West Yorkshire Police install Delta WASP 4070 3D printer to support investigative activity
Wasp 4070 Industrial 3D printer installed at West Yorkshire Police SSU.
Hawk 3D Proto, a UK-based 3D printing company, has revealed it is supporting West Yorkshire Police after the delivery of a Delta WASP 4070 industrial 3D printer.
The machine was installed at West Yorkshire Police’s HQ facility in Wakefield and will be used by members of its Regional Scientific Support Unit (SSU). Hawk 3D Proto is also set to offer members of the SSU team a full training programme, which allow them to utilise the Delta WASP 4070 to support their investigative activities.
As one of the UK’s leading Police Forensic Units, Yorkshire and Humber’s Imaging Unit has long been aware of imaging and 3D technology’s capabilities, and how they might be put to use at crime scenes for post-analysis. The Delta WASP 4070 will be used to recreate accurate physical models from data collated during investigation processes, and used for analysis and communication purposes in court.
“3D laser scan technology has been used by Y.A.T.H Imaging Unit since 2008, producing 3D animations and plans for court use,” explains Daniel Sharp, Crime Scene Surveying Supervisor, West Yorkshire Police. “It was a natural progression, therefore, to be able to recreate the crime scenes in solid 3D. This would enable judge and jury to hold the crime scene in their hands.
“A large scale 3D printer was required to meet these needs, and also to produce an innovative prototype and subsequent product for one of our close government partners. We are already using the 3D printer for the project and looking forward to using it to support investigations and court use.”
The Delta WASP 4070, just one of many 3D printers that Hawk 3D Proto resells, is one of the larger models for the Wasp portfolio. It offers a build volume of 400mm x 400mm x 700mm (X, Y, Z). Delivering precision engineering, the printer possesses a heated build chamber and enhanced, reliable mechanics that enable larger volume parts to be built with technical materials. WASP, or the World’s Advanced Saving Project, says this results in more accurate printed models, which will now of course benefit West Yorkshire Police Regional SSU.
Training for the SSU members commenced almost immediately after the machine was installed. This covered all aspects of the printer’s use, such as how to load filament, how to slice software, and how to carry out general maintenance.
“This project is very exciting for us,” Ben Hawksworth, CEO and Founder of Hawk 3D Proto said. “Working with the local emergency services to assist them in their roles to fight against crime is of great importance.”
