Caracol, a leader in large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) using industrial robotics, has entered into a strategic partnership with Additive Engineering Solutions (AES), a global provider of turnkey LFAM services. This collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing technologies within the Aerospace & Defense (A&D) sector.
AES, known for its expertise in producing tooling for composites and full-scale engineering mockups for A&D OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, brings significant industry experience. The company holds an aerospace AS9100 Quality Management System certification and complies with NIST Cybersecurity standards, making it a trusted partner in the U.S. A&D market.
Caracol’s Heron AM platform, an integrated robotic additive manufacturing system, has already gained recognition in the A&D sector, particularly for its work on composite tooling. With the first AS9100-certified LFAM production facility in Europe, Caracol excels in using robotics for large-format 3D printing of both thermoplastic composites and metals, offering complete turnkey solutions that integrate hardware and software.
By merging their expertise, the two companies aim to further enhance innovation in A&D-specific applications. AES’s strong industry presence and experience make it the ideal partner for Caracol, and Caracol’s modular setup will enable AES to easily scale its production.
Francesco De Stefano, CEO and Co-founder of Caracol, said, “We are excited to partner with AES. Their experience in cutting-edge A&D applications aligns perfectly with Caracol’s focus on developing application-driven, integrated technological platforms. Together, we can push the limits of large-format additive manufacturing in highly regulated industries for both polymer and metal applications.”
Austin Schmidt, President & Co-Founder of AES, added, “This partnership is an exciting opportunity to expand our reach in the A&D sector. Caracol’s robotic platforms, both for polymers and metals, are an ideal complement to AES’s ongoing evolution in the LFAM market.”
The collaboration will see AES installing a Heron AM platform to expand its capabilities, focusing on critical projects like tooling for composites and full-scale engineering mockups. This partnership strengthens both companies’ positions as leaders in the rapidly advancing field of additive manufacturing.
Founded in Akron, Ohio, in 2016, AES is a leading contract manufacturer specializing in large-format polymer 3D printing. The company boasts the largest global capacity for polymer 3D printing, providing fast and cost-effective solutions for composite tooling, thermoplastic parts, and engineered mockups. AES offers comprehensive services, from engineering and design to 3D printing, large-format 5-axis machining, inspection, and finishing. Certified under ISO9001 and AS9100, and compliant with NIST Cybersecurity and ITAR standards, AES meets the stringent requirements of the aerospace and defense industries, delivering turnkey solutions for high-demand applications.
Established in 2017 in Milan, Italy, Caracol is redefining large-scale additive manufacturing by combining scale, efficiency, and sustainability. The company has developed an integrated technological platform featuring proprietary hardware and software solutions, including a patented extrusion head, its dedicated software Eidos Manufacturing, and robotic arms for precise movement.
Caracol’s technology caters to industries such as aerospace, marine, energy, design, and architecture, delivering advanced components like jigs, molds for aircraft, yacht superstructures, and circular economy projects for sustainable energy and design sectors. Its flagship systems include Heron AM, focused on polymer-based large-format parts, and the recently launched Vipra AM, designed for large-scale metal applications in industries like aerospace, energy, and shipbuilding. With Europe’s largest LFAM production center, a U.S. facility in Austin, Texas (opened in August 2023), and a commercial office in Dubai, Caracol employs a team of over 80 experts specializing in mechanical engineering, automation, computational design, and advanced manufacturing.
