Client: Crendon Timber Engineering Ltd, Mansfield
Overview
Crendon Timber Engineering Ltd, a leading manufacturer of engineered timber products, approached Protomolecule Ltd with a specific challenge in their Mansfield facility. Their industrial sawmill system was producing large volumes of sawdust, and the existing dust extraction funnel was failing to collect it efficiently. They needed a robust, precisely-fitted solution that would integrate seamlessly with their vacuum system — and they needed it fast.
The Challenge
The original funnel system was causing:
- Poor suction and inefficient dust collection
- Excessive cleanup requirements
- Risk of clogged equipment and system strain
Being a high-throughput timber processing site, downtime wasn’t an option. Crendon required a custom, industrial-grade replacement part that would work in their specific setup and tolerate the rigours of daily use.
Our Solution
Using reference measurements and sketches provided by the team at Crendon, we designed a bespoke vacuum funnel using CAD software. The key design features included:
- An angled wide-mouth intake to capture sawdust from the blade zone
- A tapered outlet compatible with their industrial vacuum pipework
- Reinforced ribs for added strength without excessive material use
We 3D manufactured the part using PETG, chosen for its durability and resistance to dust, heat, and wear. The part was delivered within 48 hours of approval.
Results
Following installation, Crendon Timber Engineering reported:
- A significant improvement in sawdust collection performance
- Reduced manual maintenance and system cleaning
- Better airflow through their vacuum system
The prototype proved so effective that we now support them with batch production of spare units for routine part replacement.
Why It Matters
This case demonstrates how on-demand 3D design and production can solve highly specific industrial challenges — quickly, reliably, and locally. By working closely with Crendon Timber Engineering in Mansfield, we delivered a tailored solution that improved productivity and system efficiency with minimal disruption.
