CR-3D's FieldRACK Mobile is a rugged, mobile 3D printer that brings on-demand part production to remote sites to eliminate supply delays.
German manufacturer CR-3D, specializing in the development and production of industrial FFF 3D printers, has launched the "FieldRACK Mobile," an industrial 3D printer integrated onto a mobile platform. This system was developed to bring 3D printing technology directly to outdoor locations such as construction sites, plant facilities, and even conflict zones, enabling the immediate manufacturing of functional parts on-site.
The "FieldRACK Mobile" is a mobile manufacturing cell that fully integrates an industrial FFF 3D printer into a 19-inch rack, combined with a crawler-driven ROVO base and an impact-resistant chassis. Its primary goal is to instantly resolve shortages of repair parts that cause transportation delays or production line stoppages by manufacturing needed components directly where they are used. This approach of bringing the 3D printer to the site accelerates the shift from traditional centralized production to decentralized, on-demand manufacturing.
The printing unit of the "FieldRACK Mobile" is housed within a weather-resistant aluminum enclosure, designed to withstand severe vibrations and tilting. It features a build volume of 210x205x250 mm, with an actively heated build chamber capable of reaching 60°C, allowing for stable printing of engineering plastics prone to warping. Furthermore, it is equipped with a high-flow direct drive extruder capable of reaching 350°C, accommodating various high-performance materials. Systems for automatic bed leveling, nozzle-tip contact calibration, vibration damping, and motor synchronization control enhance first-layer reproducibility. It also includes a combination H14 HEPA and active carbon filter, addressing safety for indoor operation. Overall, the unit possesses the necessary features to ensure printing stability and repeatability – crucial for 3D printing technology – in challenging field environments.
Mobility is handled by the ROVO base, which delivers a maximum torque of approximately 1,000 Nm, a top speed of 30 km/h, and a 100% gradeability, enabling access to areas normally only reachable by service vehicles or special equipment. The system has an operating temperature range of -20°C to +40°C, an IP65 protection rating for resistance to dust and water, and a battery that supports up to approximately 4 hours of operation (with fast charging in about 2.5 hours).
The system can be operated via touchscreen, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB and does not rely on cloud connectivity. Its configuration emphasizes a localized workflow, targeting industrial and defense customers who prioritize data security. Applications are broad, spanning machine repair parts, jigs and fixtures, functional prototypes, and small-batch production. By enabling manufacturing near the point of use, it reduces transport distances and downtime, creating economic advantages.
The machine will be unveiled for the first time at "Formnext 2025" in Frankfurt, where it will exemplify a concrete vision for decentralized, on-demand manufacturing infrastructure in disaster response, defense, research, and industrial sectors.
