Robotics and Automation

Benefits of Additive Manufacturing for Automation Industries

In the ever-changing landscape of manufacturing and logistics, robotics and automation play an increasingly vital role, driven by the wave of digitalization. However, as with any technology, there are also hurdles to overcome, especially when it comes to producing customized, lightweight parts in a cost-effective way. That’s where 3D printing comes in. Join us in this blog article as we explore the benefits and different applications of 3D printing for robotic parts and discover the connection between these two technologies.

Custom parts with 3D printing

Robotics is one of the industries where the benefits of 3D printing can play a crucial role. And there are many reasons for this. One is the ability to create custom parts of robotics and automation machinery using 3D printing. Traditional manufacturing methods often fall short when it comes to creating parts, such as grippers, tailored to specific tasks without incurring exorbitant costs due to the creation of specialized tools and molds. Thanks to 3D printing, even small operators (SMBs) can use 3D printing to create robot parts at a low cost, as there is no minimum order quantity, which means they can produce parts as low as batch size one.

Lightweight parts thanks to intricate designs

Weight is a critical factor in optimizing robot performance. Traditional manufacturing often involves excess weight due to subtractive processes. 3D printing revolutionizes this by allowing engineers to design complex, hollow structures, optimizing weight without compromising strength. This newfound agility finds applications in drones, exoskeletons, and various robotic systems.

Consolidation and modulation of parts

The technical advantage of 3D printing extends to the consolidation of multiple parts into a single, complex structure. Not only does this reduce overall weight, but it also minimizes assembly challenges and inventory complexity. On the other hand, 3D printing allows for the separation of a single part into distinct components, making it easier to make changes if necessary.

Rapid Prototyping and Design Changes

Compared to traditional methods, 3D printing offers unprecedented agility in prototyping and design modifications. Engineers and designers can quickly translate conceptual ideas into tangible prototypes. This means they can test a prototype almost immediately to see if it’s a good fit. And if they want to tweak or modify the design, they can do so easily thanks to the flexibility of 3D printing, allowing innovators to adapt and optimize robotic components with unprecedented speed. Not only does this speed up the product development cycle and reduce time-to-market considerably, but it also fosters a culture of continuous improvement in the ever-evolving field of robotics.

Spare parts on request

Wear and tear on robotic and automation machinery can lead to costly downtime. Traditional methods of obtaining spare parts involve a lengthy process of ordering, shipping, and, in some cases, custom manufacturing.
3D printing provides a fast and cost-effective solution for local or even on-site production of spare parts, only on request. Instead of waiting for shipments or relying on extensive inventories, robots can be quickly returned to operational status with 3D printed replacements. This functionality significantly reduces downtime, ensuring the continuous functionality of the robot.