Haddy opens LFAM microfactory in Florida for localized, agile composite parts production
CEAD helped Haddy inaugurate the AI-powered microfactory complete with eight Flexbot robotic systems for end-to-end 3D printing and 16-times production capacity.
Haddy microfactory. Source | CEAD, Haddy
(St. Petersburg, Fla., U.S.), a sustainable design and manufacturing company, has officially opened a new large-format 3D printing microfactory in Florida. The facility was realized in close collaboration with Netherlands-based large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) solutions provider CEAD (Delft), which provided and installed the LFAM technology powering the microfactory.
Driven by eight Flexbot robotic 3D printing systems with integrated CNC postprocessing capabilities, Haddy’s facility is meant to be “one of the largest and most powerful 3D printing facilities of its kind globally” according to CEAD. The company’s Flexbot, for example, is designed for fully automated, end-to-end manufacturing of large composite parts and within this microfactory, it represents a leap forward in localized, digital production of short fiber-reinforced thermoplastic components and structures.
“For CEAD, this marks a significant milestone in enabling customers with localized, fully integrated manufacturing,” says Lucas Janssen, CEO and co-founder of CEAD. “This microfactory is a testament to what CEAD and our team can achieve, delivering advanced technology at scale, but it’s also a showcase of what’s possible when visionary companies like Haddy embrace this technology to drive local production and real-word impact.”
Haddy’s investment in CEAD’s modular and flexible technology underscores a growing demand in the U.S. for localized and more agile production. Starting with just two Flexbot systems in 2022, the company has since scaled to eight Flexbot systems. Powered by AI, the factory now has 16 times the production capacity of its nearest 3D printing competitor. Initially focused on furniture, the technology allows the company to expand into other high-impact sectors, producing high-performance components for industries including construction, disaster recovery and beyond.
That Haddy is deeply rooted in its local community, was evident during the inauguration of the facility. The event was a warm embrace toward members of the local community, with the event attended by key municipal representatives and team members of CEAD, including those who completed the final stages of the project.
“Seeing the products Haddy has already been producing over the past two years, and meeting some of the customers who now rely on them, was rewarding.” Janssen adds. “Tt was great to have our own team members on-site to celebrate this achievement together. We also had the opportunity to connect with several industry partners for engaging discussions, especially around extending this technology to maritime applications.”
This microfactory concept aligns with CEAD’s broader vision: enabling manufacturers worldwide to automate the production of large, complex parts locally, efficiently and with minimal environmental impact.
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