Sustainable, automated construction methods
3Dp (three dimensional print) technology first encroached the manufacturing arena in the late 1980’s as a means to create prototypes for product development. Though back then the process of 3Dp was widely known as RP; Rapid Prototyping Technology.
Whilst the terminology has changed as the technology has evolved the primary purpose of 3Dp, or additive manufacturing, has remained the same; the rapid and flexible production of end-use parts.
Three dimensional printing has unparalleled flexibility within the manufacturing market. It presents the ability to create objects out of (almost) any material to include polymers and composites, metals and ceramics. Though this portfolio is also evolving as 3Dp is being applied to a wider spectrum of manufacturing and even construction processes.
The KUKA six axis industrial robot KR240 are currently in situ within a 3Dp application at Ai Build, providing a means to deliver multiple, small scale three dimensional structures, that form the decorative interior at London retailer Bottletop’s flagship branch, on Regent Street. The ground breaking 3Dp consultancy have embraced automated robotics as a mean to satisfy the most ambitious of project briefs, producing some of the most advanced three dimensional structures in today’s additive manufacturing market.
Pretty ground breaking as firsts go, the shop boasts the title of world’s first zero waste store design, and has an interior that champions the use of waste plastic and advanced KUKA robots. A key differentiator adopted by Ai Build; sustainable, functional construction aimed at providing clients with the quickest and most cost effective route to production.
Repeatability and accuracy, along a predefined trajectory, are key to the success of any three dimensional printed project that incorporates industrial robotics, as are reach and payload. Payload certainly when we consider the tools that might be introduced within a 3Dp application, incorporating an industrial robot; consider print heads used within additive manufacturing processes.
Reach also plays a critical role in the production of complex 3D printed objects. Some of the structures that Ai Build are able to produce, using automated robotics, can reach dimensions of up to 3.2m x 2.4m x 2.8m, a far cry from many of the smaller products that we associate with being produced using 3Dp technology.
The six axis robots from KUKA provide Ai Build with a greater flexibility in extrusion path and direction. 3D printers or three axis machines available on the market don’t provide the diversity of movement required for 3D printing complex structures with a free-form tool path. KUKA robots also operate to a position repeatability of 0.03mm which enables those used by Ai Build to produce consistent output, time after time.
The use of the industrial robots as a complimentary element within their 3Dp applications has seen Ai Build develop an established portfolio of clients, to whom a wide variety of design concepts are available. From multi material printing; large variety of PLA and ABS based materials can be used and mixed within one object, to adaptive resolution; different layer height and extrusion thickness options are available with their custom built extruders.
By embracing automated robotics into their operations, utilising the precision of the KUKA industrial robot, Ai Build achieve dimensional accuracy, regardless of the size of the object that is to be produced, ensuring that each structure is constructionally sound in its composition. A critical feature when we consider the public environments into which some of the structures are placed; art galleries, universities and at trade fairs.
The manufacturing industry is evolving and the advancement of 3Dp technology is just one element that supports the transition into digital manufacturing and industry 4.0. 3D printing is a fascinating technology that makes it possible to manufacture incredibly complex forms which would not have been possible using traditional methods such as moulding or milling.
Ai Build is developing 3Dp technology for 3D printing large and small scale objects cost efficiently at a very high speed, in partnership with KUKA robotics. Pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.
