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When 3D printing and robotics interact. In conversation with Francesco De Stefano, CEO of Caracol
Caracol merges 3D printing with robotics to manufacture complex components for industries ranging from aerospace to architecture – powered by KUKA robots. In this interview, CEO Francesco De Stefano shares the company’s vision, the benefits of robotics and automation, and the importance of their partnership with KUKA.
Franceso De Stefano: „We started from the idea that producing largescale parts was too complex, it took too much time, and sometimes it was very, very inefficient for several industrial companies.
We founded Caracol to close that gap in the market. By combining additive manufacturing with robotics, we can produce complex and large components faster, more flexibly, and more sustainably.
De Stefano: „Compared to traditional manufacturing methods, robot-assisted 3D printing offers a fully automated, flexible workflow that reduces waste, speeds up production, and enables on-demand manufacturing. It’s a scalable and sustainable solution.“
De Stefano: „Exactly! Sustainability is at the heart of our business. We don’t just focus on how parts are made, but also on what happens after. Once a component has served its purpose, we can recycle it, re-pelletize it, and use it again – closing the loop.”
De Stefano: “We needed a global partner that could keep pace with our growth. We chose KUKA because their technology offers the right balance of precision, cost-efficiency, and reliability. Their modular robotic arms are widely used, cost-effective, and easily adaptable to different industries and applications. The global service network was also crucial for supporting our international expansion. Our close collaboration has enabled us to deeply integrate our software and hardware, creating a turnkey platform for our customers.”
