A NEW MANUFACTURING PARADIGM WITH ROBOTIC 3D PRINTING
Print bigger and better with Heron AM, the integrated platform that takes you to the next manufacturing revolution. Join companies around the world who are introducing efficiency, flexibility and sustainability to their supply chains by 3D printing large-format thermoplastic composite parts.
One platform, one provider, one solution
APPLICATION-FIRST APPROACH
Caracol has developed their large-format 3D printing technology with the needs of end users in mind, having
years of experience producing parts for customers. The goal is to ensure production quality and
continuity for the most advanced industrial applications.
High-Productivity Platfrom
Heron is a modular, integrated hardware, software and automation platform, all in one solution to improve the flexibility,
efficiency and sustainability of your manufacturing processes, ensure control of the production cycle and minimize risks and downtime.
minimize risks and downtime. As one provider, Caracol offers faster innovation, higher customization capabilities
and fast and reliable support.
QUALITY AS A SERVICE
Heron AM meets the highest standards for production. These systems are the first of their kind to be certified to meet the most
the most demanding industrial requirements and process quality criteria. Caracol's goal is to always deliver
precise and reliable technology, backed by a comprehensive range of services to help you realize the full potential of your machines.
potential of your machines.
Large format 3D printing
Heron AM, modular configurable LFAM 3D printer. Meet your industrial manufacturing requirements without restrictions in terms of
size, shape and material.
extruders
Caracol's extruders process fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite pellets. Depending
on production needs, different models are available to ensure cost efficiency,
performance and quality.
The High Accuracy (HA) extruder is a small, lightweight and compact head that offers agility
: high speed, high-quality processing and precision.
The High Flow (HF) extruder drastically reduces printing times. With its robust structure,
its high throughput and high temperatures, it processes a wide range
of materials, ensuring high print quality and an efficient
flow.
Heron AM can be customized, integrating CNC, both with dedicated
milling workstations and with a hybrid system that automatically changes tools
.
Robot arm
Through the flexible use of more than 6 axes, Heron AM enables the production of
parts with very complex geometries, including non-planar toolpaths and
unconventional cuts at different angles such as 45° or 60°.
The robotics also enable a modular design. The system is equipped with different
arm sizes to meet specific application requirements or
production areas. In addition, the arms can be extended on the x-axis with a
rail or on the y-axis by adding a base. To provide the
best automation solution, Heron AM can be equipped with robots from KUKA to FANUC
and ABB.
Software
Caracol has developed its Eidos Manufacturing software platform with years of experience
in designing for LFAM, slicing strategies and robot kinematics.
The software suite complements Heron AM's hardware and ensures full
control and flexibility in the process.
With the 3D path planning algorithms, users can easily set up the programming
of complex toolpaths in just a few steps, ensuring
maximum control over even the most challenging geometries and all
production parameters.
With the automation and control panel, which collects and integrates all inputs from the robot,
extruder, feeding system and software, users can seamlessly manage all
elements of the platform.
Pressure beds
The print bed is the key to successful part printing.
Caracol has developed several models that meet all needs and are customizable in
size.
The aluminum frame structure with interchangeable top panels is a convenient and
flexible solution.
With a simple brim or raft, it ensures stability throughout the
printing time.
With the simple stainless steel bed, high rigidity and flatness, corrosion protection and
durability are guaranteed.
The patented automatic bed for unmanned clamping and unloading of parts
was developed by Caracol to ensure automated production with high part stability
. The aluminum slat structure enables mechanical
gripping of the first layer. This print bed rotates at the end of each cycle and automatically releases the
printed part.
It is ideal for continuous production.
Feeding system
Direct and continuous material supply is possible thanks to the
automated material feed system developed by Caracol. Connected to the extruder is a
drying unit that feeds pellets
throughout the printing cycle, avoiding manual operations that could interrupt the operation of the machine
.
For best performance and quality, pellets and chips are stored and dried at the correct humidity
and temperature. Its 50-80 kg (110-176 lb) capacity can
be expanded by connecting directly to a larger storage facility or by adding multiple
material feed units to allow production continuity over
unlimited hours.
Robot enclosures
To ensure optimal pressure conditions and safety, peripheral
protection devices are crucial.
enclosures allow the control and tracking of environmental parameters
such as temperature and humidity to ensure the repeatability and quality of the
process.
customers can opt for different configurations: Structural
insulated cells for a fully enclosed and fully air-conditioned environment,
suitable for the production of high temperature and
high performance composite materials, for example for aerospace and
space components; Mobile containers are the ideal solution for in-situ manufacturing in remote locations such as construction and offshore sites or in
emergency storage facilities. When working with low temperature materials, Heron
AM can be operated outdoors at room temperature to ensure the safety of the
operator with safety light curtains or protective cages such as metal or
Plexiglas structures.
