Using Onyx ( nylon with micro carbon fibres ), Active8 Robots are able to print end-of-arm tooling that is hollow , yet strong .
3D printing end effectors also enables the storing of a digital file only , enabling manufacturing on demand , avoiding stockholding , reducing warehousing space and storage costs . on these aspects . Producing more lightweight end effectors increases the productivity of the robot , which in turn increases efficiency and reduces costs , while ensuring the parts are capable of withstanding harsh environments .
Active8 Robots has a dedicated Additive Manufacturing innovation centre , with over 12 3D printers in total , including a range of FFF , SLA , and three CFF Markforged Industrial and Desktop Composite 3D printers , provided and supported by CREAT3D ( fully certified provider for all Markforged ’ s composite desktop , industrial and metal 3D printers ).
“ Our 3D printers are indispensable to us . They form a fundamental part of our process ,” explains Alan Quinn , Engineering Manager from Activ8 Robots .
The SLA and FFF machines are used for early-stage prototype and design development , whilst the Markforged 3D printers are also used to produce tooling and end-use components to customers — from conveyor guides to sensor mounts and tooling .
THE RESULTS Alan Quinn : “ We can prototype quicker , design better , produce a more refined end product and we can achieve continuous improvement .”
Faster Turnaround Additive presents a phenomenal time saving , reducing lead times to a matter of hours versus 3-4 weeks for external CNC machining . Using 3D printers in-house means that Active8 Robots can provide its clients with a superfast turnaround on idea and product development . Designs , from initial concept , to end components , are done in-house , overnight . Testing is carried out faster , and any design changes that need to be made are adopted immediately , re-printed and retested , reducing risk . There is no need for additional purchase orders , supplier selection or supplier management .
Custom solution – manipulating sandwiches The development of a bread lifting tool was achieved through the use of Markforged Composite 3D printers - producing accurate prototypes for fit and test assessments , before producing the final product in stainless steel . Using Additive resulted in :
• Reduction of 88.6 % in lead time . From outsourced supply of 4-6 weeks to internal 3D print time of < 24 hours
Lightweight = enhanced part performance Often the geometry of end of arm tooling can be difficult to machine . With 3D printing , the design can be adapted to better fit the task , and it is made lighter .
End-of-arm tooling – foam gripper Active8 Robots ’ Foam Gripper is a highly versatile tool , able to pick up multiple objects up to a weight of 10kg , thanks to a vacuum generator and solenoid built inside .
The main body of this gripper is a 3D printed one-piece hollowed part , something hard to achieve through traditional fabrication methods . Alan Quinn :
“ Cobots have limitations on pay loads , generally somewhere between 2 - 6kg . The benefit of 3D printed end-ofarm tooling is that those 3D printed components are extremely lightweight , which means the productivity of a robot can be substantially increased .”
Benefits of 3D printing :
• Reduction of weight by 50 %
• Reduction of development time from 1 week to 3 days
• Reduction of costs from £ 70 to £ 10 in materials
3D printing as a trusted tool in every solution 3D printing is used in some context on all physical projects by Active8 Robots , whether in early concept stages , design development , product testing , end solutions or end-use component and continuous development .
Simon Chandler , Managing Director of CREAT3D : “ Its great to support manufacturing companies in adopting Additive in order to unlock the large gains which this technology makes possible . Not only are Active8 benefitting from flexible on-demand production , but also their customers are receiving market leading performance from their advanced automation and robotic solutions .”
www . active8robots . com
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