Stratasys software supports additive manufacturing

For the first time in two years, Formnext went live again in Frankfurt. Stratasys has used the largest 3D printing fair in the world to present a number of... new products to launch. New software that supports the industrial use of the Stratasys 3D printers predominates. Stratasys thus paves the way for volume production with additive manufacturing.

The fact that Stratasys emphasizes software development has everything to do with the fact that more and more companies are using 3D printing for real manufactured parts. “When we look at the workflow, we see that it doesn't work for prototyping when we go to production,” said Nadav Goshen, Vice President of Software, prior to the show. What new software can Stratasys customers expect in the coming months?

GrabCAD AM platform

First of all, the GrabCAD Additive Manufacturing platform. This allows you to control and monitor the entire 3D printing process. Not only Stratasys 3D printers can be connected, but also 3D printers from third parties. From managing designs and validation to production and planning orders, all can be handled via this platform. The new platform is a MES system specifically tailored to 3D printing, with which companies can manage their information flows in production digitize. The GrabCAD AM platform communicates in two directions: from the software to the 3D printers and back. Third-party software applications can also be used, for example for simulations.

Powder bed printer software

GrabCAD Print is also new for the Stratasys H350 powder bed 3D printer. The delivery of the new 3D printer, an alternative to series production with SLS technology, is gaining steam. With this software developed specifically for the H350 printer, you can, for example, nest the products to place as many parts as possible in one build job. The new software may even do this automatically. Up to thousands of parts in one build job, optimally positioned for the lowest possible cost per part combined with high quality of the parts. Because the software is part of the AM platform, users get direct access to additional modules, such as GrabCAD Print Mobile and Shop.

Other materials on FDM printers

Stratasys will allow third-party filaments on its FDM printer line in 2022, starting with the Fortus 450mc. This allows you to select the most suitable material for each application, whether it has been validated by Stratasys or not. The condition is that you purchase an Open Material License. Who prefers the reliability and ease of use of the Stratasys materials chooses, you can continue to do so. Nothing changes for them. Stratasys continues to extensively test and validate filaments, after which users receive the most optimal settings with the filament. There will be a third category: these are materials that have been tested by Stratasys, but not as extensively as the standard filaments.

Ready for production

With the new software, the open material strategy and the wide range of 3D printers, from the F123 series to the Fortus, the OriginOne and the H350, Stratasys is ready for companies moving into end-part production. Stratasys has the right solution for every plastic application. Curious which one suits your company best? Ask one of our sales experts.