How Panelli Srl Uses 3D Printing Prototyping to Build Better Pumps

A single impeller used to take days to CNC machine. Now Panelli Srl prints one in 24 hours, at a fraction of the cost. This Italian pump maker, in business since 1906, added the MakerBot Method XL to speed up prototyping, slash material spend, and run tests in-house before production. Here is how rapid prototyping with 3D printing changed their workflow.

The Challenge: Slow, Costly Prototyping

Panelli Srl has built submersible pumps and motors since 1906. Based in Italy, the company uses robotised assembly and industrial automation to produce high-performance hydraulic products.

Prototyping is central to how the team checks pump parts before production. Their older industrial printer worked, but costs were high. The machine was bulky, pricey to run, and needed regular upkeep. As design demands grew, one printer was not enough.

Francesco Zamirri, mechanical designer at Panelli, describes the pace: "We print very often, almost daily. Especially when we need to improve the hydraulic performance of an existing range or create a new one."

The team needed a second machine. It had to cost less to run, need less upkeep, and still print parts strong enough for pressure testing at up to industrial specifications.

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The Solution: MakerBot Method XL

After working with Manufat, a local 3D printing reseller, Panelli added the MakerBot Method XL. It matched their industrial printer on quality but at a lower price point.

Method XL features a heated chamber (up to 110 °C) and heated build plate. Together, these reduce warping and improve layer bonding across the full print. The 305 x 305 x 320 mm build volume is large enough to print full-size diffusers and centrifugal impellers in one piece, with no need to split parts.

Zamirri explains: "We selected Method XL because it can create high-quality, industrial-grade parts in ABS and carbon fiber. Method XL allows us to test prototypes with large dimensions and high pressures. For a desktop 3D printer, the results are exactly as we would get them on our industrial printer. Method XL is also very easy to use, and the materials are much more affordable. We have had a great experience with it so far."

Two materials cover the team's needs. ABS Carbon Fibre handles parts exposed to high pressure and flow rates during testing. For rapid prototyping of complex shapes, they use ABS-R, which delivers consistent, repeatable parts.

ABS-R pairs with RapidRinse, a support material from UltiMaker that dissolves in tap water. No chemical solvents needed. Zamirri values the workflow: "RapidRinse is very helpful. We can have the final part with a super easy workflow and with better quality, compared to the use of breakaway supports. We also don't have to use any chemical solvent that is always very hard to manage."

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The Results: 24-Hour Impellers, Lower Costs

Panelli now runs both printers side by side. One prints an impeller while the other prints its matching diffuser. With two machines running at once, the team cuts idle time to near zero and keeps development on schedule.

The numbers speak for themselves. Zamirri puts it plainly: "The use of 3D printing lets us save a lot of time and money, compared to the use of CNC machining. In 24 hours, we can produce an impeller with a very difficult geometry and minimal effort. Impellers always have very complicated shapes, and Method XL helps us a lot."

For makers weighing up 3D printing against outsourced machining, Panelli's story shows three clear wins: turnaround cut from days to 24 hours, lower material and upkeep costs versus bulky industrial machines, and the ability to test parts in-house before locking in tooling. For a broader look at 3D printer pricing in Australia, see our 2026 cost guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions: 3D Printing and Prototyping

What is functional prototyping with 3D printing?

Functional prototyping means 3D printing parts strong enough for real-world testing. Unlike visual models used for fit checks, functional prototypes must handle pressure, heat, or impact. Materials like ABS Carbon Fibre make this possible on desktop printers such as the MakerBot Method XL.

What materials work for high-pressure prototype testing?

ABS Carbon Fibre is the go-to for parts under high pressure and impact. Carbon fibre adds stiffness and strength beyond standard ABS. For parts with complex shapes needing dissolvable supports, ABS-R with RapidRinse gives strong, repeatable results and a simpler post-processing step.

How does the MakerBot Method XL compare to industrial 3D printers?

The MakerBot Method XL prints with a heated chamber (up to 110 °C), heated build plate, and a 305 x 305 x 320 mm build volume. It supports ABS, ABS Carbon Fibre, and ABS-R with RapidRinse dissolvable supports. UltiMaker positions the Method XL as an industrial-grade alternative at a fraction of the cost of larger machines. Panelli Srl confirms the print quality matches their existing industrial printer, with lower material and upkeep costs.

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Considering rapid prototyping with 3D printing for your manufacturing workflow? View the MakerBot Method XL or request a quote to discuss your requirements. Browse the full MakerBot range.

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3D Printer 3D Printers 3D Printing Prototyping ABS ABS CF Carbon Fibre Printing Functional Prototyping MakerBot MakerBot Method XL Prototyping Rapid Prototyping