Caracol Launches Vipra AM DED System for Large-Scale Metal Manufacturing

Caracol Unveils Vipra AM at Formnext for Advanced Metal Additive Manufacturing
Caracol, a leading player in the field of metal additive manufacturing, has launched its new Vipra AM Direct Energy Deposition (DED) system at the Formnext trade show. The Vipra AM is designed for large-scale industrial applications, allowing manufacturers to produce complex metal components with high efficiency and sustainability.

Flexible and High-Performance DED Technology
The Vipra AM platform leverages wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) to offer an advanced, scalable solution for producing metal parts. Caracol highlights the system’s ability to manufacture a wide range of industrial components, including load-bearing finished parts, lightweight structures, and high-temperature autoclave and curing moulds. The system is engineered for applications in sectors like aerospace, automotive, and heavy industry.

Two Configurations: Vipra XQ and Vipra XP
Caracol is introducing two configurations of the Vipra AM: the Vipra XQ and the Vipra XP.

• Vipra XQ (Extreme Quality): This version is aimed at applications requiring high-strength, precision parts. It utilizes Plasma Arc Deposition technology, allowing for the production of components like load-bearing brackets, valves, gauges, and structural piping connectors with exceptional finish and dimensional accuracy. It supports materials such as stainless steel and titanium alloys.

• Vipra XP (Extreme Productivity): Designed for users seeking to maximize production rates and minimize costs, the Vipra XP can process materials like aluminum and nickel-based alloys. This configuration is ideal for large-scale projects such as automotive components, aerospace pressure vessels, and marine propellers.

Hybrid Production for Optimized Efficiency
According to Francesco De Stefano, CEO of Caracol AM, the Vipra AM system integrates advanced process control and software developed over years of working with thermoplastics and composite materials. The technology enables a hybrid production model that blends traditional manufacturing methods with cutting-edge metal deposition techniques. This flexibility helps manufacturers reduce material waste, accelerate lead times, and improve overall efficiency, all without requiring a complete overhaul of existing operations.

Market Impact and Future Potential

Gianrocco Marinelli, Metal Additive Manufacturing Director at Caracol, notes that Vipra AM addresses common challenges in metal manufacturing, including material waste and long lead times. With this new system, Caracol aims to significantly enhance the capabilities of manufacturers in producing large-scale metal parts efficiently and with lower operational costs.

Caracol will showcase the Vipra AM at Formnext in Hall 12.1, Stand C101, where attendees can see firsthand the potential of this game-changing DED platform.