The use of robots in a 3D printing system is not new, but it’s not common. Many such systems are more experimental than systems for sale. Arevo Labs, a leader in composite additive manufacturing technology, is introducing a scalable Robot-based Additive Manufacturing (RAM) platform for fabricating 3D printed composite parts.

The RAM consists of a standard commercially available robot, composite deposition end-effector hardware and a comprehensive software suite. Arevo’s system is tailored to ABB’s smallest 6-axis robot, the IRB 120, though the scalable software can support larger ABB robot models and sizes. The additive end-effector hardware consists of a deposition head with advanced thermal management technology for processing high-performance carbon-fiber reinforced thermoplastic filaments.

 

Arevo’s software suite includes:

–CAM software to convert CAD models to a set of additive deposition instructions for the robot. Software is capable of six degrees of freedom, enabling true 3D additive manufacturing.

–A precise kinematics simulator that interprets deposition instructions to validate and optimize part construction.

Arevo Labs’ RAM Platform interfaces with ABB’s RobotStudio programming and simulation software to ease tool path generation from CAD files. The platform’s multi-axis toolpath enable parts constructed with 3D surfaces in variable orientations.

In addition to expanded design possibilities, the Arevo Labs’ Robotic Additive Manufacturing Platform maximizes size scalability and production efficiency. Key enabling technologies include automation and secondary process integration within manufacturing work cells. Depending upon the size of the robot, the part build envelope is scalable from 1000 cubic millimeters to 8 cubic meters.