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Why Custom IoT Enclosures Are the Backbone of Every Successful Hardware Product

The Hidden Hero of Every Smart Device

When you think about IoT innovation, sensors and software often come to mind first. But every successful IoT product shares one silent hero — its enclosure. Your enclosure protects, defines, and differentiates your device. It’s not just a box; it’s your brand’s first impression and your product’s first line of defence.

At Precious3D, we help IoT startups and manufacturers create custom IoT enclosures that balance form and function – designed for manufacturing, durability, and scalability.

What Makes a Great IoT Enclosure?

A great IoT enclosure does more than look good. It ensures usability, protection, and easy manufacturability. Here’s what defines an exceptional enclosure:

1. Smart Internal Architecture

Good internal architecture means fewer problems during assembly. We focus on correct PCB spacing, wire routing, and mounting points. Our 3D modeling and simulation tools help you achieve perfect fits for your boards, buttons, and ports.

2. Durable Material Selection

The right material can extend your device’s life, reduce maintenance, and enhance user satisfaction. Here’s a quick guide to choosing materials based on your product’s environment:

MaterialBest ForKey Benefits
ABS / PC-ABSIndoor devices needing durabilityImpact resistant, smooth finish
FR-ABS / PCHigh heat or flame-prone areasFlame retardant, heat resistant
Nylon / PAIndustrial or mechanical useHigh strength, chemical resistance
Transparent PCSensor visibility or LEDsHigh transparency, UV resistant

 

3. Aesthetic Design

Your enclosure is your brand’s visual identity. Whether you want a minimalist, industrial, or futuristic look – our designers ensure it reflects your vision and feels right in users’ hands.

4. Manufacturing Feasibility

We design for real-world production. Start small with 3D printing or vacuum casting, and scale easily to injection molding when you’re ready for mass manufacturing — without redesigning.

Our End-to-End Process

 

At Precious3D, we simplify your journey from concept to mass production with a complete design-to-manufacture workflow:

1. Concept Design

We understand your product’s function, size, and brand style, then convert your ideas into enclosure concepts aligned with your goals.

2. Prototyping

Using 3D printing (FDM, SLA) or CNC machining, we deliver prototypes in days — perfect for testing ergonomics and aesthetics.

3. Low-Volume Production

Need 100–500 units for investor demos or pilot launches? We use vacuum casting or soft tooling to deliver fast, affordable results.

4. Mass Production

Once validated, we move seamlessly to injection molding for large-scale manufacturing — ready for export worldwide.

Why Startups Choose Precious3D for Custom IoT Enclosures

  • Low MOQ – start with as few as 100 pieces.
  • Fast iterations – prototype in under 10 days.
  • Expert material guidance for mechanical and electrical needs.
  • Export-ready solutions serving India, USA, UAE, Singapore, and Europe.
  • No tooling investment – we handle design and production through our partner network.

Case Study: Scaling from 50 to 5000 Units

A UAE-based IoT startup needed a premium enclosure for a smart building sensor. With limited tooling budget and a tight timeline, we designed a two-part FR-ABS enclosure with silicone sealing and snap-fit locks. We produced 10 3D printed prototypes and made a manual mold for making first 100 components. After validation, production scaled to 5000 injection-molded units –  all within two months

The Future of IoT Hardware Design

In 2025, hardware success depends as much on design as it does on intelligence. According to Deloitte’s IoT Trends Report 2025, 73% of startups that invest in enclosure design reduce production costs and improve reliability. A great enclosure shortens assembly time, strengthens brand trust, and extends product life – that’s what Precious3D delivers.

💬 Ready to Build Your Custom Enclosures?

Whether you’re a startup creating your first IoT device or an established brand optimizing your product design, we can help.

👉 Let’s discuss your project.

Visit www.precious3d.com

 or email us at support@precious3d.com

 to get your enclosure designed and manufactured 

What is an IoT enclosure?

Why should I choose a custom enclosure over a standard one?

What materials work best for outdoor IoT devices?

How long does it take to go from design to prototype?

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3d Printed Ship Propeller Completed In Netherlands

3d printed ship propeller

Over the past few years, we’ve seen 3d printing gradually taking over significant parts of manufacturing processes across the automotive and aerospace industries. And now, the ship-building the industry is starting to take advantage of what the technology has to offer. After some trials and prototypes, the first fully 3d printed ship propeller has been approved for use. It is completed by a team of engineers in the Netherlands. Known as the Sampler, it was unveiled at the Damen Shipyard Group’s headquarters in Gorinchem, in the south of the country.

3d printed ship propeller

This groundbreaking project was made possible by close collaborative work between defence and shipbuilding conglomerate Damen Group, propeller manufacturing expert Promarin, the Port of Rotterdam’s RAMLAB (Rotterdam Additive Manufacturing LAB) and Autodesk. Bureau Veritas was involved at the testing stage, putting the 3d printed ship propeller through rigorous trials to verify its suitability for purpose.

How was the 3d printed ship propeller manufactured?

3d printed ship propeller

The companies began pooling their collective resources and knowledge around seven months ago. Promarin provided the initial design for the triple-blade propeller. RAMLAB oversaw the main manufacturing stage, fabricated the piece using innovative Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) techniques. This was supported by Autodesk’s expertise in software, robotics and, additive manufacturing. Damen provided one of its vessels from the
Stan Tug 1606 range to help with testing the propeller, as well as contributing crucial research and development expertise.

August of 2017 saw the successful completion of the first Sampler prototype. It gave the team a significant confidence boost and the ability to move forward with a lot fewer uncertainties. According to Vincent Wegener, Managing Director of RAMLAB, “Production of the second Sampler was greatly improved because we had learned a lot from producing the prototype. This mainly concerned the hardware/software interaction because, when laying
down 298 layers of Nickel Aluminium Bronze alloy, it is important to have a tight control on all process parameters.”

The second 3d printed ship propeller prototype

3d printed ship propeller

The second prototype of 3d printed ship propeller, after completion, was installed on a Stan Tug 1606. Its purpose was to see how it would fare in real-world seafaring conditions. Such tests of ship components are extensive as the parts must comply with the strict environmental rules and regulations. Also, the part must perform at an elevated level in terms of speed and crash stop scenarios. In crash stop scenarios, the ship goes from full throttle ahead to full throttle reverse. That exerts a large amount of force on the propeller.

“Of course, we were all a bit nervous beforehand – after all, innovation always comes with a certain number of unknowns – but the testing was a success,” said Kees Custers, Damen Project Engineer R&D enthusiastically. “From day one, this project has been characterized by a good working atmosphere and team dynamics, so there were quite a few high-fives on board when we had successfully completed the tests!”

3d printed ship propeller

RAM Lab itself has only opened just over a year ago. The success of this project points to a promising future for 3d printing technology in the maritime sector. According to RAM Lab CEO Allard Castelein, “This project has shown the shipbuilding industry the potential of 3d printing techniques to produce vessel components. We continue our intensive research into this very exciting area.”

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3d Printed Statues: Restoring History using 3d Printing

3d printed statues

3d printing application has been extended to archaeology and its results are remarkable. 3d printed statues of three Ancient Buddhist statues have been put on display in the Chinese city of Qingdao. The statues were originally from Yungang Grottoes which is a UNESCO World Heritage. 3d technology has been previously used to conserve the remains of Bamiyan Buddha in Afghanistan. The Yungang Grottoes Research Institute used 3d scanners to record the physical and visual data of statues and carvings. Using the 3d scanned data the replicas were 3d printed. The whole of the 3d models was printed using the method of additive manufacturing on 20 different machines at Shenzhen. The Margin of error between original work and replica was less than 5 millimeters. The color and texture were initially done by the 3d printers and finely tuned by artists.

3d printed statues

Chinese archaeologists and artists are using 3d printing to make a perfect copy of the Yungang Grottoes

Why are 3d printed statues made?

Preserving age-old statues was difficult using the earlier techniques involving physical and chemical methods but using this replication process of 3d scanning and 3d printing more such statues can be made. Zhejiang University’s Diao Changyu explains that this technology will now be used to duplicate other at-risk artifacts so that they can be protected and preserved in the coming future.

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Ceramic 3d Printing: Creating 3d Printed Ceramic Products

3d Printed Lens: 3d Printed Camera Lens

3d printed lens

A team of German scientists from the University of Stuggart has been successful in inventing a 3d printed lens(microlens). The lens which is used in the current scenario is larger in size considering the electronics and the lens size. The reduction in processing size and optimization was not possible using the traditional method of manufacturing. Therefore, the scientists opted for additive manufacturing also known as 3d printing. With the help of this method, manufacturing of complexly structured lens became feasible.

Uses of 3d printed lens 

3d printed lens

3d printed micro-camera equipped with eagle’s vision

The German scientists have developed micro camera which is about the size of a grain of sand. The electronics
used has got smaller and the lens size still remains the same. The 3d printed lens is built with eagle eye vision
enabling larger viewing angle. Microlenses were printed using femtosecond two-photon direct laser writing process similar to stereolithography process. The 3d printed micro camera is just 0.12 mm wide but it features great optical performance with clear visibility. This technology is a great boon for doctors. How? The micro camera can be injected into the patient’s body allowing access to visualize the hidden areas and the defects. This is a great revolution in the medical field which was possible only through 3d printing technology. Scientists claim that this invention in 3d printing opens up a new field in micro and nano-optics.

Read more:

Nanotechnology And 3d Printing

Largest 3d Printed Object- The Trim And Drill Tool

3d Printed Circuit Board: 3d Printing In Electronics Industry

3d printed circuit board

3d printing technology has now emerged into the electronics industry through the Dragonfly 2020 Pro 3d printer by Nano Dimension from FATHOM. This 3d printer allows companies involved in electronics component manufacturing to take control of their development cycles by printing their own 3d printed circuit board. Starting from concept to design validation, the multi-layer PCB prototype is facilitated through this additive manufacturing technology.

3d printed circuit board

Dragonfly 2020 Pro 3d printer by Nano Dimension

How does a 3d printed circuit board gets printed?

3d printed circuit board

3d printed circuit board printed on a Nano Dimension 3d printer

The Dragonfly 2020 3d prints electrically functional circuitry that can be readily used by the industries and in turn acts as a great boon for manufacturing multi-layered 3d printed circuit board(PCB). This is feasible through a precise inkjet deposition printer and dedicated nono inks and novel software. All the interconnections are also built-in which eliminates etching, drilling and other process carried out in the traditional way. This helps in reduced time consumption in developing the PCBs. It also helps in shortening the time cycle to come up with the right product development within hours. Otherwise, it would take weeks of time to completely develop the multi-layered PCBs.

The 3d printing revolution has led to significant change in the electronics industry and the way PCBs are made. Researchers are further investigating the extent up to which this technology can be used to further optimizing the production process.

3d Printed Building in Dubai

3d printed building

The use of 3d printing in architecture is still small as logistics are being ironed out, but a new proof of concept has just been unveiled. The 250-square-metre space (2,700 square foot) is what Dubai’s Museum of the Future project is calling the world’s first 3d printed building. China unveiled the world’s first 3d printed office building and mansion in early 2015.

First announced in June 2015, the purpose of the new 3d printed building is to showcase the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to innovation. And also, looking to the future and promoting the UAE as a world leader in 3d printing.

“We implement what we plan and we pursue actions not theories. The rapidly changing world requires us to accelerate our pace of development as history does not recognize plans but achievements,” Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said at the grand opening.

A 3d printer measuring 20 feet high, 120 feet long and 40 feet wide was used to print the building. The printer features an automated robotic arm to implement the printing process in a special cement mixture, layer by layer. In all, it took a total of 17 days to print the building at a cost of about $140,000, after which the interior and exterior design details were added.

Exterior view of Dubai’s 3d printed building

3d printed building

3d printed building

3d printed building

The world’s first 3d printed building space covers up to 250 square metres, while the exterior design reflects the most innovative forms of the future workplace. The design has been conceived to achieve a shift from the traditional form of work environments and provide greater opportunities to stimulate innovation and communication between workplace teams. It offers the possibilities for joint work with experts and innovators from around the world, and a platform to inspire ideas and develop relations between employees by establishing new methods for brainstorming sessions and creating a healthy and happy environment. Moreover, the design offers space for exhibitions and workshops as well as other events.

The 3d printed office was constructed using a special mixture of cement and a set of building materials designed and made in the UAE and the United States. These materials have undergone a range of tests in both China and the United Kingdom to ensure their reliability. An arc shape was adopted for the building for safety purposes and to ensure the stability of the building.

Interior view of Dubai’s 3d printed building

3d printed building

3d printed building

Innovative features have been adopted in the office building to reduce energy consumption such as window shades to offer protection from direct sunlight and keep the building cool. The latest technology has been used in the management of information systems within the building.

Purpose of the 3d printed building

The strategy adopts an emerging technology that will help cut cost in many sectors, especially the medical and construction sector in Dubai. The technology will restructure economies and labour markets, and redefine productivity.

The inauguration of the Office is part of a larger strategy called the Dubai Future Agenda. It is launched by the UAE to become a major incubator of innovation and future technology in the world.

The Future Agenda reflects Dubai’s deepening commitment to developing breakthrough projects and initiatives with partners around the world that can help shape the 21st century for the better. The Office of the Future and the Dubai Future Foundation are a step in this direction.

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Largest 3d Printed Object- The Trim And Drill Tool

Future Of 3d Printing In India

Largest 3d Printed Object- The Trim And Drill Tool

largest 3d printed object

The world’s largest 3d printed object, 3d printed trim-and-drill tool, is developed by researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory to be evaluated at The Boeing Company. It has received the title of the largest solid 3d printed item by Guinness World Records.

largest 3d printed object

ORNL, Boeing set Guinness World Record with largest 3d printed trim and drill tool

ORNL printed the lower cost trim tool in only 30 hours using carbon fiber and ABS thermoplastic composite materials. It will be tested in building the Boeing 777X passenger jet. At 17.5 feet long, 5.5 feet wide and 1.5 feet tall, the 3d printed structure is comparable in length to a large sports utility vehicle. And, it weighs approximately 1,650 pounds.

“The existing, more expensive metallic tooling option we currently use comes from a supplier and typically takes three months to manufacture using conventional techniques,” said Leo Christodoulou, Boeing’s director of structures and materials. “Additively manufactured tools, such as the 777X wing trim tool, will save energy, time, labor and production cost and are part of our overall strategy to apply 3d printing technology in key production areas.”

During an awards ceremony held at DOE’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at ORNL, the component was 3d printed on the lab’s Big Area Additive Manufacturing machine. The Guinness World Records judge Michael Empric measured the trim tool. He proved that it exceeded the required minimum of 0.3 cubic meters, or approximately 10.6 cubic feet, and announced the new record title.

largest 3d printed object

Guinness World Records judge Michael Empric measures ORNL’s 3d printed trim and drill tool

“The recognition by Guinness World Records draws attention to the advances we’re making in large-scale additive manufacturing composites research,” said Vlastimil Kunc, leader of ORNL’s polymer materials development team. “Using 3d printing, we could design the tool with less material and without compromising its function.”

After ORNL completes verification testing, Boeing plans to use the world’s largest 3d printed object- trim and drill tool in the company’s new production facility in St. Louis and provide information back to ORNL on the tool’s performance. The tool will be used to secure the jet’s composite wing skin for drilling and machining before assembly.

The trim and drill tool measures 17.5 feet long, 5.5 feet wide, and 1.5 feet tall. It’s comparable in length to a large sports utility vehicle and weighs approximately 1,650 pounds.

Uses of the world’s largest 3d printed object

  • The trim-and-drill tool will be used to help make a wing part on the Boeing 777X airplane, a passenger jet.
  • It will be mainly used to work on the parts of the aircrafts in the future.
  • It will save energy, time, labor and production cost and are part of the overall strategy to apply 3d printing technology in key production areas.
  • The trim-and-drill tool will be used in a new Boeing factory in St. Louis, put to work on the unique wings of the upcoming 777X airliners, which are due to begin production next year.
  • It will be easy to manufacture as it is printable in just 30 hours, which is an impressive time and cost saver, considering the existing metal version currently takes about three months to manufacture.

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3d Printed Dress: Synapse Dress

3d printed dress

Intel Design Forum which was held in San Francisco showcased a wide variety of innovations which were beyond imagination.  One such innovative creation that stood out was the 3d printed dress,” Synapse Dress”,  covered with flashing lights. Intel has created this smart dress teaming up with the Dutch designer Anouk Wipprecht.

3d printed dress

3d printed dress- Synapse Dress

The interesting fact about the dress is that it reflects the wearer’s state of mind and displays the lights accordingly. The material used for printing this dress was a mixture of plastic and silicon called TPU material. The entire thing was built in two stages and put up together in the end; the decorations used in the dress also involved the method of 3d printing.

The 3d printed dress also provides flexibility along with comfort to the wearer.  One of the key innovations involved is the ability to read the wearer’s mind. This process is facilitated through a headband that the user wears that tracks the EEG activity and tracks the wave patterns. This data is sent to the receiver which activates the lights according to the pattern. The dress itself runs on Intel Edison Processor, which is solely developed by the Intel Corporation. This 3d printed dress is a first of its kind innovation combining 3d printing and embedded electronics and paving way for next-generation innovative products.

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3d Printed Shoes By Adidas: Future Craft 4d

3d printed shoes

The world’s first 3d printed shoes for running was unveiled by Adidas. Adidas, a frontrunner in manufacturing sports shoes has launched its first 3d printed shoes naming it as ‘Future Craft 4d’ by collaborating with Carbon, a 3d printing startup based in the U.S.A.

3d printed shoes

3d printed shoes by Adidas- Future Craft 4d

Futurecraft 4d has a 3d printed sole which was developed through Direct Light Synthesis (DLS) technique. The 3d design was created with Athletic data and combination of the individual gait analysis, weight, and type of sport leading to well-crafted design which is 3d printed from Carbon 3d printers. Through precise control and balance of light and oxygen, the 3d printed sole is of great quality with fine texture and supreme comfort.

3d printed shoes

Sole of Future Craft 4d

3d printed shoes

3d printed shoes

Carbon 3d printers are capable of 3d printing faster than the traditional methods. This quality of this method helped in manufacturing a small batch of 3d printed shoes quickly for a trial run. These set of shoes are meant for athletes as they are athletic shoes. The 3d printed shoes can also be used by the common people.

Futurecraft 4d from Adidas is one of the greatest advancement using 3d printing technology. It is also a great alternative from the traditional injection molding through which the soles are being made. Direct Light Synthesis (DLS) and Athletic data with agile manufacturing can overcome several manufacturing hurdles creating a new era
of Design and Manufacturing.