Case Study: How Bump Armor Uses 3D Scanning for Laptop Case Design

Since 2020, Bump Armor has relied on Tangent Solutions’ advanced precision 3D scanning for laptop case designs to accelerate their time to market. Their innovative development of protective covers for the latest laptops, tablets, and electronic devices are used in school districts across the United States.

With a strong reputation for durability and functionality, Bump Armor’s products are designed to safeguard devices throughout the school year. To maintain their market leadership, they need precise digital models of new devices as quickly as possible.

Benefits of 3D Scanning for Laptop Case Design

• Fast Turnaround: Bump Armor relies on our 3D laser scanning services to receive precise STL mesh files in as little as one business day.
• Optimized for Time-to-Market: Speed is critical for Bump Armor, ensuring their protective cases fit the latest laptops and tablets without delays.
• Complex Features Captured with Accuracy: Small but crucial design details like charging ports, cameras, USB-C ports, and hinges must be accounted for in the final product.
• Bulk Scanning for Cost Efficiency: While single-device scans are available, sending multiple devices at once helps optimize budget and workflow.
• Direct STL File Delivery: Bump Armor has the expertise to process mesh data internally, eliminating the need for reverse engineering and allowing for seamless integration into their design pipeline.

The Challenge

Bump Armor, a leading provider of rugged protective cases for laptops and tablets, serves school districts across the United Stat

es. With new electronic devices continuously released, their team must develop custom-fit protective covers quickly and efficiently.

To stay ahead of device launches and meet market demand, they need highly accurate digital models of each new device as soon as they become available.

While laptops and tablets may seem simple in shape, their design includes numerous small but critical features that mu

st be accounted for when creating protective cases.

3D scanning for laptop case designs includes highlight elements such as charging ports, cameras, microphones, USB-C connections, and hinge mechanisms must remain accessible while ensuring a secure fit.

Any miscalculation could lead to production delays, increased costs, or products that fail to meet user needs.

3D Scanning for Laptop Case Design Solutions

Bump Armor has partnered with Tangent Solutions since 2020. Their engineering team approached  Our ability to deliver high-quality STL mesh files with a rapid turnaround ensures they can quickly integrate new devices into their design workflow.

The Process

1. Device Scanning: Bump Armor sends us the latest laptops and tablets they need to create protective cases for. Depending on their budget and project timeline, they may send one device at a time or multiple in bulk for cost efficiency.
2. High-Precision 3D Scanning: Using advanced 3D laser scanning technology, we capture every detail of the device, ensuring that critical design elements such as buttons, ports, and hinge clearances are accurately represented.
3. Mesh File Generation: We generate STL mesh files directly from the scan data, providing Bump Armor with highly detailed digital representations of each device. These files are ready for immediate use in their internal design and manufacturing process.
4. Fast Delivery: In as little as one business day, Bump Armor receives the completed STL files, allowing them to move forward with prototyping and production without delay.

Understanding STL Mesh Files

STL files represent 3D objects as a collection of connected triangles, forming a “mesh” that accurately captures the shape and dimensions of a scanned object. Unlike parametric CAD models, STL files are non-editable in traditional CAD software unless converted.

Bump Armor’s in-house team has the expertise to process and convert these mesh files, enabling them to create fully functional protective cases without needing additional reverse engineering services.

For companies without in-house expertise in mesh-to-CAD conversion, we offer reverse engineering services that transform mesh data into fully editable CAD models.

However, in Bump Armor’s case, receiving STL files directly allows them to streamline their internal design workflow and maintain full control over the product development process.

Curious about the difference between meshes and CAD files? Ready this great article on 3D Scanning: From Mesh to CAD Conversion.

Results

By leveraging our rapid 3D scanning services, Bump Armor gains a competitive edge in the fast-moving electronics accessories market. The benefits of our collaboration include:

• Faster Time-to-Market: Immediate access to high-accuracy digital models ensures they can design and manufacture cases before new devices reach widespread adoption.
• Design Precision: Every case is crafted with exact dimensions, preventing misalignment issues with ports, buttons, or hinges.
• Cost Savings: By sending multiple devices in bulk, they optimize scanning costs and maintain budget efficiency.
• Seamless Product Development: With STL files delivered in just one business day, Bump Armor experiences no delays in their design and production pipeline.

Conclusion

For Bump Armor, staying ahead of new laptop and tablet releases is essential to their business success. By partnering with us for high-precision 3D scanning, they receive the accurate, high-resolution STL files needed to develop protective cases quickly and efficiently.

With our fast turnaround and attention to detail, Bump Armor continues to provide durable, custom-fit protection for school districts nationwide.