Italian manufacturer Caracol has partnered with French company Formes et Volumes to develop a large-scale composite lamination tool for the aerospace industry. The part was manufactured on the Heron AM robotic platform, combining fiber-reinforced thermoplastics with hybrid post-processing in an integrated workflow that reduces time and costs.
Large-format robotic additive manufacturing for complex parts 🚀
The tool is produced using large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM), leveraging Caracol's Heron AM platform. The process integrates fiber-reinforced thermoplastics with hybrid post-finishing, eliminating intermediate steps. This combination enables the creation of large parts with high mechanical strength and dimensional precision, tailored to the demanding standards of the aerospace sector. The collaboration demonstrates how robotics and advanced materials can optimize the production of complex tooling.
From robot to oven: when 3D printing gets serious 🔧
The tool is not only printed but also undergoes post-processing that includes curing and machining. Basically, the robot prints the part and then sends it to the oven and the adjustment workshop, like a teenager being sent to do homework. In the end, the aerospace industry gets lightweight and durable parts without breaking a sweat, although the robot does sweat bits.