---
title: "Caracol produces mold-free robotic LFAM sports car roof"
url: https://www.voxelmatters.com/caracol-produces-mold-free-robotic-lfam-sports-car-roof/
date: 2026-04-06
modified: 2026-04-04
lang: en
author: "Joseph Caron-Dawe"
description: "Caracol, a global leader in advanced robotic technologies, has produced a full-size sports car roof using its Heron additive manufacturing robotic platform, eliminating the need for traditional molds and cutting..."
categories:
  - "3D Printing Processes"
  - "3D Printing Service Providers"
  - "Composites"
  - "LFAM"
  - "Polymers"
tags:
  - "insights"
image: https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Caracol-LFAM-Sports-Car-Roof-05-640x400.jpg
word_count: 270
---

# Caracol produces mold-free robotic LFAM sports car roof

[Caracol, a global leader in advanced robotic technologies](https://www.voxelmatters.directory/company/caracol-studio/), has produced a full-size sports car roof using its [Heron additive manufacturing robotic platform](https://www.voxelmatters.com/caracol-develops-smart-3d-printing-systems-for-large-components/), eliminating the need for traditional molds and cutting lead time by a claimed 40% compared to conventional methods.

The component, which weighs 66lb (30kg), was printed in 27 hours using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene reinforced with 20% carbon fiber (ABS + 20% CF), extruded through a 5-millimeter nozzle on Heron AM's HV extruder. 

The resulting structure is monolithic, with no joints or assembly steps, integrating ribs, trimming reference features, and localized reinforcements directly within the print.

[![Caracol produces mold-free robotic LFAM sports car roof](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Caracol-LFAM-Sports-Car-Roof-03.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Caracol-LFAM-Sports-Car-Roof-03.jpg)

[![Caracol produces mold-free robotic LFAM sports car roof](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Caracol-LFAM-Sports-Car-Roof-04.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Caracol-LFAM-Sports-Car-Roof-04.jpg)

[![Caracol produces mold-free robotic LFAM sports car roof](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Caracol-LFAM-Sports-Car-Roof-02.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Caracol-LFAM-Sports-Car-Roof-02.jpg)

[![Caracol produces mold-free robotic LFAM sports car roof](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Caracol-LFAM-Sports-Car-Roof-01.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Caracol-LFAM-Sports-Car-Roof-01.jpg)

## Hybrid post-processing targets automotive surface standards

Following printing, the component underwent trimming and surface preparation [using features pre-designed into the LFAM phase](https://www.voxelmatters.com/caracol-software-capabilities-beyond-additive/). A fiberglass hand layup was applied to the inner surface to compensate for anisotropy inherent in layer-based manufacturing and improve load-bearing performance. 

Material compatibility and adhesion were validated through mechanical testing to confirm resin and filler selection, and subsequent bodywork, coating, and polishing phases brought the near-net-shape part to an automotive-grade surface finish suitable for end-use applications.

Mechanical performance targets comparable to traditional sheet metal solutions were achieved through the hybrid AM process, which combined polymer and composite technologies.

## Turkey's LFAM Center provides production infrastructure

The project was carried out at the LFAM Center in Turkey — a production hub operated by Başaran, Omniform, and Otostech using Caracol's technology — and was developed in collaboration with ES Garaj. 

The center operates on a microfactory model supporting distributed, on-demand manufacturing close to the point of use, with a fully digital workflow from CAD file to finished part.