Part of the Month: Smart Insert NFC Tag - Printed On Fabric

September’s Part of the Month is brought to you by Mark Dewey, one of Purple Platypus’ Senior Sales Engineers. Mark’s choice this month is the Smart Insert NFC tag.

This part is a recent sample we printed in-house using two of the newest tools from Stratasys: the TechStyle printer and the Smart Insert feature in GrabCAD Print Pro.

TechStyle enables users to print directly onto fabric, making it ideal for customized products and automotive interiors. The Smart Insert feature in GrabCAD Print Pro lets you pause the print, add hardware into a pre-designed space, and then continue printing to seal the hardware in place. GrabCAD Print Pro for PolyJet supports various advanced applications, including Smart Inserts, which allow users to stop a print and insert objects such as LED lights, mirrors, or NFC tags.

With over 14 years of experience witnessing the evolution of PolyJet technology at Purple Platypus, Mark is enthusiastic about the capabilities this part shows. He highlighted its blend of aesthetics and functionality. He had so many great things to say about this new feature that he sold me.

Mark noted, “The TechStyle capabilities aren’t only beautiful; they are also useful. Do you like someone’s designer handbag that has been printed with TechStyle? Hold your phone up to the NFC tag and be taken to the designer’s website. Customized car interior with TechStyle? NFC tagging can take the user to important information from the Owner’s Manual.”

So… how was it made?

This tag was started by printing a quadrant of colors with a domed clear cap, creating a lenticular lens. As a result, the color changes as the part moves. The center piece is gradient-colored with an NFC tag inserted into it, which is made possible with GrabCAD Print Pro software. This intricate process is simple with the new features of GrabCAD Print Pro.

Little did Mark know, he picked the perfect part—our September 30 on 3D feature is about the same one. Click here to see how this part was made.

If you are interested in learning more about TechStyle or GrabCAD Print Pro, give us a call at 949.474.9222 or send us an email at [email protected].

Meet Mark Dewey

Meet Mark Dewey, our Senior Sales Engineer. What Mark values most about his role at Purple Platypus is the opportunity to provide customers with a comprehensive experience, combining expert engineering, stunning parts, and a wide range of additive solutions. Outside of work, Mark loves spending time with his family and dog, as well as hiking, kayaking, and exploring various water sports. If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Mark yet, be sure to connect with him on LinkedIn!