Caracol Heron AM 3D printer

Robotized platform for large-format 3D printing


Build chamber
Up to 9 m with running track
Materiały
ABS, PLA, ASA, ABS CF10, TPU (optional).

Special feature
Range of robotic arm: 4 m

What are the applications of the printer
and where will it serve best?

For whom?

We have noticed that often manufacturing companies are looking for 3D printing from recyclates or large-scale solutions independent of the size of the printer’s working chamber. Important in such a demand is the economy and low price of the material, as well as the ability to print even parts several meters long.

What demand?

The Caracol Heron AM robotic platform will prove itself to these demands as a solution with virtually no format limits. It makes it possible to print from plastic pellets and granules, bringing new production possibilities where good mechanical properties (FDM technology) and easy assembly in the shop floor space are needed.

In what industries?

Caracol Heron AM is used by industries such as manufacturing, industrial automation, aerospace and marine.

  • Manufacturing
  • Industrial automation
  • Aerospace

Why Caracol Heron AM?

  • Caracol Heron AM is a cost-effective 3D printing platform for large industry.
  • It works with FDM technology that ensures the durability of prints.
  • Heron AM allows printing in carbon or glass fiber composite materials.

What benefits and key advantages does the printer bring?

Technical benefits:
1

Prints without distortion – high extrusion temperatures, up to 450° C

2

Large size prints – up to 9m

3

Smooth print surfaces – additional milling module

4

Modularity of design and adaptability of configuration to needs

5

The speed of producing parts – up to 30 kg/hour.

6

Use of recyclates – sustainable development

7

Ability to select materials by characteristics

Key advantages of a Stratasys printer:

01

KUKA, FANUC and ABB robotic arms with 6+ axes enable the creation of complex geometries and toolpaths, ensuring precision and quality finishes.

02

With the Heron AM system, parts of considerable length can be printed – all thanks to the robotic arm track, which adds a 7th printing axis.

03

An additional milling module allows immediate milling of the resulting prints and gives access to high dimensional accuracy.

04

3 types of work tables. Specially designed work tables guarantee the stability of work. Aluminum frame with interchangeable top panels is flexible in configuration. Stainless steel work tables guarantee high rigidity and durability.

05

Print area security. Heron AM allows you to erect completely enclosed environments, built with structural walls and fully air-conditioned, as well as mobile containers and Open Air systems with laser barriers or plexiglass walls.

06

Work environment sensors. The system is housed in protective, climate-controlled workstations that allow several environmental parameters to be controlled throughout the production process, such as temperature and humidity.

07

Dedicated Eidos Manufacturing software with a clear interface provides full control and flexibility of the process. Handling even the most complex geometries is intuitive and fast.

08

The automatic feed system ensures continuous and trouble-free printing, increasing productivity and minimizing downtime.

Will I be able to train my employees after purchasing the printer?

Yes, we won’t leave you alone. Along with each printer, we offer training for employees on how to use the device.

Business benefits

What will you gain by implementing Heron AM in your company?

  • availability in 3D printing of parts up to 9 m long
  • reducing the cost of 3D printing material
  • saving time and human resources in the production of components with complex geometries
  • easier supply of materials: pellets and pellets
  • expanding manufacturing capabilities
  • shorter execution time for large parts

Is the Heron AM platform faster than the counterparts?

In all simulations, Caracol Heron AM achieves high printing speeds like as high as 30 kg/hr. Print without worrying about wasted time!

A guide to large format additive manufacturing (LFAM)

We know that LFAM technologies are proving helpful to our customers in industries such as automotive and tool, jig and fixture manufacturing. If you’re wondering how the Heron AM platform will speed up prototyping and introduce cost savings in manufacturing final parts, read our white paper.

With the most common applications of Heron AM in mind, we have created a white paper In which industries will large-format additive manufacturing and Caracol Heron AM work?“.

Our guide will help you in the decision-making process. It helps you evaluate the benefits of LFAM technology and lists specific applications for the platform.

What do I find in the material?

  • Benefits of large-format additive manufacturing
  • The answer to why Heron AM contributes to green development
  • A list of parts that can be advantageously printed on the platform
  • Directions for further research on materials for Heron AM

    What kind of return on investment (ROI) can you expect from implementing this printer?

    Caracol Heron AM is a favorable return
    on investment:

    • When you want to print from low-cost materials, including recyclates.
    • When you need large size prints, up to 9m.
    • when you want extra-smoothed surfaces and high dimensional accuracy with a large size.

    Example of cost and printing time of an automotive component (mold for autoclave processes) on Caracol Heron AM. Size 500 x 500 x 200 mm.

    Caracol Heron AM
    70% less
    80% less

    The Heron AM platform offers too low a return on investment relative to using a 3D printing service.
    What should I do?

    To implement this in-house platform is to become independent of the supplies, logistics and deadlines of subcontractors. Indirect benefits are also worth including in the investment calculation.

    Financing
    and printer leasing

    We work with several partners to obtain financing for your projects. We will show you where you can go to find support and get funding with simplified procedures and maximum customer care. We will help you buy and implement very quickly.

    Leasing is the optimal solution for businesses. With no one-time investment, the device works for you from the beginning and you can treat the installments as a tax-deductible expense.

    Ask us about financing options for your printer

    Platform maintenance

    At CadXpert, we use Caracol’s responsive and efficient service to fix your platform.

    We assign an individual Service Consultant to each customer to answer your questions

    You will be able to get in touch at any time about the device’s operation and get the missing information.

    Our implementation consultants, as part of the initial application audit, will help you find additional applications for your platform so that you can realize the full potential of the device.

    I don’t know how I can use such a platform in my industry.

    We will send a consultant to your shop floor to review possible 3D printing applications and conduct an application analysis for Caracol Heron AM.

    Technical parameters of the Heron AM platform

    Download detailed technical specifications of the Caracol Heron AM platform.

    Caracol Heron AM
    Build chamber
    Up to 9 m with running track
    Materiały
    ABS, PLA, ASA, ABS CF10, TPU (optional).
    Material containers
    granules, dispenser
    Software
    Eidos Manufacturing
    Special feature
    Range of robotic arm: 4 m

    What materials are supported by the platform?

    A variety of FDM materials are in operation for the Heron AM platform. Here are some examples:

    PETG
    ABS
    PP
    ASA
    PLA

    For a full list of materials available for the Heron AM platform, see the technical specifications.

    Want to read more about the materials used in different technologies?

    Does the Heron AM platform need special space conditions to work?

    The Caracol Heron AM platform needs dedicated space. We can supply it with appropriate barriers delineating the work space or in the form of a special LFAM container.

    Comparison of Caracol Heron AM and Stratasys F900 models

    The capabilities of the Heron AM series are tailored to meet industry needs.

    Heron AM is your go-to tool for cheaper large-scale 3D printing.

    Eidos Manufacturing Software

    Learn about Eidos Manufacturing software.
    Prepare and optimize your design for perfect printing.

    Why use Eidos Manufacturing?

    • Advanced planning of parameters and tool paths
    • Simulation of the printing process
    • IoT platform for data monitoring and analysis
    • Full control over machines and processes – live monitoring, data logging
    • Management of a fleet of equipment

    Download information about Eidos Manufacturing

    Fill out the form and you will automatically receive a link to download the Eidos Manufacturing information packet.

      Test the software and do your own item estimation with Eidos Manufacturing

      Is there an additional charge for the Eidos Manufacturing software?

      Eidos Manufacturing software is bundled with the Heron AM platform free of charge.

      Print gallery

      What will our cooperation look like?

      1

      We will start with a thorough understanding of your problem related to the manufacturing process of each component. We will consider their characteristics and applications.

      2

      We will select the right technology, materials and offer the right printer.

      3

      We will prepare a return on investment calculation regarding your planned prints.

      4

      We will print a proof for you to see if the solution is suitable for your applications.

      5

      We will prepare a price and time estimate according to the established guidelines.

      6

      If you accept all the components of the offer, we will proceed with the order.

      7

      We will arrange for the installation of the printer at your site and provide training to your employees on the operation of the device.

      Your project will be the responsibility of one specific person who will be available to you at every stage of implementation.

      Consult implementation

      1

      As part of the conversation, the consultant:

      2

      In furtherance of our cooperation:

      What questions will help you assess your situation?

      1. 1

        Do you have a specific problem or challenge that 3D printing could solve?

      2. 2

        What size parts do you want to print? The most common prints are important, as they are the ones worth investing in 3D printers for.

      3. 3

        What is more important to you aesthetics or the durability of the print? This will help us determine the right printing technology.

      4. 4

        Is the print to meet any additional requirements? E.g. chemical resistance, heat resistance, biocompatibility certificate, pressure maintenance, low weight, handling of very heavy loads, abrasion resistance, good sliding properties, etc.

      Submit the form, our consultant will contact you within 15 minutes.

      Konsultant duku 3D

        Direct contact

        Frequently asked questions

        Still wondering? We hope this list of frequently asked questions will help answer some of your doubts.

        The Caracol Heron AM system features a high printing accuracy of +/- 0.1 mm (after additional milling with a special module). These are sufficient parameters for most cases of industrial production.

        NO. The EIDOS Manufacturing software that comes with the printers is at no additional cost. Updates also remain free of charge.

        The Caracol robotic arm works in conjunction with a remote control station on a computer. All channels that the computer supports can be used for transmission.

        Due to the complexity of operating the Caracol system, the operator should receive training on the software and operation.

        YES. We provide initial operational training for all Caracol Heron AM platforms purchased.

        Caracol’s team of certified experts is available through us. Contact us on weekdays between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.