Interview with Eckhart Additive Manufacturing Engineer Robert Heath: 3D Printing, Automation & Industry 4.0

In the age of Industry 4.0, manufacturers prioritize efficiency and innovation. 3D printing, coupled with robotics and automation, is a powerful enabler of both.

About Eckhart

Eckhart is a U.S.-based leader in industrial automation, specializing in lift assists, secure tools, and autonomous guided vehicles. With a focus on collaborative robots and additive manufacturing (AM), we help companies automate repetitive tasks and empower operators on the assembly line. Our portfolio spans automotive, heavy industry, and agriculture—including partners like John Deere and Caterpillar.

Customer Challenges

Clients often face ergonomic or cycle‑time constraints. We specialize in designing lightweight, ergonomic hand tools—particularly for automotive lug‑nut applications—using 3D printing to reduce operator strain and improve safety.

Why Bring 3D Printing In-House?

In 2017 we purchased our own printers, shifting from outsourced production to an in‑house model. This move lowered costs, enhanced quality control, and enabled rapid prototyping of custom, one‑off parts—critical for a company that never sells off‑the‑shelf components.

Automation Solutions in Action

For automotive clients, a 60‑jobs‑per‑hour workflow demands quick, repeatable tooling. Our 3D‑printed lug‑nut starter tool lets operators load all nuts at once, eliminating the need to twist each one individually—saving time and reducing repetitive‑strain injuries. In metal injection‑molded parts, we deployed collaborative robots to remove hot parts without operator contact, improving safety and part quality while increasing cycle time.

How We Work With Customers

We host workshops where our engineers meet designers, manufacturing engineers, and operators to identify pain points. Together we map additive opportunities and craft a tailored implementation strategy.

Success Stories

After designing and testing a lug‑nut starter tool, we demonstrated its benefits on the shop floor—delivering a clear return on investment and operator satisfaction.

Educating Clients About AM

Many customers are still new to additive manufacturing. We often provide education on material capabilities and process advantages, overcoming initial skepticism and enabling informed decision‑making.

Traditional vs. Additive Mindset

Customers accustomed to conventional manufacturing may find AM unfamiliar. We guide them to redesign parts for additive processes, often revealing cost and performance advantages that were not apparent under traditional methods.

Accelerating Adoption

Greater material knowledge is essential. We partner with Stratasys to deepen understanding of new polymers and to match part function with optimal AM processes.

Future of Additive Manufacturing

We anticipate a broader material palette, refined process controls, and faster machines—expanding AM’s applicability to previously challenging parts.

What’s Next for Eckhart?

We continue to push AM boundaries, recently 3D‑printing a lift assist tool that can lift an aluminum cast housing—opening new opportunities for ergonomic solutions across our product line.

To learn more about Eckhart, visit: https://www.eckhartusa.com/