FEATURE Robotics
COMBINING LFAM AND ROBOTICS
In this article, Violetta Nespolo, at Caracol AM, provides an overview of key application areas for LFAM combined with robotics
A
s competition among manufacturers continues to grow, more digitalised and automated approaches are
being adopted through the addition of robotics and AI to their manufacturing processes. These industry 4.0 technologies are transforming manufacturers’ value chains span industries, with key industrial sectors such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and marine, adopting them for applications such as custom production moulds and tools, waste, and reducing lead times. One rapidly emerging technology driving Large-Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM) combined with robotics. Yet, many companies hesitate to integrate these innovations, uncertain of where to begin, and Practical uses of LFAM It is through industrial applications that minimised material waste, shortened production times, enhanced sustainability, and reliability.
composite 3D printing is used to produce large-scale parts, from lightweight and strong cabin components for passenger rolling ups and tooling. This can include jigs and
COMBINING LFAM AND ROBOTICS
tools for positioning and vacuum-assisted aircraft fuselage maintenance. In the automotive industry, LFAM is
revolutionising the production of large, monolithic, lightweight components such as body panels and tooling. These parts can be with a smaller environmental footprint. LFAM is also widely used in architecture and construction, for creating forms, structural components, façade elements, and partition panels.
When integrated into industrial supply manufacturers an opportunity to streamline and optimise production processes. The provides versatility, allowing manufacturers to customise setups according to their with robotic arms of varying sizes to achieve purposes.
3D printing with robotic systems enables
designed parts with a reduction of waste The use of smart manufacturing solutions such as sensors and IoT technologies that monitor and optimise the production data and 3D printing process as a whole enhances the LFAM robotic platforms’ performances.
12 March 2025 | Automation
production costs by eliminating the need for costly moulds, tooling, and labour-intensive assembly processes. Pairing LFAM with cutting labour costs and speeding up time- produce short-run or custom parts, which traditional methods, becomes highly feasible with LFAM. Manufacturers can also scale production seamlessly without the need for retooling or This is advantageous in industries like aerospace and automotive, where custom designs and large components are common. enables companies to switch between zero to minimal downtime. Additionally, LFAM enables the creation strong and durable, particularly valuable in aerospace and automotive sectors. This competitive advantage in markets that demand unique, tailor-made products.
compared to traditional manufacturing processes, which align with many manufacturers’ sustainability goals. If this is a priority, it is worth looking into pellet-form recycled and high-performance materials, including thermoplastics and composites. This reduces material costs, and, by printing parts net shape, waste is cut, lowering the overall use of raw materials and environmental impact of production.
Caracol AM
www.caracol-am.com
automationmagazine.co.uk
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