Component Design

At FormNext 2024, we are excited to present our Dobot Demonstrator, a collaborative robot arm showcasing potential for automation and efficiency in additive manufacturing (AM). Our Dobot demonstrator highlights how advanced robotics can set new standards in AM, combining design freedom, automation, and in-line quality assurance for seamless integration into manufacturing workflows.

At the core of our exhibit is a 3D-printed silicone gripper — an innovative, flexible solution that exemplifies how component design and design freedom are transforming the landscape of additive manufacturing. With the integrated tool changer, users can experience real-time, versatile functionality as the robot seamlessly transitions between tasks. The demonstrator also includes a line laser system for automated measurement, representing potentials for real-time quality assurance and precision within each step of the manufacturing process.

The demand for complex, functional components in additive manufacturing is driving the need for both design flexibility and automation. At the forefront of this innovation is our 3D-printed silicone gripper, a prime example of how AM can produce highly customizable, functional tools to meet precise operational requirements. Created with advanced additive methods, this gripper showcases intricate geometries and material flexibility that traditional manufacturing simply cannot achieve.

Designs like the silicone gripper can be developed more efficiently with design automation, which accelerates the process by enabling rapid design iterations, high levels of customization, and digitalization of know-how. In AM, where complexity often comes standard, automated design tools empower engineers to explore multiple iterations quickly, optimizing for both performance and functionality while reducing overall development time. This speed in iteration allows manufacturers to continuously refine parts and respond to evolving requirements or feedback, enhancing both efficiency and innovation.

Design automation also brings extensive customization potential to AM, allowing components to be tailored to specific applications without the need for costly retooling. This capability is essential for industries that demand bespoke solutions, enabling them to adapt swiftly to customer specifications and unique operational needs. Automated design workflows make it possible to create highly specialized, application-specific components at scale, meeting even the most precise requirements.

Application example 

• Applying the design workflow to the example of an automotive bracket
• Individual consideration of existing resources (such as available machines or finishing methods)
• Integrated optimization of orientation, nesting and supports

Many tasks within the AM process chain still rely heavily on manual labor, making production both costly and time-consuming. By automating these steps with advanced robotic solutions, we aim to streamline the manufacturing process, enhancing both efficiency and scalability. Our approach to line integration focuses on fully automating the entire AM workflow—from setup and design to manufacturing, post-processing, and quality assurance.

Automation plays a crucial role in scaling up AM production, enabling manufacturers to move from small-batch prototyping to high-volume production with ease. By automating key tasks throughout the AM workflow, manufacturers can increase output without requiring a proportional increase in resources or labor. Automated systems streamline repetitive processes, ensuring that each production run is consistent and efficient, which is essential for scaling up without compromising quality.

With automation, AM production lines can also run continuously, optimizing machine utilization and reducing downtime between tasks. This continuous flow supports higher production volumes and quicker turnaround times, helping manufacturers meet growing demand more effectively. As AM continues to expand into large-scale applications, automation provides the flexibility, speed, and reliability necessary to meet industrial production standards on a broader scale.