Tier 1 Automotive Supplier Attains Big Reduction in 3D Print Times

A major (unnamed) Tier 1 automotive supplier reportedly has achieved a 60% reduction in 3D printing times as an early adopter of the Ulendo VC (vibration compensation) software upgrade for the CreatBot F430 extrusion-based printer. The company printed 9 prototype seating brackets on a single build plate. This build would have normally taken 14 hours and 30 minutes at stock settings but, with the Ulendo VC software upgrade, the print job was completed in 6 hours and 15 minutes without sacrificing build quality, according to Ulendo.

The print was performed at a speed of 150mm/sec with acceleration of 3,000/sec2, a 3X and 5X improvement over stock settings, respectively, the company adds.

The supplier, who remains anonymous due to the nature of their R&D work, routinely uses extrusion-based 3D printing in its design and prototyping process for seating and electrical components. 

 “Many of the prototype parts this client builds are quite large and can take 14 to 24 hours to produce. This makes it difficult to fit into working schedules and can lead to longer than ideal development timelines,” says Brenda Jones, Ulendo’s CEO. “Quick turnaround and rapid iteration are essential for their operations.” 

Ulendo VC software solution works to enable faster print speeds without loss of print quality by canceling out vibration in fused deposition modeling printers. 

Ulendo has partnered with Rev1 Technologies, after-sales support provider for CreatBot printers in the United States, to develop and distribute the software upgrade for the F430 model. In initial tests, Ulendo VC has been able to generate improvement in speed and acceleration on the F430.

“As a software only solution, Ulendo VC is incredibly easy for our customers to adopt,” says Ben Hartwig, President of Rev1 Technologies. “For customers in contract manufacturing or using additive in production, this dramatically improves the efficiency and overall profitability of their additive operations.” 

Rev1 and Ulendo are currently working on software upgrades for even larger format CreatBot machines. Customers interested in adding this upgrade kit to their CreatBot printers should contact Rev1 or visit the Rev1 team at Booth 3510 at RAPID + TCT Tradeshow in Detroit, April 8-10, 2025. 

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.