At Any Type Trucks, we don’t just build heavy equipment the old way and hope it sticks. We look for smarter tools that keep us agile, lean, and ahead of the curve.
We first came across the Bambu Lab X1E 3D printer at an ARM Hub Open Day. It caught our attention straight away because it was more than just a flashy machine; it was a tool we could immediately see helping us refine our Tilt Tray builds.
Why 3D Printing Matters in Tilt Tray Manufacturing
Traditional manufacturing is solid, but it is also slow and expensive when you want to test new designs. With 3D printing:
Rapid Prototyping – We can turn an idea into a working component in hours, not weeks.
Design Flexibility – If something doesn’t quite fit, we can tweak the CAD and reprint overnight.
Cost Savings – No need to machine or fabricate every prototype from steel or alloy.
Agile Manufacturing – Perfect for small parts, spacers, holders, or custom fit-outs that improve the way our trays store tools and gear.
Real Examples: Tilt Tray Storage Components
Here’s where 3D printing is already making a difference in our builds:
Custom Brackets & Holders – Printed brackets that mount tool storage where it’s most accessible.
Spacer Solutions – Prototypes for tray-mounted storage boxes, helping us optimise space without committing to expensive fabrication too early.
Ergonomic Touchpoints – Handles, knobs, and covers that we can refine for comfort and durability before committing to full-scale production.
Solving One-Off Problems for Our Customers
One of the biggest advantages of 3D printing is how quickly it helps us solve unique, one-off functional problems.
Not every Tilt Tray build is the same. A customer might need:
A custom bracket to hold a specific piece of gear
A spacer or mount that keeps a storage box perfectly aligned
Or a small protective cover that stops wear and tear in a high-use spot
In the past, these jobs meant custom fabrication, which takes time and money. With the Bambu Lab X1E, we can design, print, test, and fit a part in days, and often the first iteration solves the problem outright.
This makes us more responsive to customer needs and ensures every build carries the same level of utility, reliability, and class that we’re known for.
Lean, Agile, Australian Manufacturing
We’re proud that this kind of technology helps us stay true to our brand pillars:
Utility – Smarter use of space on every Tilt Tray.
Durability – Testing parts in real conditions before final steel production.
Reliability – Precision fit means fewer headaches down the track.
Class & Style – Sharp, efficient designs that look as good as they work.
3D printing doesn’t replace our core heavy fabrication. It makes it leaner and more effective. That’s how we keep delivering Australian-made equipment that’s built smarter and lasts longer.
Looking Ahead
The Bambu Lab X1E is just the start. As additive manufacturing evolves, we’ll keep exploring how it can help us refine our trucks, cut waste, and deliver even more value to our customers.
Because at Any Type Trucks, innovation isn’t just a buzzword. It’s how we build every day.
