How the Robotics Industry is Using Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing
Emerging technologies continue to change how we do just about everything. Additive manufacturing (or 3D printing) is one such advance in technology. It involves printing layers of a given material to produce an end result product. As stated by one such additive manufacturer, 3D Incredible, “As new materials, industries, and processes emerge, 3D printing’s transformative potential will save robot designers time, resources, and produce better robot designs and manufacturing for years to come.”
Robotic companies already use 3D printing technology, but the assumption is that the usage will expand as the advantage of using the technology becomes more obvious. The technologies work synergistically to create stronger and more efficient robots. Companies use 3D printing to build prototypes and facilitate tooling and manufacturing. Here are some clear advantages to using this technology in the robotic industry.
Faster results: Prototypes are produced in a much shorter amount of time.
Money saver: Spending less time creating prototypes saves money and coming up with a great design faster saves money from repeated trial and error.
High-level prototypes: The additive manufacturing process produces highly detailed models that are accurate on the micro-level. The process helps find design issues in situations where a CAD model is insufficient.
Creating designs that sell: The 3D printing process allows companies to be more successful because it allows them “to work faster, create more effective prototypes, and test packaging designs that grab consumers’ interest and establish brand identity,” according to Fracktal Works.
Large-scale customization: 3D printing technology makes customization possible on a mass scale and in turn enables quicker manufacturing.
More sustainability: The additive manufacturing process creates less material waste and therefore is more sustainable and better for the environment.
Examples of 3D Printing in the Robotics Industry
Photo credit: inmoov.fr/hand-and-forarm/
There are a few famously known 3D printed robots. One is InMoov by French sculptor and designer, Gael Langevin. In 2012, InMoov began as only a prosthetic hand. Now, it is life-sized and a full 3D-printed robot. With the right setup of 3D printers, boards, motors, and software, consumers can make their own InMoov. Its capabilities continue to grow, recently improving its mechanics and legs and adding a vision system.
Photo Credit: www.21stcenturyrobot.com
Jimmy the 21st Century Robot was produced by Intel and is powered by its Edison chip. Created in 2014, its friendly-looking outer shell is open for customization. In addition, its functionality is also changeable according to the user’s needs. The robot has been a part of several education campaigns and involved with programs for special needs children.
The Future of 3D Printing in the Robotics Industry
The future of 3D printing in the robotics industry is prevalent in the warehouse space. They are becoming more and more useful in every aspect of the warehousing process. Look for their uses more in the electronics industry, automotive division, food & beverage, and chemical industries.
The endless use cases of direct fabrication are the future of the industry as well. According to 3D Incredible, “Not only is 3D printing a replacement for injection moulding, but it can be used as a different way of building products.” The uses of this technology are limited only by imagination. Since moulds will no longer be necessary for additive manufacturing, “low-volume builds can be productive.” There is an innovative future in front of those using 3D printing applications within the robotics industry.
Resources:
https://www.fabheads.in/blogs/robotics-the-rise-of-machines-with-3d-printing/
https://3dincredible.com/benefits-of-3d-printing-to-robotics-industry/
https://fracktal.in/industries/3d-printing-in-robotics/
https://all3dp.com/2/3d-printed-robot-print-robots/
https://www.automate.org/news/why-3d-print-with-an-industrial-robot