---
title: "Caracol launches Vipra AM integrated robotic metal 3D printing platform"
url: https://www.voxelmatters.com/caracol-launches-vipra-am-integrated-robotic-metal-3d-printing-platform/
date: 2024-11-07
modified: 2024-11-06
lang: en
author: "Davide Sher"
description: "Caracol, a specialist in polymer and composite LFAM hardware, is introducing Vipra AM, a new robotic metal 3D printing platform for large-scale metal parts. Caracol’s new robotic platform will be..."
categories:
  - "3D Printer Hardware"
  - "Additive Manufacturing"
  - "Metal Additive Manufacturing"
tags:
  - "future"
image: https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Vipra-AM_16x9_LD-640x360.jpg
word_count: 510
---

# Caracol launches Vipra AM integrated robotic metal 3D printing platform

[Caracol, a specialist in polymer and composite LFAM hardware](https://www.voxelmatters.directory/company/caracol-studio/), is introducing Vipra AM, a new robotic metal 3D printing platform for large-scale metal parts. Caracol’s new robotic platform will be unveiled at [Formnext](https://www.voxelmatters.com/event/formnext-2024/) and aims to transform how large-format metal components are made.

Vipra AM is a robotic large-scale Direct Energy Deposition platform that leverages wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) processes, seamlessly developed into a hardware, software, and automation proprietary turnkey system. The platform was created to maximize users’ flexibility, control, and performance, expanding LFAM’s possibilities to a broader range of applications.

“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 composites 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.”

![Introducing Vipra AM: a revolutionary robotic metal 3D printing platform for large-scale metal parts unveiled at Formnext by Caracol](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Caraco-D-Orbit_WAAM-process-1-1-768x707.jpg.avif)In a recent test, space company D-Orbit worked with Caracol on WAAM 3D printed pressurized tanks

Adopting its application-first approach, [Caracol spent years developing projects and scaling parts production with Vipra AM](https://www.voxelmatters.com/d-orbit-looks-to-caracol-for-waam-3d-printed-pressurized-tanks/). Through this extensive work, Caracol is unveiling two new configurations of Vipra

Vipra XQ (Extreme Quality) leverages Plasma Arc Deposition technology to produce extremely high-quality components with exceptional finishing and precision. It is best suited for applications that require superior strength and precision and can process an incredibly broad range of metals, including – stainless steels and titanium alloys. The system is ideal for large-scale, high-strength, high-integrity parts for sectors such as aerospace (e.g. load-bearing brackets and structural components) and energy (e.g. valves, gauges and structural piping connectors).

Vipra XP (Extreme Productivity) is focused on maximizing productivity and minimizing operating costs in the manufacturing process of complex large-scale metal projects. Its unmatched throughput combined with its ability to print also aluminum and nickel-based materials, make the system ideal for parts where lead times and lightweight are critical, such as transportation industries (e.g. automotive components, aerospace pressure vessels, marine propellers) and lower-end architectural applications (e.g. sculptures, lightweight organic structures).

In both its configurations, Vipra AM was built to produce advanced applications 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," says 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."