The industry is embracing large-format 3D printers, which will revolutionize how companies create large-scale products. 3D printing is a great solution for mass production due to its accuracy, speed and flexibility. Our interview with Alessandro Torre – the founder and CEO at Italian company REV3RD – delved into this subject in greater detail. REV3RD develops solutions that are geared towards large-scale, additive manufacturing while maintaining sustainability.
3DN: Can you tell us about yourself and how 3D printing affects your life?
Hello ! Alessandro Torre is my name. I was born in Bologna, but raised in Puglia with the sounds of tortellini and orecchiette. In my studies of mechanical engineering in Milan I became interested in 3D printers. My desire to make a tool to give shape to the most outrageous engineering ideas for little money led to me converting my bedroom into a small shop where I could create my first printers. More than academic textbooks, online forums and the “open source” philosophy were the main sources to start this 3D journey. Over the years I have continued to nurture this passion until I founded REV3RD. This is my second venture as an entrepreneur.
How did REV3RD get started?
REV3RD is a new innovative startup specializing in the design and manufacture of large format 3D printer solutions. It was created in early 2020 shortly before the pandemic broke out, after winning a regional PIN call to find young entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. We wanted to take a different path than the brain-drain that often leaves the southern part of Italy and the south. Instead, we created an international presence in Puglia. Our main objective is? Our main objective?
3DN: Could you us about REV3RD’s large format 3D printing technology?
We like to dream big! First, we designed a 1x1m print, screw by screw. We needed extruders with no limitations on the amount of material that could be extruded. It was then that the RD-M10+ came into being, which could extrude material up to a maximum of 12 kg/h. Next, the RD-M25 followed, before the RD-M40 extruder, which is capable of up to a maximum 40 kg/h. This type of machine can be mounted to existing gantry or robotic arms, and it can be designed and customized based on weight, power and materials processed.
Finally, we have created the RD-HUGE, a printer with a working area of about 3×2.5m that allows us to test large formats. This is a Cartesian 3 axis machine equipped with a cantilever that can be used in different sectors. In the art sector, it can be used to produce furniture, sculptures, or film sets.
One of REV3RD’s solutions
The entire process is done in-house. We know that there will be many sleepless night as any new business venture, but the most important thing for us is to continue growing.
3DN: What materials can be used with RV3RD pellet extruders
Our extruders have the ability to process polymers that are virgin, recycled or recyclable. They can also process thermoplastics of standard performance and high-performance as well fiber-filled (e.g. ABS + glass or carbon fiber. We have also filed a patent on continuous fiber co-extrusion… Stay tuned !
3D Printing: How important is automation for production systems?
For those who depend on 3D printing, the development of automation systems is an interesting topic. It can optimize production processes and provide a greater return on investment. For the moment, 3D printing has a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6. However, more automation can increase this parameter. If the goal is mass production of variable geometry products, what is still missing in the process are sensors and control parameters that can bring the deposition process closer to the “perfect synergy” of human body movement and control. REV3RD invests heavily in the monitoring, control and development of the printing process.
3DN: What are your thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages associated with 3D printing using a robotic arm.
A robotic arm is an automated system that’s been around for many years and has been used in a variety of industries, including welding or painting. A robotic arm is easy to locate, and can be found at low prices due to its wide use. In addition, the ability to control 6 or more degrees-of-freedom allows for greater mobility. Cartesian machines are not as susceptible to control problems. A robotic arm is less accurate than a Cartesian machine if high accuracy and dimensional tolerances are required.
REV3RD’s systems use a robotic hand
3DN: How does REV3RD address circularity and sustainability?
REV3RD (read Reverd) has these issues at heart: the Italian word “verde” (green) and the idea of circularity given by the English prefix “Re-” form the name and spirit of our brand. We think that 3D Printing and Sustainability are complementary because of two reasons. First, additive manufacturing itself is a more environmentally friendly production process than subtractive manufacturing. Waste is also significantly reduced since 3D printing deposits only the material required to make an item. This is an important advantage. In addition, the ability to print an object with recycled and recyclable materials is an added value in today’s world of pollution, waste disposal and waste. Recycling plastic and giving it new life via 3D printing may be a utopia if eliminating it from the earth is.
Last words from 3DN to our readers
We will continue to improve the products that we sell with new features. To do this, we plan to hire new talent and build a production, testing, research, experimentation space… We expect a lot of work on the horizon, a lot of new things coming up! Find out more HERE!
What do YOU think of REV3RD’s solutions?
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*All Photo Credits: REV3RD