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STUDY
Discover how IADYS uses Sculpteo’s 3D printing services to accelerate the development and production of autonomous robots that help keep waterways clean.
CUSTOMER'S GOAL:
IADYS needed a manufacturing solution capable of delivering highly accurate parts while supporting the production of small series in a cost-effective and flexible way. In addition to dimensional precision, the components had to withstand prolonged exposure to hydrocarbons and operate reliably while immersed in water, including potentially salty or marine environments, making material performance a critical requirement. The objective was to combine reliability, durability, and rapid production to support the development and deployment of their robotic systems.
CHALLENGES
Using a material suitable for prolonged exposure to water
Using a material that would resist contact with hydrocarbons
Using a manufacturing technology capable of producing small series of parts in a cost-effective manner.
MAIN INFORMATION:
Company
IADYS
Technology
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
Industry
Robotics
Finishing Options
Dyeing
Product
Threaded net standoff
Material
PA12 S
About the company:
IADYS is a French robotics company specializing in autonomous solutions for environmental monitoring and water surface cleaning. Its flagship robots are designed to collect floating waste and hydrocarbons in ports, marinas, industrial sites, and other aquatic environments, helping organizations improve water quality while reducing the need for manual intervention.
Overview of the project
About the project
IADYS relies on additive manufacturing for several functional components of its robots, including threaded net standoffs used to secure and guide the collection net at the rear of the chassis. 3D printing provides fast access to production-ready parts while avoiding the tooling costs associated with traditional manufacturing methods. It also enables the use of durable engineering materials that can withstand prolonged immersion in water, including marine environments, as well as exposure to hydrocarbons. Combined with competitive pricing for small to medium production runs, additive manufacturing offers IADYS the flexibility and performance required to efficiently deploy and maintain its robotic systems.
Concept Presentation:
These threaded net standoffs are key components of IADYS’ patented collection system. When the robot operates in “net mode”, they provide secure attachment points for the collection net while also acting as guiding elements during the insertion of the collection chassis into the rail system mounted on the robot. By combining fastening and guidance functions into a single component, the design simplifies assembly, improves operational reliability, and contributes to the efficiency of the waste collection process.
Material focus
PA12 S (polyamide 12 S) was selected for this application due to its excellent balance of mechanical performance, chemical resistance, and cost-efficiency in additive manufacturing. Its strong resistance to hydrocarbons and other aggressive substances makes it particularly suitable for use in marine and industrial environments where exposure to oils and fuels is frequent.
In addition, PA12 S offers low and stable water absorption compared to other polyamides, ensuring dimensional stability even under prolonged immersion in water. (For more information on waterproof content, check out our waterproof test & recommendation page). Combined with its affordability for small to medium production runs and its high level of accuracy and precision in 3D printing processes, PA12 S provides an ideal material solution for producing reliable functional components such as threaded net standoffs used in Iadys’ robotic systems.
Beyond the Project
Beyond the project itself, IADYS is driven by a long-term mission to deploy autonomous robotic systems that address environmental challenges at scale. Each iteration contributes to building more reliable, efficient, and field-ready solutions with tangible real-world impact.
As a result, at Sculpteo, we are proud to contribute to the development and production of these systems, supporting IADYS in turning its mission-driven innovations into reliable, real-world solutions deployed at scale.
Iadys Oil skimmer with attached collection net
What they say about us
Nicolas Carlési
CEO and Founder of IADYS
Working with Sculpteo has been a real asset for series production: consistent quality, scalable tooling, and a smooth, reliable manufacturing workflow.
They trust us
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