Additive manufacturing on XXL level

When 3D printing and robotics interact. In conversation with Francesco De Stefano, CEO of Caracol

Marco Astore

2025年11月12日

Technology

読了時間： 4分間

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.

1. Francesco, Caracol produces large-scale industrial components – how did the idea come about?

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.

Francesco De Stefano: "We needed a global partner that could keep pace with our growth."

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.

2. What role do robotics and automation play?

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.“

3. So robotics and automation make production not only faster and more flexible, but also more sustainable?

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.”

"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." Francesco De Stefano.

4. What has your experience with KUKA been like?

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.”