The challenge: Overcoming the limitations of 3D printing
DHR Engineering , a pioneering CNC automation company based in Bulgaria, is at a crossroads. Their mission to automate CNC factories across the US, producing precision metal parts for leading companies in the aerospace and aviation industries, demanded perfection. 3D printing has played a key role in their operations, enabling the creation of custom alignment tools, templates and fixtures necessary for their automated systems.
CEO Dimitar Hristakiev explains:
"90% of the items we print are alignment tools for the various types of parts we move: base pieces, tools, vises, cutting inserts, etc. These parts are critical for precise positioning and orientation in our robotic systems."
However, their existing 3D printing setup was becoming a bottleneck:
- Unreliable printers caused frequent failures
- The slow printing process hampered research and development
- Limited capacity for large production runs
- Too much time was spent on printer maintenance
These challenges were not just inconveniences, but directly impacted DHR Engineering's ability to innovate and meet client demands. "Our designers were wasting valuable time waiting for parts," recalls Dimitar, "which delayed projects and caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses."
Solution: Bambu Lab X1C - A Game Changer in 3D Printing for CNC Automation
After trying out different 3D printers, DHR Engineering discovered the Bambu Lab X1C at one of its clients' US factories. What followed was a true revolution.
Dimitar recalls:
"We couldn't believe our eyes. The X1C printer was extremely fast, the parts were the best quality we've ever seen in an FFF printer, and it didn't fail once in two weeks of use."
Intrigued by its potential, DHR Engineering decided to test the X1C. They integrated the two units into their robotic serving cell, and the results were astounding.
Results: Transformation of CNC automation with high-performance 3D printing
The introduction of the Bambu Lab X1C printer into DHR Engineering's workflow has led to a number of impressive improvements:
Productivity explosion:
- 3 times more parts produced per printer
- 5 times less maintenance
- Return on Investment (ROI) achieved in just 5 months
Unlocking potential for research and development:
- Faster prototyping
- Ability to realize large projects (over 100 kg of material)
Improved product portfolio:
- Significantly shortened delivery times
- Competitive prices of end products
- Expansion on press with TPU materials (up to 100 kg per month)
Increased creativity:
- Maintenance time reduced from half the working week to just 1/10 of working time, freeing up staff to innovate
Seamless integration:
- The Bambu Studio command line fits perfectly into automated processes
Dimitar points out:
"Bambu Lab has completely transformed our business. Our automated 3D printer farm was finally able to show its full potential."
Looking ahead: Reaching new heights in CNC automation with 3D printing
Encouraged by the success with Bambu Lab printers, DHR Engineering sets ambitious goals for the future:
- Expansion of the automated 3D printer farm to 200 units
- Implementation of similar settings in the US to better serve international clients
- They are eagerly awaiting the latest model of a larger printer from Bambu Lab
The Bambu Lab difference: Revolutionizing manufacturing with advanced 3D printing
For DHR Engineering, the X1C wasn't just a printer; was a catalyst for innovation. Dimitar's enthusiasm is palpable:
"You made my dream of automated 3D printing come true and made it possible for us to reach the potential I saw in it. I can't thank you enough."
This success story illustrates Bambu Lab's mission: to democratize manufacturing through affordable, high-performance 3D printing solutions.
By providing reliable, fast and simple printers, Bambu Lab has enabled DHR Engineering to push the boundaries of what is possible in CNC automation and 3D printing at scale.
As we continue to innovate and grow, stories like the one from DHR Engineering fuel our passion. We look forward to seeing how our community of makers, designers and innovators continues to shape a better, more creative world - one print at a time.
Ready to unleash your potential? Join the Bambu Lab revolution and let's create the future together.