The UK is moving beyond manual labor for the final stages of 3D-printing, shifting the task to a new robotic system.
With support from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), Rivelin Robotics has unveiled a solution featuring proprietary control software that gives robots human-like dexterity and precision.
The system is intended to finish 3D-printed parts faster and more consistently than manual processes.
It can also handle complex components made from metals, polymers, and ceramics, reducing reliance on human labour and associated costs.
For defense applications, the tech could reduce delays in sourcing spare parts for naval assets and lower the cost of maintaining local machining capabilities.
It also supports on-demand manufacturing, helping reduce supply chain dependencies and improve operational resilience.
Solving a Production Bottleneck
Additively manufactured components typically require manual post-processing to remove excess material and correct surface imperfections.
This process is slow, inconsistent, and can introduce safety risks.
Rivelin’s solution is designed to address these issues while producing more consistent and reliable finished components.
Dstl’s support has helped the company move the concept toward operational use, with Rivelin already supplying the system to five customers.
The technology is currently used across aerospace, medical, automotive, and energy sectors, with deployments expanding across Spain, France, Germany, and the US.
