High-Quality 3D-Printed Components reduce time to market for Danish Welding Automation startup.
WeldingDroid, a Danish startup founded in 2019, is transforming welding automation with user-friendly, modular welding systems. Supported by investors Jesper Buch and Jakob Riisgaard, the company debuted on Denmark’s TV program Løvens Hule (Dragons’ Den) in 2020, attracting attention for its innovative approach to welding pipes, vessels, and cylindrical objects — without requiring programming skills.
To bring their solutions to market faster, WeldingDroid challenged traditional metalworking by exploring 3D-printed alternatives to steel components. They partnered with Prototal, experts in Industrial 3D Printing, to produce complex, functional, and visually refined parts with fast turnaround times.
The Challenge: Steel Components Slowing Production
A critical component of WeldingDroid’s system is the slider, which moves vertically to adjust the height of the welding workpiece.
- Manufactured in steel, the slider required 4–6 hours per unit, creating a bottleneck in production
- Steel components added weight, electrical conductivity risks, and higher costs
- WeldingDroid needed a solution that reduced development time, maintained precision, and improved safety
The question: Could a 3D-printed solution replace steel while improving functionality and accelerating production?
Key Benefits of 3D Printing Collaboration
1. Faster Time to Market
3D printing reduced development cycles and allowed rapid production of 8–10 units in just a few days, enabling WeldingDroid to scale faster and gain a competitive advantage.
2. Improved Safety and Functionality
Replacing steel with 3D-printed components reduced electrical conductivity risks while increasing design flexibility and durability.
3. Cost-Efficient, Scalable Production
Complex geometries and tight tolerances were achieved without expensive tooling or traditional metalworking delays, making the solution scalable for serial production.
Impact and Future Outlook
The success of the 3D-printed slider demonstrates the potential of Industrial 3D Printing in welding automation:
- Reduced production costs and lead times
- Enhanced component performance and safety
- Ability to rapidly iterate and customize components
“3D printing pushes the boundaries of what steel can do. The quality, finish, and speed are unmatched, and we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg. We will continue developing more 3D-printed components for our welding solutions.”
– Kevin Christensen, WeldingDroid
Prototal: Partnering for Innovation
Prototal provides Industrial 3D Printing expertise, rapid prototyping, and high-precision serial production for startups and established companies alike. By combining advanced additive manufacturing technologies with engineering knowledge, we help clients:
- Replace traditional metal components with lighter, stronger, and safer alternatives
- Accelerate development from prototype to production
- Maintain tight tolerances, complex geometry, and functional design.
