Case Study: Farason Corporation achieves faster, lighter EOAT changeovers with Markforged 3D printing

Farason Corporation cuts EOAT costs to 25% with Markforged

Farason Corporation, a custom automation and robotics systems provider, faced a challenge with a robotic packaging application for heavy shampoo bottles. Conventional off-the-shelf and custom-milled Delrin parts for the end-of-arm tooling were too heavy, preventing the robot from achieving its target cycle rate and move distances. These parts were also costly, had long lead times, and did not scale well for changes. To overcome this, Farason turned to vendor Markforged and its industrial 3D printing technology.

Using a Markforged X7 printer with Onyx and continuous carbon fiber, Farason created a custom quick change mount plate and receiver plate system. The Markforged solution reduced the part's size and weight, incorporated other machine components, and enabled toolless changeovers. This resulted in an 80 pieces-per-minute cycling rate and long moves over 26 inches. Farason reported that the Markforged solution cost only 25% of their conventional CNC milling approach, while also reducing part count and inventory costs.

Farason Corporation