Key figures
400+
custom enclosures delivered
1000+
mounting clips delivered
€0
production start-up costs
Objective
Senop needed a reliable design and manufacturing partner for specialist parts for its critical communications devices and products, including protective enclosures and locking mechanisms. Parts must fit precisely in their intended application, perform reliably and withstand demanding operating conditions.
Solution
Since 2020, 3DStep has designed and manufactured accessories and specialist parts for Senop that would have been slow and challenging to produce using conventional methods. 3DStep is responsible for the design, turning the given requirements into technically functional and production-ready solutions.
Results
Senop can rapidly deploy custom accessories for identified customer needs with no tooling costs. Additive manufacturing enables appropriate production volumes, iterative product development between batches, and solutions that hold up under field conditions.
Senop Communications is a specialist in professional and public-safety communications, offering a broad range of devices and accessories for critical communications needs. The company’s continuous product development and innovation enable solutions that meet even the most demanding quality and performance requirements.
The collaboration with 3DStep began in 2020 when conventional manufacturing methods reached their limits with a metal device enclosure. Since then, the partnership has expanded and diversified. 3DStep has designed and manufactured a range of protective enclosures, data radio enclosure solutions, locking mechanisms and mounting clips for Senop’s demanding professional applications.
“Additive manufacturing gives us the ability to respond quickly to our customers’ needs. We get custom accessories with no tooling costs, and products can be developed further between batches. 3DStep’s design expertise speeds up the process of turning an identified need into a working product.”
Jussi TienariService Manager, Senop
Specialist requirements solved by 3DStep design
Senop’s products must perform in environments where every detail matters. Applications include ambulances, boats, motorcycles and other specialist vehicles where parts must withstand varying conditions, repeated use and precisely defined requirements.
“Our products typically have to be durable and reliable, and they often need specific properties or functionality. For example, one hinged enclosure we ordered had to fit exactly into a particular space on top of a fixed control unit on an open boat. The surface also had to be black and matt so it would not reflect light. Certain enclosure types also need to be openable with one hand.”
Jussi TienariService Manager, Senop
Senop’s projects typically start from a need or problem identified by the customer. 3DStep’s AM Specialist Petri Ehonsalo takes the boundary conditions and develops a working solution. The mechanics, sealing solutions, fixings, hinges, locking mechanisms and part compatibility are all worked out in advance — first a functioning structure, then the finishing touches. Projects range from a couple of days to a few weeks.
“Senop’s orders are a pleasure to work on because we’re given a largely free hand in implementation. Once the technology and boundary conditions are known, different options can be developed quite easily.”
Petri EhonsaloAM Specialist, 3DStep
Custom accessories ready for use fast
When Senop identifies a new customer need, 3DStep designs and manufactures a suitable accessory without a heavy production ramp-up. Typical annual production volumes range from a few tens to a few hundred units per product model – a range that additive manufacturing handles well. There are no tooling costs, and production can begin as soon as the design is complete.
Production is easy to scale when demand grows. A custom mounting clip that secures a personal protective equipment component to a rail is one example: 3DStep designed the part and produced test pieces, which were evaluated together with the customer. The best-performing option went into production, and more than a thousand units have since been manufactured.
“Additive manufacturing is an agile manufacturing method, and the products have proved extremely durable. The mounting clip holds its shape and reliably withstands freezing temperatures. Additive manufacturing has proved to be a fully functional and reliable manufacturing method for us overall.”
Jussi TienariService Manager, Senop Oy
Senop Communications is a specialist in critical communications, selling and servicing radio and smart devices, TETRA devices for VIRVE networks, and other professional communications equipment for demanding applications. Senop is part of the Millog and Patria groups.
