Automation and versatility in large format additive manufacturing
The fully automatic tool changer seamlessly switches between Caracol’s high-performance extruders and CNC tools without human intervention, empowering Heron AM as an all-in-one platform that maximizes efficiency, precision, and flexibility.
Automation and versatility in large format additive manufacturing
The fully automatic tool changer seamlessly switches between Caracol’s high-performance extruders and CNC tools without human intervention, empowering Heron AM as an all-in-one platform that maximizes efficiency, precision, and flexibility.
Key benefits
- EFFICIENCY: accelerate production times and reduce costs without sacrificing quality—thanks to automated tool swapping that eliminates manual downtime.
- FLEXIBILITY: easily customize part geometries by switching between different extruders or integrating subtractive finishing tools.
- ALL-IN-ONE WORKFLOW: streamline your production by combining printing and finishing in a single setup, cutting the need for multiple machines and manual steps.
Tool changer configurations
Configure your Heron AM exactly how you need, truly simplifying your manufacturing operations. From differentiated printing needs, to switching from print to CNC, ensure your work is automated and streamlined.
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3D Printing and Finishing
Hybrid Configuration
This Heron AM configuration combines large-format 3D printing and CNC milling in one automated workflow. It switches from extrusion to finishing—like trimming, smoothing, cutting, and drilling—immediately after printing, reducing manual labor and setup time while delivering precise, ready-to-use parts.
High-mix Additive Manufacturing
Dual Extruder Configuration
This configuration is perfect for high-mix production, enabling seamless switching between multiple extruders in a single print. Start with a high-throughput extruder for fast deposition, then automatically switch to a precision extruder for fine details without sacrificing speed or continuity.
Success Stories
Check out some of our projects
Read how cutting-edge players across sectors are using large format 3D printing for industrial applications and how Caracol is helping them transform their manufacturing processes.
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News & events, Resources, News, . Caracol and CNC Robotics forge strategic partnership to empower UK manufacturing
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . On-demand manufacturing: what it is, how it works, and some examples
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Resources, Case studies, . Client Talks with Ferretti Group | robotic LFAM for custom luxury yachts
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Resources, Case studies, . From digital to track: mold-free sports car roof powered by robotic LFAM technology
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . How is 3d printing used in architecture?
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Resources, Case studies, . Client Talks with V2 Group | Robotic LFAM for Custom Marine Applications
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News & events, Resources, News, . Engineering manufacturing beyond Earth: Caracol and ESA develop AI-based LFAM for space
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Resources, Case studies, . From tooling-driven constraints to robotic LFAM: engineering the next generation of marine stern structures
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News & events, Events, Resources, . JEC World 2026: unlock your next composite applications for the transportation industry
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . Carbon additive manufacturing at scale: how robotic LFAM redefines composites
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Resources, Case studies, . A new era of custom luxury yachts, powered by robotic LFAM
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Resources, Case studies, . “among-all” by Patricia Urquiola turns LFAM imperfection into design intent
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Resources, Case studies, . Proto21 leveraged Heron AM to 3D print a full-scale Seaglider mockup for REGENT Craft in UAE
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . What software to use for 3D printing with large format robotic systems: a complete guide
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . 3D Printing in transportation industries: how AM is reshaping mobility on land, sea, and air
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News & events, Resources, News, . RIGENER-AM: Turning Industrial Waste into High-Performance Materials for Additive Manufacturing
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Resources, Case studies, . Caracol’s LFAM technology drives the production of a Next-Generation Stratospheric Gondola
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . Best practices for Design & Production with robotic LFAM
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . Integrating robotic process automation (RPA) for strategic growth in modern advanced manufacturing
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Resources, Case studies, . JOME Engineering unlocked metal additive production of sampling valves with Vipra AM
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Resources, Knowledge Hub, White Paper, . Robotic large format additive production for Jigs & Molds
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Resources, Knowledge Hub, White Paper, . Robotic large format additive production for Marine Applications
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Resources, Knowledge Hub, White Paper, . Robotic large format additive production for the Automotive Industry
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Resources, Knowledge Hub, White Paper, . Robotic additive production for Design & Architecture
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Resources, Case studies, . THE CAB – The first 3D-printed RV made from recycled polymer
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . Applications of 3D Printing in the Aerospace Industry
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News & events, Events, Resources, . A Decade of Innovation – Build What’s Next
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News & events, Resources, News, . Caracol Raises $40M Series B to Accelerate Global Scale-Up of Advanced Manufacturing
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Resources, Case studies, . Ono Chair – the harmony of the whole with 3D printing
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News & events, Resources, News, . Caracol and RusselSmith Sign an exclusive Partnership to Drive Advanced Manufacturing in West Africa
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News & events, Resources, News, . Caracol acquires Weber’s AM assets to expand LFAM leadership in Europe
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . Distributed manufacturing: building resilient, flexible supply chains
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . Metal additive manufacturing: a disruptive technology for demanding industries
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Resources, Case studies, . DeltaPrint3D innovate the retail design sector with 3D printed rock textured columns
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Resources, Case studies, . Recarlo leverages LFAM in redefining its luxury retail experience
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . Robotics and Automation transform industries: a look into the Future of Manufacturing
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Resources, Case studies, . Optimizing custom Legend Car bodywork production with Heron AM – Castelletto Circuit
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . 3D printing Architectural Elements for Building
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Resources, Case studies, . World’s Largest 3D Printed Architectural Structure built in Dubai by Proto21 with Heron AM
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Resources, Case studies, . LFAM redefines construction industry, starting with custom column formwork
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Resources, Case studies, . AM Unique transforms the desert into a Design Hub: furniture manufacturing with Heron AM
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . Empowering industrial production with live data: the growing role of IoT in LFAM
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . How is 3d printing used in the automotive industry?
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Resources, Case studies, . Reimagining construction: advanced robotic LFAM at Biennale Architettura 2025
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Resources, Case studies, . PORTAL – A new era of furniture powered by Advanced Manufacturing
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News & events, Resources, News, . Caracol Secures ESA Grant to Lead Space-Focused Additive Manufacturing Project
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . What is Advanced Manufacturing? How technology improves industrial manufacturing
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . Why adopt thermoplastic 3d printing materials for advanced industrial applications
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News & events, Events, Resources, . Caracol’s robotic LFAM technology powers “PORTAL” at Milan Design Week 2025
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Resources, Case studies, . Sangiorgio Marine redefines yacht superstructures production with LFAM
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News & events, Events, Resources, . Rapid + TCT 2025: transform your production with robotics LFAM made in USA
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Resources, Case studies, . Applying robotic LFAM in the production of Pershing GTX116 aerodynamic grilles
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Resources, Case studies, . Duqueine Automotive Set New Standards in Racing Car Development
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . Strengths and weaknesses of the 3 most common 3D printing materials
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Resources, Case studies, . The first functional monolithic catamaran additively produced with V2 Group
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Resources, Case studies, . Gosper lamp: leveraging robotic LFAM technology to create stunning lighting design
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News & events, Events, Resources, . JEC World 2025: discover Caracol’s latest innovations for robotic LFAM of composite materials
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Resources, Case studies, . Stacked modules: 3D printing meets craftsmanship to redefine furniture production
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Resources, Case studies, . Alstom redefines the production of simulator driver desks with LFAM
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Resources, Case studies, . 3D-printed 1:5 nose mock-up for Alstom
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . Industry 4.0 & additive manufacturing: delivering efficiency and sustainability in production
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . The rise of 3D printed furniture: leveraging LFAM to revolutionize the design industry
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Resources, Case studies, . Shaping the manufacturing of industrial tooling with large format 3D printing
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . The future of LFAM: integration at its core
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Resources, Case studies, . Custom Conveyor Screw for Industrial Machinery
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Resources, Case studies, . Multi-Material Neck Flange for the Oil & Gas Industry
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Resources, Case studies, . Vipra AM in Marine Propeller Manufacturing
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Resources, Case studies, . High-Precision Autoclave Cure Tools for Aerospace
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News & events, Events, Resources, . Reimagining manufacturing at Dubai Design Week
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Resources, Case studies, . 3D printing piping for the energy industry
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News & events, Events, Resources, . Build the Unbuildable – LFAM goes Beyond at Formnext 2024
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . The benefits of 3D printing aircraft parts
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . How does 3D printing help the environment?
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . Innovation in the marine industry: 3D printing boat structures and components
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Resources, Case studies, . The first 3D printed ISO certified marine gangway
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News & events, Events, Resources, . Caracol doubles down on IMTS 2024 in Chicago
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Resources, Case studies, . Robotic 3D printing of custom design furniture
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Resources, Case studies, . Van Venrooy and Caracol 3D print end-parts for automotive custom vehicles
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . Pellet 3D printing and its benefits compared to 3D filament extruders
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . Guidelines for large format 3d printing
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Resources, Case studies, . Bringing LFAM to industrial production for advanced applications in the automotive sector
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News & events, Events, Resources, . Caracol at RAPID+TCT 2024
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . Sustainability in the automotive industry through LFAM
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . What is robotic LFAM 3D printing?
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . Beyond rapid prototyping 3D printing, towards industrial production with LFAM
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Resources, Case studies, . LFAM aerospace composite parts fly high with 3D printed autoclave molds
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News & events, Events, Resources, . JEC WORLD: Large format 3D priting for the composite industry
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Tech learnings, Resources, Knowledge Hub, . Engineering the future of manufacturing through LFAM
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Resources, Case studies, . How large 3D printed mock-ups can accelerate the automotive industry
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News & events, Resources, News, . LFAM companies gather to discuss further expansions of a growing market segment
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News & events, Events, Resources, . LFAM boosting the marine industry: METS TRADE 2023
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News & events, Events, Resources, . Evolving Additive Manufacturing at Formnext 2023
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Resources, Case studies, . 3D printed tools for aircraft manufacturing
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Resources, Case studies, . Caracol working to bridge the gap on sustainable manufacturing
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News & events, Events, Resources, . Caracol and Mobilita join forces for the post-graduate on Robotics, Mechatronics and Additive Manufacturing
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News & events, News, . Caracol develops smart 3D printing systems for large-scale components
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News & events, Resources, News, . Caracol joins 30 partners for the European DeremCo project
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Resources, Case studies, . Pressurized Tanks for Space with WAAM
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Resources, Case studies, . 3D printed autoclave cure tooling for the automotive industry
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News & events, Events, Resources, . Exciting shows in Paris and Chicago to see the LFAM system Heron AM
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News & events, Resources, News, . Caracol acquires Stratasys Fortus technology
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News & events, Resources, News, . Caracol closes €10.6 million Series A and launches internationalization
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Resources, Case studies, . Wind Blades’ Lamination Tooling
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News & events, Events, Resources, . The growing adoption of LFAM meets consensus at AMS
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Resources, Case studies, . 3D printed sailboat hull with recycled materials
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Resources, Case studies, . 3D printed interiors for a luxury architectural landmark
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News & events, Events, Resources, . Caracol at Formnext 2022
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News & events, Resources, News, . Caracol partners with OVERMACH ADDITIVE to promote LFAM in Italy
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News & events, Resources, News, . The Evolution of Caracol
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Resources, Case studies, . Large-scale 3D printed totem for Yamamay HQ
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Resources, Case studies, . Valentino Rossi gets giant 3D printed helmet from Caracol AM
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News & events, Resources, News, . Caracol first company in Italy to obtain AS/EN 9100 certification to produce Aerospace parts with its LFAM process
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News & events, Events, Resources, . Caracol at Isola Digital District 2020
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News & events, Resources, News, . 3D Printed Masks Donated to Institutions across Italy
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Resources, Case studies, . Upcycling and large-format 3D printing for sustainable architecture
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Resources, Case studies, . The first fully 3D printed robotic bar installation