Caracol to launch large-format metal Additive Manufacturing machine at Formnext 2024
November 14, 2024
Caracol, based in Barlassina, Italy, has announced that it will debut its large-format Vipra AM Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) machine at this year’s Formnext. The company’s new robotic platform, to be unveiled at its booth on November 19, aims to transform the production of large-format metal components.
“At Caracol, we believe that the future of manufacturing lies in combining a strong application focus with advanced innovative technologies that reshape the capabilities of industrial production lines,” states Francesco De Stefano, CEO of Caracol AM. “With Vipra AM, we’ve leveraged the extensive know-how developed over years working on advanced process control and software for Large Format AM with thermoplastics and composite materials, to develop a proprietary cutting-edge metal platform that combines state-of-the-art hardware and software with advanced robotic monitoring and automation. Thanks to this innovative technology, we want to enlarge the possibilities of industrial manufacturers to produce their most complex large-scale projects.”
The company stated it has spent several years developing and scaling parts production with the Vipra AM, in an effort to develop a platform that could target specific applications. This led Caracol to two new Vipra configurations: the Vipra XQ and the Vipra XP.
Vipra XQ (Extreme Quality)
Using Plasma Arc Deposition, the XQ is suited for components requiring very high levels of strength, high-quality finishes and precision, such as large-scale, high-strength, high-integrity parts for sectors like aerospace (e.g. load-bearing brackets and structural components) and energy (e.g. valves, gauges and structural piping connectors). The machine can be used to process a range of metals, including stainless steels and titanium alloys.
Vipra XP (Extreme Productivity)
The XP is focused on maximising productivity and minimising operating costs in the production of complex large-scale metal projects. The machine is able to additively manufacture aluminium and nickel-based materials, making it suited to parts where lead times and lighter weights are the main foci, including the transportation industries (e.g. automotive components, aerospace pressure vessels, marine propellers) and lower-end architecture (e.g. sculptures and lightweight organic structures).
In both of the above configurations, Vipra AM was built to produce advanced components such as load-bearing finished parts, lightweight structures, high-temperature, high-durability autoclave and curing molds, cladding, repair, and on-demand spare parts.
“The launch of Vipra AM represents a significant breakthrough for the metal Additive Manufacturing industry,” added Gianrocco Marinelli, Metal Additive Manufacturing Director at Caracol. “In today’s competitive market, manufacturers face mounting challenges, from material waste and long lead times to the pressure of reducing costs while maintaining high performance. Vipra AM introduces cutting-edge capabilities and complements existing processes, enabling hybrid production models that combine legacy techniques with advanced metal deposition to help manufacturers optimize production lines, reducing waste, accelerating lead times, and driving overall efficiency without overhauling their entire operations.”
Caracol will show Vipra AM live for the first time at its Formnext booth C101 in Hall 12.1. For the official launch on November 19, Caracol will host a panel discussion featuring industry experts and users who will explore the synergies between polymer and metal large-format Additive Manufacturing, and the applications.
