2016

1513 Sam Bass Rd
Round Rock, TX 78681
ISO 9001:2015
ISO 13485:2016

CALIFORNIA

46758 Lakeview Blvd,
Fremont, CA 94538
ISO 9001:2015 Design Certified
NIST 800-171 Compliant
ITAR

FLORIDA

14000 N.W. 58th Court
Miami Lakes, FL 33014

NEW YORK

1920 Slaterville Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
ITAR

401 W. Shore Blvd.
Newark, NY 14513
AS9100:2016
ISO 9001:2015
ITAR

ILLINOIS

1207 Adams Drive
McHenry, IL 60051
ISO 9001:2015

1401 Brummel Ave
Elk Grove, IL 60007
ISO 9001:2015 Design Certified

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