The laboratory consists of two distinct functional areas dedicated to research activities on additive manufacturing technologies and to mechatronics and prototyping activities, respectively, carried out in support of the Institute’s research activities.

The additive manufacturing area is dedicated to research and development on production and 3D printing technologies, such as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA), for the optimisation of processes and the production of micro/meso components, also in combination with other production processes, which are used in innovative and rapid tooling applications.

The mechatronics and prototyping area is functional for the design and assembly of mechatronic components, machines and systems; for the construction and testing of electrical and electronic circuits; for mechatronic testing and experimentation.

The activities of the laboratory are reflected in a number of application sectors such as industrial robotics, telecommunications, electronics and micro mechanics/manufacturing.

The laboratory’s activities have relevant impact on application fields such as industrial robotics, telecommunications, electronics and micro mechanics / manufacturing.

Equipment

  • GiMax3D S2 3D printer, FDM technology
  • Formlabs Form 1+ 3D printer (inverted SLA Stereolithography)
  • Formlabs Form 3 3D printer (LFS, Low force Stereolithography)
  • Formlabs Form Wash station
  • Formlabs Form Cure UV treatment station
  • micro-assembly cell (Mitsubishi MELFA RP-1AH-S62 robot, multi-function gripper, vision systems, pick-up/release stations, machine tending)
  • test bench and electrical/electronic measurements
  • equipment and tools for small machining operations

Activities

  • study, monitoring and optimisation of 3D printing processes of polymeric materials, composites, elastomers and photosensitive resins
  • material-process-product characterisation for innovative components such as, for example, DRA antennas for 5G and 6G telecommunications, moulds for micro-injection of polymers and composites, mechanical components for mobile robotics
  • modelling, manufacturing, assembly and final validation of mechatronic prototypes, such as pneumatic actuators for industrial robotics applications, grippers and handling systems for micro/meso components, rigid-flexible embedded electronic circuits
  • mechanical, electrical and electronic experiments, measurements and tests