As the benefits of 3D printing are gradually recognized, more and more robotic companies have started to apply 3D printing in their robot design and production.The flexibility and customization advantages created by 3D printing will be adopted by more companies in the future. The two technologies: additive manufacturing and robotics are complementary of each other to achieve good results and deliver them to end users through better and more advanced robots.
Fine Parts & Design Freedom
The assembly and production of robots require a large number of fine parts, which are difficult to be produced by traditional manufacturing ways. 3D printing can complete the production of these fine parts very well. 3D printing has a great degree of design freedom. Since all shapes are 3D printable, the technology makes not only the simplest parts for robots, but also complex ones.
Repair & Supply Chain
Not only is fine parts production good for robot manufacturers, but 3D printing can also be used to repair robots. Replacement parts and spare parts can be manufactured as required, fix robots that cannot work normally because of missing accessories. The process does not require ordering and preparing the stock of replacement parts, as it can be made on site. The entire supply chain as well as the maintenance and repair of robots can be solved with the help of 3D printing.
Cost Effectiveness
Another major reason to use 3D printing in robotic industry is because of its cost effectiveness. Because designing robots is such a complex process, costs can rapidly increase, which may deter designers from trying new ideas. However, due to the good cost effectiveness of 3D printing, manufacturers can save costs during the process of robot design and production, and designers can try different ideas and designs to achieve some creative attempts and functions. Prototyping is crucial to robot design. There are so many moving parts involved in a robot that errors are almost inevitable. Due to the efficiency of 3D printing, rapid prototyping is simpler and advantageous for the use of the 3D printing design process, in order to determine every detail of the robot before it goes into mass production.
Robot Arm as Prosthesis
Most companies of the medical industry have been particularly interested in the mass customization offered by 3D printing technology, and the topic of developing robotic prosthetics has also been studied by many 3D printing companies. Eplus3D has successfully made prosthetic limbs for cats to let cats walk again and is also working on robotic prostheses. With the rapid development of 3D printing technology, 3D printing has accelerated the development process and manufacturing efficiency, and reduced the manufacturing cost of 3D printed prosthesis.
Now you've had a quick look at the benefits of using 3D printing in robotic industry, why not try it for yourself? Eplus3D can provide professional additive manufacturing solutions, to help you design and produce robots more efficiently and easily. Welcome to contact Eplus3D specialists for more details.
