CONTROL & AUTOMATION QUALITY ROBOTICS
ACTIVE ROBOTS
Specialists in the smarter application of robotics technologies , industrial automation and system integration solutions
A repetitive dexterous task , such as grabbing , lifting , picking or positioning is considered simple and easy for an ablebodied human but is often too complicated and involved for a robot to achieve by itself . Active8 Robots has considerable expertise in designing and developing solutions to overcome such challenges . With an industry-renowned rapid prototyping capability that can go from paper to prototype in 24 hours , Active8 Robots has provided countless iterations for bespoke end-of-arm tooling and adaptations to existing industrial robots and cobots .
Having worked with CREAT3D , independent Additive Manufacturing solutions provider , over the past five years , Active8 Robots have developed a dedicated innovation centre , whereby Additive Manufacturing has become an integral part of Active8 ’ s portfolio . A particular focus has been delivering bespoke 3D printed end-use components for highly intricate tasks . These 3D printed parts have enhanced functionality , are more lightweight , have lower costs and are designed , developed , tested and produced faster than traditionally manufactured parts .
THE APPLICATIONS
Clients approach Active8 Robots with a wide variety of needs and objectives for adopting new or adapting existing robotic technologies .
The solution will often be uniquely tailored to carry out a particular task , so Active8 needs tools that can deliver 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
We can prototype quicker , design better , produce a more refined end product and we can achieve continuous improvement .
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
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