Designtech, Caracol, and LAMÁQUINA Launch Robotic AM Hub in Milan
A new permanent hub for large-format robotic additive manufacturing (LFAM) has opened in Milan, offering designers and brands ongoing access to advanced fabrication capabilities.
Designtech, Caracol, and LAMÁQUINA have established Milan's first permanent hub dedicated to large-format robotic additive manufacturing (LFAM) specifically for the design sector. This initiative provides designers, studios, and brands continuous access to large-scale robotic fabrication and engineering support, moving beyond a project-by-project service model.
The collaboration merges Designtech's network and facilities with Caracol's robotic manufacturing hardware and software, and LAMÁQUINA's expertise in fabrication and design. Designtech CEO Ivan Tallarico stated his company focuses on building an ecosystem that enables breakthrough products by connecting technologies, manufacturing capabilities, creative talent, and industry partners.
Caracol, an Italian 3D printer manufacturer, is supplying the hub with its Heron AM platform. This system can produce large-format parts using thermoplastics, as well as sustainable and recycled materials. Caracol also provides its Eidos Manufacturing software and material and process knowledge, enabling industrial output levels. Paolo Cassis, COO and co-founder of Caracol, highlighted Milan's position at the intersection of design, creativity, and industrial progress as an ideal location for this ecosystem.
LAMÁQUINA, a Barcelona-based 3D design and manufacturing studio, contributes its experience in applying robotic 3D printing to various design projects, including work for museums, restaurants, and cultural institutions. The studio's founder, Aldo Sollazzo, aims to shape a new market for additive manufacturing in architecture by challenging design conventions and identifying opportunities for large-scale 3D printing in the built environment.
The Milan hub's key differentiator is its permanence, offering designers and brands standing access to LFAM and engineering capabilities. The three companies aim to extend this model across Italy, fostering a more flexible, efficient, and sustainable approach to production.
This development signifies a move towards more accessible and integrated large-format additive manufacturing solutions for the design industry. By providing a permanent hub, it lowers barriers for designers to explore and implement LFAM, potentially accelerating innovation in architectural, product, and experiential design. This permanent infrastructure supports the broader trend of industrializing AM and integrating it into mainstream design and production workflows.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.