Eldon: With 3D printing, we improve the user experience
Eldon Biologicals A/S produces dry-format cards for blood grouping-the so-called EldonCard-used to quickly determine blood type, but Eldon’s challenge has been that the test is carried out in a more complex way, which has led some customers to make mistakes.
This has previously resulted in several enquiries from dissatisfied customers, particularly in the USA, who have had difficulties completing the home test despite detailed instructions for use.
Following Eldon’s participation in the AM Hybrid project, the challenges have now been resolved.
“It is a simple device, but with 3D printing we have improved it so that taking the sample is easier and more intuitive. The new design significantly enhances usability,” says Henrik Holst from Eldon Biologicals:
“With the new cover, it becomes-thanks to 3D technology-easier to take the blood sample, and this improves the user experience and thus also ensures that we receive fewer complaints and claims. In every respect, it is a better product that strengthens both the user experience and our business.”
“In every respect, I am positive about both our programme and the final product. We were involved throughout the entire product development process, where we experienced a strong commitment to improving our product. We are strong on usability, and that knowledge was actively and agilely applied in the design phase,” says Henrik Holst:
“And not only have we improved the design with 3D technology; we have also saved significant time in the product development phase, at only a fraction of the cost compared with previous programmes.”
As part of the AM Hybrid programme, Eldon participated in various workshops where, during the design phase, a prototype could be printed in a couple of hours, enabling them to develop the cover more quickly and correct minor errors.
According to Henrik Holst, the new cover could significantly increase revenue, as they are trying to get onto the shelves at Wal-Mart and also expect to export even more to the US military, which they already supply with EldonCards. In addition, they are considering several opportunities, for example in pilgrimages to Mecca and exports to Africa, where it can be crucial for, for instance, women in labour.
“This could become a true Danish export success story!” says an enthusiastic Henrik Holst.
Results from programmes with Dansk AM Hub
- Improved design
- Saved significant time in the product development phase
- Print a prototype in a couple of hours, enabling them to develop the cover more quickly and correct minor errors.
- A better product
Value and impact for the company
In the Hybrid programme, Eldon developed a 3D-printed cover for their existing EldonCard, thereby improving an existing product. The new cover ensures that the amount of blood used is distributed correctly and sufficiently across a range of antibodies on the card, which indicate the person’s blood type.
Through AM Hybrid Eldon has developed a product that still protects the card, but now also improves the accuracy and reliability of the result, as well as user-friendliness when performing a test.
About the company
Eldon Biologicals A/S
Location
Sandtoften 10, 2820 Gentofte
Number of employees
14
Info
ELDON BIOLOGICALS A/S is a Danish manufacturer of dry-format cards for blood type determination.
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