In these systems, the motion requirements are especially challenging because the payload is not fixed. As the arm extends, rotates, and dispenses material, the mechanical leverage changes continuously.
3D Potter Improves SCARA Robot Load Handling with Teknic ClearPath Servos
Case Study from | Teknic, Inc.
Printing clay, concrete, and other heavy materials requires a very different motion-control approach than traditional desktop 3D printing. For 3D Potter, a manufacturer of large-format ceramic and concrete 3D printers, the challenge is not only achieving smooth motion, but doing so while the machine is carrying changing loads in demanding environments.
3D Potter’s equipment is designed for applications ranging from hand-held ceramics to construction-scale printing. Their SCARA HD robotic arm system, Mixcell System, and Continuous Cement Mix Station are built for professional studios, production environments, and job sites. In these systems, the motion requirements are especially challenging because the payload is not fixed. As the arm extends, rotates, and dispenses material, the mechanical leverage changes continuously. At the same time, the weight of the material in the hose and nozzle can vary throughout the print.
An Effortless Stepper Upgrade
To improve performance on these demanding axes, 3D Potter upgraded from closed-loop stepper motors to Teknic’s ClearPath integrated servo motors. ClearPath-SD was especially well suited for the application because it accepts standard step-and-direction commands, allowing 3D Potter to improve the machine’s motion system without redesigning the control architecture.
“Moving from closed-loop steppers over to Teknic’s closed-loop servos was a one-to-one change,” said Greg De Laski, SCARA Production Manager at 3D Potter. “We didn’t have to put in much effort [to integrate ClearPath-SD] and the machine works much better than it used to. It was definitely a needed upgrade.”
© 2026 3D Potter
Managing Variable Payloads with Inertia Matching Technology™
A major benefit of the upgrade was improved control of variable-inertia loads. 3D Potter’s SCARA HD arm must remain smooth and accurate while carrying wet cement and other dense materials through changing arm positions. Teknic’s Inertia Matching Technology™ (IMT) helps the servo system adapt to high-inertia and dynamically changing loads, helping maintain controlled motion even as the mechanical and material conditions shift during a print.
Improved System Ruggedness
The physical design of ClearPath also helped simplify the machine. Because ClearPath integrates the servo motor, encoder, drive electronics, and motion controller into one package, 3D Potter was able to reduce the complexity associated with separate servo drives and long motor/drive cabling. For machines that may be used in rugged or outdoor environments, the integrated design and IP67-rated sealing provided additional advantages.
“We saw that the [ClearPath] motors were going to handle the elements better,” Greg noted. “They run quite a bit cooler and have a better power system overall compared to what we were using. They’re just overall more robust than the previous options we had.”
Offering Engineering Support “Above and Beyond”
For 3D Potter, the value of the upgrade extended beyond the hardware. As the company continued developing new and larger printing systems, Teknic’s engineering support helped them work through motion-control decisions and optimize the system for demanding axes.
“A large benefit that you guys have given to our team is help during the development of the new products,” said Greg. “In several cases, that’s really saved us... you guys go above and beyond. You guys have been great to work with over the years.”
Results
By upgrading to ClearPath-SD servos, 3D Potter gained a more robust motion-control solution while preserving their existing step-and-direction control approach. For machines that must move heavy, shifting materials with precision, 3D Potter’s application shows how ClearPath’s Inertia Matching Technology™ helps maintain controlled motion as the effective load changes throughout the print. The integrated servo system simplified the machine architecture, reduced the need for separate drive hardware, and provided a rugged motor package better suited for construction-grade printing environments.
The content & opinions in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the views of RoboticsTomorrow
Featured Product
