Many manufacturing companies struggle with low automation levels and outdated machinery, making it difficult to work more efficiently. Here is... 3D printing for industrial robots a solution. The technology allows you to produce precisely customized robotic tools for your automation needs more quickly and affordably.
We spoke with Karl Ericsson, CTO at SE Automation, about how the company uses limited resources, smart processes, and its own 3D printers to create valuable customizations for its customers.
Challenges in today's robotics: Mindset and outdated methods
For those looking to start using industrial robots for automation, traditional manufacturing methods remain a bottleneck. Robot installations took time, were expensive, and were mostly a manual process. It was also challenging to create the customizations that customers needed for their production lines. However, according to Karl Ericsson, CTO at SE Automation, many of these obstacles are disappearing, largely thanks to 3D printing.
“Take the supply chain in robotics, for example. It has improved significantly with the introduction of 3D printing and 3D design,” says Karl. “Essentially, we can receive a customer request, design an idea in CAD, and send it to our 3D printer for next-day delivery. That’s not how things looked in our industry just a few years ago.”
Despite the technological leap, one major challenge remains – a knowledge gap between integrators like SE Automation and manufacturing companies that still view automation as a large, drawn-out investment.
“The biggest obstacle in robot integration is what you might call the 'delivery chain.' Many of our customers are stuck in an old mindset where installing robot cells was a large and mostly manual task. That’s no longer the case,” says Karl.
3D printing for industrial robots crucial for integrators
An increasing number of robot integrators today see 3D printing as essential to their operations. The technology enables quick and efficient production of customized components, reducing costs and lead times while boosting customer satisfaction. Karl Ericsson at SE Automation explains that it’s now hard to imagine modern robot integration without 3D printing.
“3D printing has become a commodity – it's easy to use and highly valuable. I find it very hard to see a robot integrator managing without 3D printing today,” says Karl.
By using 3D printing for industrial robots, SE Automation can not only create tailored solutions for their customers but also adapt more quickly when needs change.
And once a company starts using the technology, they often return for more projects.
“When we introduce our concept of 3D-printed robotic tools, it’s a breakthrough moment. This is also where we see a high rate of repeat business, as these customers truly understand the benefits of a more modern approach,” says Karl.
From prototype to end-use part with 3D printing
One of the most significant advantages of 3D printing is how quickly you can go from an idea to a finished product. In traditional manufacturing, it can take weeks or even months to create customized tools or parts. With 3D printing, these parts can be delivered in days or even hours.
“The greatest impact of the technology is at the start, in the prototyping stage. But we’re also seeing increasing value in end products. For example, we’ve produced many smaller functional parts as prototypes that ultimately became finished products,” says Karl.
This trend means that integrators like SE Automation can not only deliver faster but also provide their customers with greater flexibility to iterate and improve their solutions over time as they gain more experience – without disrupting production.
Adaptability and flexibility is key to automation
Adaptability is crucial in today’s robotics industry, and 3D printing for industrial robots is a key factor. Customizing tools and components provides integrators and manufacturing companies with a competitive edge. Continuous iterations of tools and components allow for faster and more frequent efficiency improvements.
“Customization of parts is extremely important,” says Karl. “And we can make adjustments increasingly faster, down to just a few hours of print time. Plus, we can recycle a higher proportion of the materials we use. This not only makes the process faster but also more sustainable.”
Cobots and 3D print a winning combination
In the field of collaborative robots, or cobots, 3D printing has proven to be an unbeatable solution. Collaborative robots work side by side with humans and often require customized tools and grippers to function effectively.
“In the field of collaborative robots, 3D printing is here to stay. The need for 3D-printed tools and accessories is much greater here than for larger industrial solutions that lift several hundred kilos, for example,” says Karl. “This ability to quickly create customized tools makes 3D printing an indispensable component in cobots and their applications.”
3D print has become a standard
In robotics, 3D printing has evolved from a visionary technology to an industry standard. For companies like SE Automation, this means they can showcase functional concepts to potential customers in a much shorter time.
“Going from an idea to a fully conceptualized and feasibility-reviewed cell happens significantly faster today,” explains Karl. “This speed and flexibility have given integrators a strong competitive advantage, and for companies that want to remain competitive, 3D printing is a must.”
Education and knowledge-exchange a catalyst for 3D printing
Despite all the advantages of 3D printing for industrial robots, there are still obstacles to overcome. According to Karl, the biggest challenge is the lack of knowledge within the industry. Many companies simply don’t understand how to leverage the technology.
“There simply aren’t enough people in Sweden who truly understand 3D printing. It’s a new process that requires a new way of thinking,” explains Karl. “But there are also opportunities. Through online communities and knowledge sharing, more companies have the chance to quickly learn and benefit from the technology.”
3D print makes manufacturing companies grow
For companies considering investing in a robotic solution, 3D printing for industrial robots offers significant advantages. It enables faster lead times, lower costs, and customized solutions—achievements that were difficult to realize with traditional methods.
“3D printing is truly the key to success as an integrator,” says Karl Ericsson. “By using the technology, companies like SE Automation can deliver flexible and efficient solutions that help manufacturing companies grow and stay competitive.”
