Case Study: Genesis Systems Group achieves 85% faster lead times and 91% lighter end-of-arm tools with Proto3000 FDM 3D Printing

FDM End-of-Arm Tools Delivering Quick, Cost-Effective Results

Genesis Systems Group, a Davenport, Iowa–based maker of robotic automation for trimming composite parts, struggled with long lead times, high cost and heavy, unsafe CNC-machined end-of-arm tools (EOATs) for its waterjet trimming process. To address this, Genesis evaluated and adopted Proto3000’s FDM 3D printing solution to produce EOAT grippers faster and with designs better suited to the waterjet environment.

Using Proto3000’s FDM technology, Genesis redesigned EOATs with integrated internal pneumatic channels for vacuum hold and produced rugged, lightweight grippers in 3 days versus 20 days, cutting lead time by 17 days (85%) and weight from 35 lbs to 3 lbs (91% / 14.5 kg saved). The Proto3000 FDM parts eliminated external pneumatic lines, reduced risk in the waterjet cell, enabled use of smaller robots, and delivered clear cost and production-efficiency gains.

Genesis Systems Group

Doug Huston

Technical Advisor