Established in 1906 and headquartered in Italy, Panelli Srl is a leading manufacturer of submersible pumps and motors. Thanks to recent investments in industrial automation and the extensive use of robotised assembly, Panelli can offer various products with high hydraulic characteristics.

Historically, the company used a traditional industrial 3D printer for prototyping, but due to high material costs, they added the Ultimaker Method XL 3D printer, which proved to be a cost-effective and high-quality alternative.

Challenges Faced by Panelli: The company needed to prototype and test large parts that could withstand high impacts. They were using a simple industrial 3D printer and required an additional printer to support growing design and production needs.

Solution with Method XL: After consulting with Manufat, a local reseller with expertise in 3D printing solutions, Panelli added Method XL, Ultimaker’s latest professional 3D printer. This printer offered industrial-grade features at a lower cost and required less maintenance.

Benefits of Method XL: The printer’s heated chamber and build plate reduce warping risks and improve layer adhesion. It has a large build volume and can print in ABS and carbon fibre, allowing for the creation of large, strong parts with minimal downtime.

Prototyping with Method XL: Panelli uses Method XL to print functional prototypes of diffusers and large centrifugal impellers in ABS Carbon Fiber, a composite material known for its high impact resistance. They also use ABS-R for rapid prototyping of complex geometries, along with RapidRinse, Ultimaker’s support material that dissolves in water, enhancing operational sustainability and design scope.

Results: The integration of Method XL has streamlined the workflow and resulted in time and cost savings. The team uses both the Method XL and their older industrial 3D printer simultaneously to maintain high efficiency.