The future of LFAM: integration at its core

In the ever-evolving world of industrial manufacturing, across sectors, efficiency, flexibility, and scalability are key for companies to stay at forefront of innovation. This is why, given its years of work in production with AM, Caracol approached large-scale additive manufacturing platforms development by seamlessly integrating hardware, software and automation into one turnkey solution. This approach doesn’t just simplify manufacturing, it empowers users to unlock their full potential. 

What does an integrated system look like 

When you think of robotic large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM), one can easily picture its configuration including robotic manipulators and extruders. Nonetheless, creating a truly efficient industrial system requires more than just hardware. True integration brings together multiple components under a centralized automation and control infrastructure, delivering a turnkey machine to manufacture parts. 

For example, Caracol’s polymer and composite LFAM technology – Heron AM – was developed as a fully integrated platform, ensuring each element is easy to use and efficient. This includes: 

• Hardware: 3D printing technology such as extruder and feeding system, robotics for motion and flexibility, printing beds and other accessories 
• Software: a user-friendly interface for easy programming and process control 
• Automation: streamlining workflows, ensuring full control, and reducing manual intervention 

Why open architecture matters 

Specifically, Caracol has always worked with an open architecture platform. This approach allows the company to remain agile, which means it can be faster in implementing client and market feedback and adapting to changing needs quickly. It also ensures that there is full ownership and understanding of the technology, from hardware to software, enabling the company to act as a single point of contact for our customers – ultimately responding quickly to service requests and cutting any downtime to a minimum. Furthermore, it also means providing a very comprehensive training to customers to truly master the use of the technology, from materials to engineer, and software strategies, Caracol can share all this know-how on process and production. 

Expanding horizons with integrated technology 

The advantages of integration go beyond performance. By owning every element of the platforms, Caracol has been able to seamlessly transition the know-how on some elements (e.g., software and automation) to new manufacturing processes, such as metal large format additive manufacturing (discover Vipra AM), expanding and adapting the benefits of LFAM to a broader range of applications and industries. 

For companies, investing in a fully integrated system means forging a partnership. Caracol prioritizes delivering a platform that fits specific manufacturing needs, providing robust customer support, and knowledge transfer to ensure clients have all they need to succeed. 

Related Knowledge Hub

Read more on our LFAM insights