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Delivery robot from Starship Technologies Selfie of NASAs Curiosity mars rover (October 2015) Robotics is an ever-growing part of our lives, integrating into everything from food delivery to space exploration. Robots originally designed for simple or repetitive tasks are becoming increasingly articulate and versatile, opening the door to them being more than just tools for automation. The constant improvement in hardware, coupled with advances in software and the integration of complex AI systems, has opened the door to processes that were previously impossible - including the fusion of robotics and 3D Printing to create smarter, more adaptable manufacturing solutions. Robotics In Industry Robotic arms roboforming a sheet of metal When looking at the impact of robotics on society, you will find no shortage of examples in manufacturing, where it has been a staple of car assembly since 1962. Since the inception of robotic arms in 1961, there have been several technological leaps in hardware that have expanded their capabilities to those we see today. Notable achievements include achieving six degrees of freedom in 1969 and integrating embedded microprocessors in 1974, which led to a boom in the adoption of these automated systems. In recent years, robotic software has begun to catch up to and even surpass the capabilities of its hardware, greatly improving safety, versatility and even enabling new forms of manufacturing particularly through the integration of robotics and 3D printing. How Robotics and 3D Printing Work Together Although they are constantly improving their generalist capabilities, robots remain primarily specialized tools. As their use broadens and adoption becomes more widespread, robots will encounter tasks for which they are not specialized with increasing frequency. Users who encounter these unexpected challenges will likely look for ways to customize their robots to better circumvent them. 3D printing stands to be a viable solution. Whether it be for prototyping new models or fabricating end-use parts, the versatility of additive manufacturing aligns perfectly with the diverse, ever-evolving nature of robotics. TPU end effectors printed by Tempus3D We can find a great example of this partnership in action right here at Tempus HQ. Members of the Selkirk Technology Access Centre (STAC) have recently been experimenting with multiple robot models and have identified a need for new end effectors to diversify their robots' capabilities. For their new end effector, they decided to go with Thermoplastic Polyurethane(TPU). With its non-abrasive and flexible nature, TPU end effectors can adapt to the shape of their load and interact with sensitive surfaces with minimal risk. Robotics and 3D Printing in Industrial Applications The relationship between robotics and 3D printing is not one-sided; robotic arms are also transforming industrial additive manufacturing. Robotic arms are enabling certain types of printing, such as FDM, to be functional in a much wider range of environments, as well as to print in ways previously impossible. The use of robotic arms in FDM gives the print head 6 degrees of freedom, which when paired with adjustable print beds, allows for supportless FDM prints, saving time and materials. Another benefit of using robotic arms is their compactness and portability compared to gantry systems. The increased portability enables printing technologies, such as Fused Deposition Modelling(FDM), Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing(WAAM), Directed Energy Deposition(DED), and concrete layered extrusion, to be deployed for on-site construction and repairs without the massive setup required for a gantry system. Vertico concrete printing solutions DIY 3D printed robot arm with 6 degrees of freedom Tempus 3D is an HP Certified industrial 3D printing company based in British Columbia, Canada, providing additive manufacturing solutions from rapid prototyping to production ready parts. We offer Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Stereolithography (SLA), and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to meet a wide range of production needs. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com or request an online quote to see how Tempus 3D can support your next project. Let's make it possible!

The next competitive advantage in manufacturing isn't coming from overseas - it's coming from localized 3D Printing. Today, industrial additive manufacturing has evolved far beyond prototyping into a full-scale production strategy. From aerospace, medical, to robotics, and automotive, forward thinking companies are bypassing traditional manufacturing and the restrictions of tool costs and minimum order quantities, to bring end-use products to market faster. General Motors Case Study When General Motors engineers made a late design to the Chevrolet Tahoe, they needed a flexible "spoiler closeout seal" to fill a gap at the rear of the SUV. Traditional injection molding would have taken almost three months, delaying the delivery of 30,000 vehicles. Instead GM utilized HP MJF technology to print 60,000 flexible seals in a matter of weeks, completing the production run in less than half the time of traditional methods. https://www.3dnatives.com/en/am-general-motors-supply-chain-problems-170620224/ Stronger, Lighter, Faster: CGX Systems' 3D Printing Success Story CGX Systems, a medical innovation company specializing in dry EEG headsets, turned to HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printing to overcome the limitations of traditional manufacturing methods. After struggling with quality issues from ABS filament printing, slow turnaround from gravity casting, and the high cost of injection molding, CGX found MJF to be the ideal solution for low-volume, highly specialized production. The technology now powers 95% of their headset components, cutting labor hours in half — from 30 to 15 hours — while delivering lighter, stronger, biocompatible parts. With the freedom to rapidly iterate on designs without the cost of molds or tooling, CGX has been able to bring more sophisticated products to market faster than ever before .https://www.tempus3d.com/cgx-headset-article-mjf-technology Key Benefits of Industrial 3D Printing Accelerated time to market. Move from concept to production in days, not months. Additive manufacturing dramatically shortens lead times so you can launch faster and stay ahead. Mass customization and personalization. Easily produce custom parts and products without slowing down your workflow. From one-offs to small batches, customization is fast and cost effective. Single-step manufacturing. Intricate parts can be built in one step, including complex geometries and embedded parts like hinges and ball joints. Lowering the Barrier to Production. Additive Manufacturing is a cost efficient alternative to traditional manufacturing, especially for low-to mid-volume production runs, complex geometries or multi-part components.https://www.tempus3d.com/canadian-3d-printing Supply Chain Resilience. Avoid the delay and expense of importing parts from overseas or shipping long distances. Quality assurance. Tempus 3D has quality control processes and specialized equipment to ensure parts consistently meet specifications and certification standards. How Tempus 3D can help you meet your manufacturing goals Tempus 3D is an HP Certified industrial 3D printing company based in British Columbia, Canada, providing additive manufacturing solutions from rapid prototyping to production ready parts. We offer Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Stereolithography (SLA), and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to meet a wide range of production needs. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com or request an online quote to see how Tempus 3D can support your next project. Let's make it possible!

Showcasing the strengths and versatility of resin printing Tempus's Formlabs 3BL SLA printer 3D printing is a broad industry with many different methods and materials to choose from to meet your specified needs. For the month of May, we at Tempus 3D have decided it's time for SLA's (Stereolithography)turn in the spotlight. Strength, ductility, flexibility and high detail are just a few of the traits showcased across the variety of resins we employ. Where is it relevant SLA printing offers several general advantages over other common methods, namely high precision, water-tight capabilities and a smooth surface finish without post processing. These strengths can be further exemplified or added to through the wide variety of resins available on the market, with properties ranging from high-temperature resistance to rubber-like flexibility or even biocompatibility. Comparison of SLA prototype to final product (Source: Formlabs) Example of geometry difficult for FDM (Source: Formlabs) As the adoption of SLA becomes more widespread, its utility across a wide range of industries becomes clearer. SLA's ability to create parts with near-nominal dimensional accuracy is often cited as a useful aid in accelerating and informing the design process, allowing designers to get a better idea of weight and scale in end-stage prototypes. Some industries are using SLA for more than just prototyping. The ability to create complex geometry makes it one of only a few options currently available for manufacturers creating increasingly complex parts. Tips on designing for SLA SLA printing offers several advantages that allow designers to rethink how they design their products, but these advantages also come with requirements that must be considered to ensure your parts are printed as desired. A major factor to consider when printing hollow parts and cavities in resin is cupping. Blowout caused by cupping (Source: Formlabs) Cupping occurs when a hollow or convex portion of a part acts as a suction cup, trapping air during printing. If the walls of the part are too thin to resist the difference in air pressure, the part will buckle inward, in what is commonly referred to as "blowout". Cupping can usually be avoided with mindful part orientation, but it is necessary to place drainage holes in bodies with fully enclosed cavities. Some other print considerations include maintaining a minimum distance of 0.5 mm between parts, avoiding printing overhangs at angles below 10° and with overhang lengths above 5 mm. For a more detailed list of considerations, check out our SLA design guide. SLAs use in the biomedical field The biomedical industry has felt the impact of SLA printing more than most, from prosthetics and implants to accurate training models. SLA is changing the way we approach a plethora of medical challenges. With the rise of biocompatible resins, healthcare providers can rapidly create custom implants for temporary use in patients. High-accuracy resins enable health professionals to train on life-like models rather than cadavers, increasing the availability of training and the variety of trainable situations. A medical model from 3D Systems' anatomic model service (Source: all3dp.com) If you would like to know more general information about SLA or our Formlabs 3BL check out this blog Tempus 3D is an HP Certified industrial 3D printing company based in British Columbia, Canada, providing additive manufacturing solutions from rapid prototyping to production ready parts. We offer Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Stereolithography (SLA), and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to meet a wide range of production needs. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com or request an online quote to see how Tempus 3D can support your next project. Let's make it possible!

In a world where brand identity is everything, companies are constantly searching for new ways to stand out. Traditional promotional products still have their place, but they often come with limitations, minimum order quantities, long lead times, and limited customization. This is where 3D printing is changing the game. Low-Volume Runs Without the Headache One of the biggest advantages of 3D printing for branded merchandise is the ability to produce low-volume runs cost-effectively. Traditional manufacturing methods like injection molding require expensive tooling, making small batches impractical or overpriced. With 3D printing, whether you need 20 items or 200, production remains flexible and accessible. This opens the door for limited-edition merch, event-specific giveaways, or testing new ideas without committing to large inventories. We often use PLA, which provides consistent, predictable print performance along with excellent surface detail; making it ideal for rapid design iteration and dependable part reproduction. Perfect for branded merchandise. Speed from Concept to Creation Time matters. Especially when you're working around events, campaigns, or seasonal promotions. 3D printing dramatically shortens the timeline from idea to finished product. With 3D printing, designs can be created, adjusted, and printed in just days. This is a significant improvement over traditional methods that take weeks. Using FDM, one of the most widely used 3D printing technologies, we're able to quickly produce durable, high quality parts with excellent detail. This rapid turnaround allows brands to stay agile. Need a last-minute promotional item or want to iterate on a design quickly? 3D printing makes it possible without sacrificing quality Real-World Examples 3D printing enables a level of customization that traditional manufacturing struggles to match. From intricate logos to unique shapes and individualized details, the possibilities are nearly endless. Instead of generic swag, brands can create pieces that feel thoughtful and memorable. This leads to stronger engagement and more lasting impressions. We've seen firsthand how impactful this can be. One example that really captured this potential was our collaboration with Wastelogic. We 3D printed miniature dumpsters that reflected their brand in a playful, highly tangible way. By leaning into creativity and precision, we helped transform an everyday service into a distinctive, shareable experience that stood out far beyond traditional promotional items. We also produced our own branded Christmas ornament, showcasing how 3D printing can bring seasonal campaigns to life. With full control over design and production, we were able to create something unique, festive, and completely on-brand. We also created our own custom 3D printed signage. It completely replaced our old paper printed signs in plastic sleeves, which looked dated. The new 3D printed signs brought more of a polished feel; adding a modern edge that traditional make shift signage simply can't match. You can see how we did that here: The Future of Branded Merch 3D printing isn't just a passing trend, it's revolutionizing how branded merchandise is created. It empowers businesses to be more creative, responsive, and efficient. Whether you're experimenting with new ideas, producing limited runs, or creating highly customized pieces, 3D printing offers a smarter way forward. For brands looking to stand out in a crowded market, that flexibility can make all the difference. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Tempus 3D is an HP Certified industrial 3D printing company based in British Columbia, Canada, providing additive manufacturing solutions from rapid prototyping to production ready parts. We offer Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Stereolithography (SLA), and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to meet a wide range of production needs. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com or request an online quote to see how Tempus 3D can support your next project. Let's make it possible!

Board games are all about creativity, immersion, and bringing people together. We've been helping gamers rethink what's possible with 3D printing. From custom upgrades to practical fixes you didn't know you needed. When Travel Meets Games 3D printed 'Abacus dice game' One of our recent projects came from a client who travels frequently, and always brings a game along. But there was a recurring problem: The game included metal rods, which meant every trip through airport security turned into a delay. We redesigned those components using PLA, a lightweight and durable 3D printing material. By replacing the metal parts, we kept the gameplay exactly the same, just without the hassle. Custom Pieces, Endless Possibilities We've also worked with players to create custom figurines for tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, and we are in the process of printing custom Catan pieces; everything from upgraded settlements to more detailed components that make the board feel more alive. Whether it's a unique character or a familiar game getting a visual upgrade, 3D printing lets you bring a lot more personality to the table. 3D printed Catan pieces on the board That same idea carries over into smaller projects too, With Knuckle Bones, for example, we printed trays to give the game a proper layout. It's a simple addition, but it keeps everything organized and makes the whole experience feel more put together. Especially once the game picks up. 3D printed 'Knuckle Bones' game. Replacing Missing Pieces Every board game owner knows the feeling: you open the box, and something is missing. A token disappears. A piece gets damaged. A game you love becomes harder, or impossible to play. Instead of shelving it, we can recreate those parts. With 3D printing, we can match or redesign missing components so your game is playable again. 3d printed 'Trouble' game pieces 3D printed 'Monopoly' houses and hotels Why 3D Printing Works for Board Games 3D printing gives you flexibility that traditional manufacturing just can't offer. Rapid customization Easy replacement of rare or discontinued parts Lightweight, travel friendly materials like PLA The ability to prototype or upgrade existing games From small fixes to fully custom creations, it's all about making your games work better for you. Whether you're a traveller, a tabletop RPG fan, or someone with a box of incomplete games, 3D printing opens up new possibilities. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Tempus 3D is an HP Certified industrial 3D printing company based in British Columbia, Canada, providing additive manufacturing solutions from rapid prototyping to production ready parts. We offer Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Stereolithography (SLA), and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to meet a wide range of production needs. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com or request an online quote to see how Tempus 3D can support your next project. Let's make it possible!

If you've ever wished for a faster, easier, or smarter way to get something done at work, you've already been thinking in the spirit of Kaizen. What is Kaizen anyway? Kaizen is a Japanese philosophy that simply means "continuous improvement." But don't let the simplicity fool you; it's powerful. Instead of waiting for massive overhauls or expensive upgrades, Kaizen focuses on making small, consistent changes that add up to big results over time. Think: Fixing a minor annoyance in your workflow Shaving seconds off a repetitive task Making tools easier or safer to use Individually, these might seem small. Together, they transform how work gets done. And that's where 3D printing comes in. Why 3D Printing + Kaizen = Magic 3D printing lets us take ideas from "this is annoying" to "problem solved." No long lead times, no expensive tooling, just quick iteration and real-world testing. It's basically Kaizen's best friend. Got a problem? Design a fix Need a tweak? Reprint and improve Want to experiment? Go for it Here are a few of our Kaizen-inspired 3D print wins: Organization That Makes Sense nitrile glove box holder dry eraser marker/eraser holder Kanban card holders If you've ever wasted time looking for something, you know how quickly disorganization adds up. We ran into a situation where off-the-shelf options just didn't quite work. So, we created custom holders tailored exactly to our workspace. Result: Everything has a home Faster access to 'tools' Cleaner, more efficient workstations. They are small changes, but it makes a big difference every day. We chose to use FDM for these prints, as it is widely used for producing functional prototypes, tooling, and durable parts across a broad range of applications. Custom Tool Holders That Actually Fit the Job Cerakote gun holder Utility cart tool holder (in progress) One of those familiar frustrations popped up again. We had a standard tool but couldn’t find a holder that actually fit. So, we did what we usually do: designed and printed a custom one that works perfectly. We also have a utility cart for other tools, but everything kept shifting around. So we came up with a simple custom fix for that as well. It’s still a work in progress, but hey, small steps. We used PLA material for these holders. Custom signage for the workplace old signage new signage signage to sort out material type This has to be our favourite out of our Kaizen improvements. Gone are the days of using paper in plastic sleeves being taped to doors and other areas. We decided to 3D print them instead. This gave a more professional, cleaner look to the workplace. We also printed some for our recycling bins to sort out the material types. You can watch how we did the signage here: How to design and 3D print signs What we learned along the way A few takeaways from our 3D printing Kaizen journey: Start small; The best ideas often come from everyday annoyances Iterate quickly; Your first design doesn't have to be perfect Involve the team; The best insights come from the people doing the work Save time where it matters; Seconds saved per task = hours saved over time Final thoughts Kaizen isn't about giant leaps; it's about steady progress. And 3D printing gives us the tools to make those improvements happen right now, not months from now. Every small fix adds up. Every idea counts. And sometimes, the simplest printed part can have the biggest impact, and be the biggest win. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Tempus 3D is an HP Certified industrial 3D printing company based in British Columbia, Canada, providing additive manufacturing solutions from rapid prototyping to production ready parts. We offer Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Stereolithography (SLA), and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to meet a wide range of production needs. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com or request an online quote to see how Tempus 3D can support your next project. Let's make it possible!

At its core, 3D printing is about possibility. It allows artists to push creative boundaries and communities to preserve architectural history. We’ve had the privilege of working on three projects that highlight how additive manufacturing supports both artistic expression and architectural storytelling. Here’s a closer look at how 3D printing is shaping arts and architecture in meaningful ways: From Wax Sculpture to Precision Print: Empowering Artistic Vision When local artist Daniel Kloc approached us with his hand sculpted wax models of top and bottom jaws, the goal was clear: preserve every detail while transforming the fragile originals into something more durable and scalable. We partnered with Selkirk Technology Access Center to scan and scale down the teeth with CAD. For printing, we selected Rigid 10K resin, which produced a high strength, high detail print that captured the texture and intricacy of the original wax forms. The material’s stiffness and dimensional stability made it ideal for supporting the artist’s next phase; a larger project we’re excited to see come to life. This collaboration demonstrates how 3D printing can serve as a bridge between traditional sculpting methods and modern fabrication. Artists maintain their hands-on creative process, while digital manufacturing ensures precision, durability, and repeatability. Preserving History: The Rossland Drill Hall Model Architecture tells the story of a community. In Rossland BC, that story includes the historic Rossland Drill Hall. Originally built as a military training facility during the gold rush era, the building later evolved to serve many different purposes; including hosting groups such as the Rocky Mountain Rangers, and even stepping in as a temporary school after local school fires. The Rossland Arts Centre Society, who intend to restore the building, reached out to see if we could create a detailed, 1:100 scale, 3D printed, pull apart model of the Drill Hall, in order to help share its story and be used as an educational tool. We chose to use MJF Nylon PA-12S, for its strength, fine feature resolution, and clean finish; perfect for showcasing architectural details in a durable display piece. By translating architectural history into a physical model, 3D printing makes heritage preservation more accessible and engaging. . Honouring Human Rights Through Sculpture Art also plays a powerful role in commemorating history. A volunteer organization who are dedicated in fostering education about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, sponsored the construction of a statue honouring John Peters Humphrey. Humphrey who authored the first draft of the Declaration under the leadership of Eleanor Roosevelt, is depicted in the statue as both a man and a boy. The statue stands in Hampton, where he was born and now buried. So when Neil Brodie, one of the organizations volunteers, reached out to see if we could do a 3D print of the statue, we were excited to see the possibilities. We ultimately ended up choosing to print the statue in Clear V4.1 resin, allowing for exceptional detail and surface quality. After printing, Neil sourced a local to Hampton artist, who carefully hand-painted the piece, bringing depth and character to the final model. This project beautifully illustrates how modern fabrication and traditional artistry can work together, combining digital precision with human craftsmanship to honour legacy and inspire future generations. Building the Future of Arts and Architecture From sculptural art to architectural preservation and public monuments, these projects highlight the versatility of 3D printing across disciplines. Whether supporting an individual artist’s vision, helping a community protect its architectural heritage, or contributing to a monument with global historical significance, 3D printing is more than a manufacturing tool, it’s a creative partner. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the ways we shape the world around us. Layer by layer. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Tempus 3D is an HP Certified industrial 3D printing company based in British Columbia, Canada, providing additive manufacturing solutions from rapid prototyping to production ready parts. We offer Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Stereolithography (SLA), and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to meet a wide range of production needs. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com or request an online quote to see how Tempus 3D can support your next project. Let's make it possible!

At Tempus 3D, we continually expand our material portfolio. Our goal is to help clients move from concept to production with confidence. We are pleased to announce that we now offer Tough 2000 Resin V1. This high-performance SLA material is engineered for strong, stiff, and durable functional parts. Why Tough 2000 Resin V1? Tough 2000 Resin V1 simulates the strength and stiffness of ABS plastic. This makes it ideal for applications that demand: High rigidity Minimal deflection under load Long-term functional performance Structural integrity in demanding environments Key Mechanical Properties Tensile Modulus: 2,100 MPa Ultimate Tensile Strength: 46 MPa Thermal Expansion: 91 μm/m/°C These characteristics make Tough 2000 one of the most robust SLA materials available for engineering-grade applications. Ideal Use Cases Functional Prototypes When you need prototypes that behave like final production parts, Tough 2000 provides the structural performance required for real-world testing. Jigs & Fixtures Its stiffness and dimensional stability make it perfect for manufacturing aids where minimal flex is critical. Housings & Structural Components Use it for enclosures, brackets, and load-bearing parts that must maintain shape and strength over time. Low-Volume End-Use Parts Where traditional tooling may not be economical, Tough 2000 enables short-run production with engineering-grade performance. Why This Matters for Our Clients At Tempus 3D, we focus on industrial-grade additive manufacturing. Adding Tough 2000 Resin V1 allows us to: Deliver stronger, more reliable parts Expand into higher-performance engineering applications Support clients in manufacturing, automotive, product design, and industrial tooling Reduce iteration time while increasing real-world testing confidence For companies developing hardware, machinery components, or advanced product prototypes, this material bridges the gap between concept and production-ready performance. Let’s Build Something Stronger If your project requires: Structural strength Dimensional stability Functional performance testing Industrial-grade SLA precision Tough 2000 Resin V1 may be the right solution. Tough 2000 V1 Technical Data Sheet Formlabs blog Conclusion In conclusion, Tough 2000 Resin V1 represents a significant advancement in our materials portfolio. It empowers innovators and manufacturers to create functional prototypes and end-use parts with confidence. As we continue to enhance our offerings, we remain committed to supporting your journey from concept to production. With Tough 2000, you can expect high performance and reliability in your projects. This material is designed to meet the demands of today's engineering challenges. We look forward to partnering with you on your next project. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Tempus 3D is an HP Certified industrial 3D printing company based in British Columbia, Canada, providing additive manufacturing solutions from rapid prototyping to production ready parts. We offer Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Stereolithography (SLA), and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to meet a wide range of production needs. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com or request an online quote to see how Tempus 3D can support your next project. Let's make it possible!

I wanted to show off some of the signage we have been doing with our FDM printer. I detail my process step by step, from Canva to Makerlab to Bambu Studio The makerlab tool that makes the magic happen can be found here https://makerworld.com/en/makerlab/imageToKeychain?from=makerlab __________________________________________________________________________________________ Tempus 3D is an HP Certified industrial 3D printing company based in British Columbia, Canada, providing additive manufacturing solutions from rapid prototyping to production ready parts. We offer Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Stereolithography (SLA), and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to meet a wide range of production needs. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com or request an online quote to see how Tempus 3D can support your next project. Let's make it possible!

In this episode, I'm at the Selkirk Technology Access Center joined by Kailey Allan, who in an Instructor with a background in engineering and industrial design, we are going to be discussing Sustainability in Manufacturing and Design. You can find her here https://www.instagram.com/wedge.workshop/ https://www.instagram.com/selkirkcollegedfab/ https://www.instagram.com/selkirkinnovates/ __________________________________________________________________________________________ Tempus 3D is an HP Certified industrial 3D printing company based in British Columbia, Canada, providing additive manufacturing solutions from rapid prototyping to production ready parts. We offer Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Stereolithography (SLA), and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to meet a wide range of production needs. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com or request an online quote to see how Tempus 3D can support your next project. Let's make it possible!

HP put industrial 3D printing to the test by lifting a 1995 Avalon with a 3D printed chain link produced using HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology. The chain was printed in under an hour and weighs just 0.25 pounds. Check out this video to see how it performed. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Tempus 3D is an HP Certified industrial 3D printing company based in British Columbia, Canada, providing additive manufacturing solutions from rapid prototyping to production ready parts. We offer Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Stereolithography (SLA), and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to meet a wide range of production needs. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com or request an online quote to see how Tempus 3D can support your next project. Let's make it possible!

Robotics and automation systems are becoming increasingly complex—yet the market demand is trending in the opposite direction: lighter, more modular, more reliable machines with drastically shorter development cycles. To meet these pressures, engineering teams are turning toward digital manufacturing workflows, especially industrial 3D printing, to rethink how robotic components are designed and built. One of the most powerful tools unlocked by additive manufacturing is part consolidation. This design strategy—reducing multi-component assemblies into fewer, multifunctional parts—transforms traditional robotics engineering by enabling faster iteration, reduced supply chain dependencies, and more robust machines suited for demanding industrial environments. This article explores how part consolidation benefits robotics design, how it supports module-based engineering and reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMS), and how Tempus 3D helps robotics companies accelerate development using HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology Why Part Consolidation Matters in Robotics Robots and automated machinery rely on high-performance subsystems such as: Actuation housings Cable-routing channels Sensor mounts End-effectors and grippers Brackets and structural supports Gearbox and motor interfaces Pneumatic and vacuum pathways Traditionally, these assemblies may require machined aluminum, multiple brackets, fasteners, weldments, and purchased components, each introducing cost, lead time, tolerance stack-up, and potential failure points. Part consolidation solves these pain points by: 1. Eliminating multi-component assemblies 3D printing allows engineers to merge several components into a single part, reducing: Assembly time Fastener count Alignment issues Maintenance complexity 2. Reducing weight while improving stiffness Light weighting is critical for robotic arms, drones, and mobile platforms. HP MJF materials like Nylon PA12 offer high strength-to-weight ratios, enabling rigid parts without excess mass. 3. Improving reliability Fewer joints and interfaces mean fewer risks of: Loosening during vibration Sensor drift Moisture ingress Cable wear 4. Enabling more compact, integrated mechanisms 3D printing allows internal channels, snap fits, lattice structures, and complex geometry that are impossible or expensive with CNC or injection molding. 5. Accelerating design cycles Robotics companies iterate constantly. Additive manufacturing enables: Functional prototypes within days Rapid design-of-experiment (DOE) cycles Immediate implementation of improvements Module-Based Design for Robotics and Automation Modern robotics manufacturers are shifting toward module-based machine architectures—standardized building blocks that can be combined or reconfigured for different tasks. Examples include: Swappable gripper modules Reconfigurable end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) Sensor or vision-system pods Universal actuator or drive modules Interchangeable robotic “stations” for automation cells These platforms demand fast customization, short tooling lead times, and cost-effective low-volume production—areas where conventional manufacturing is slow and expensive. Additive manufacturing directly supports module-based robotics by enabling: Fast customization of module interfaces 3D printing allows quick adjustments to mounting geometry, connectors, airflow channels, or wiring pathways. Cost-effective small-batch production Modules that sell in batches of 10, 25, or 100 are expensive to injection-mold but perfect for MJF. Easy scaling and versioning Robotics companies often need: V1.0 for internal validation V1.1 for pilot deployments V2.0 for customer releaseAdditive manufacturing removes tooling constraints—each version can be updated instantly. Integrated functionality Modules can integrate: Cable routing Sensor pockets Cooling channels Structural ribs Embedded fastener seats All in one print job. Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems (RMS): A Perfect Fit for 3D Printing Reconfigurable manufacturing systems require machinery that can be quickly changed, scaled, or adapted to new products or throughput requirements. Robotics is central to RMS—and 3D printing is what makes reconfigurability practical. 3D printing enables RMS principles by: 1. Making machine adaptations faster and cheaper Need a new bracket, sensor mount, or robot-cell fixture? It can be designed in the morning and printed by evening. 2. Supporting tooling that evolves with the product As workpieces change, 3D-printed tooling can evolve instantly. 3. Allowing custom geometry for edge-case scenarios Custom nests, fixtures, EOAT, and alignment features can be made for one-off or short-run applications. 4. Unlocking distributed, on-demand manufacturing Tempus 3D’s digital manufacturing platform allows robotics companies to print locally in Canada or ship across North America with consistent quality.HP - Optimized Drill Extraction Shoe Case Study 1: HP – Optimized Drill Extraction Shoe Example of complex internal geometry & load-bearing consolidation HP engineers re-designed a drill extraction shoe that originally required multiple machined parts. By consolidating the components into a single 3D-printed PA12 structure, they achieved: Lower weight for reduced operator fatigue Improved chip evacuation through internal channels Higher durability and reliability Fewer failure modes due to reduced assembly points Relevance to robotics: The same principles apply when creating robotic EOAT, end-effector substructures, or integrated cooling and pneumatic housings. Case Study 2: Aerosport – Redesigning a Rudder Trim System Example of improved performance through geometric freedom Aerosport leveraged industrial 3D printing to redesign a rudder trim system, taking advantage of: Integrated mounting features Lightweight structures Reduced part count Improved aerodynamic flow Relevance to robotics: Similar redesign strategies are common when developing lightweight robotic joints, drone components, or modular automation hardware requiring precise alignment and integrated functionality. How Tempus 3D Supports Robotics Manufacturers Tempus 3D works directly with robotics and automation companies across Canada and the U.S. to deliver: ✔ Fast, iterative prototyping Turnaround in as little as 3-5 days. ✔ Canadian, IP-protected manufacturing Keep your intellectual property safe while benefiting from fast lead times, consistent quality, and Canadian-based manufacturing you can trust. ✔ Design-for-additive (DfAM) guidance We help engineers identify consolidation opportunities, reduce weight, and improve manufacturability. ✔ Low-volume and bridge production Perfect for modular machinery and RMS solutions. ✔ Digital inventory & on-demand manufacturing Scale as needed—no tooling, no storage, no obsolescence. Conclusion Part consolidation through additive manufacturing offers robotics companies a powerful way to reduce complexity, improve performance, and accelerate development. When combined with module-based design and reconfigurable manufacturing principles, the impact becomes transformative—faster iterations, more adaptable machinery, and more competitive automation systems. Tempus 3D provides the tools, expertise, and production capacity to help robotics manufacturers bring these advantages to life. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Tempus 3D is an HP Certified industrial 3D printing company based in British Columbia, Canada, providing additive manufacturing solutions from rapid prototyping to production ready parts. We offer Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Stereolithography (SLA), and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to meet a wide range of production needs. Have a project in mind? Contact us at info@tempus3d.com or request an online quote to see how Tempus 3D can support your next project. Let's make it possible!