Like other companies trying to improve productivity, compete against rivals and maintain an edge with customers, Stratasys is always striving to break new ground. This blog explores the progression of Stratasys FDM 3D Printers from the invention of FDM technology in 1988 to the new Stratasys F123 Series product launches in 2017.

Stratasys made a BIG announcement at SOLIDWORKS World 2017, releasing a new Stratasys F123 3D Printer Series with "Performance so good, you won’t believe it’s so easy to use!" Be the first to see the F170, F270 and F370 in action by reading our blog:

To ensure optimum performance, it’s important to inspect your machinery on a daily, weekly and monthly basis and monitor proper upkeep. Like any other piece of equipment, Stratasys Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers also require preventative maintenance from time to time. For instance, at around 2,000 hours of use, it’s a good idea to check and replace the tips on various FDM technology. In our blog, we will walk you through step-by-step Fortus 250mc tip replacement instructions. Here’s how:

Stratasys is finishing out the year strong with several product releases. We’re excited to share the new material, printer and software updates and how these improvements to Stratasys’ product line will enhance and optimize your 3D workflow.

Don't you hate when new technology doesn't fit your tripod from the 80's? Us too! That's why in this week's “Make Your Own Solution” blog, I decided to work through the problems I encounter using my old tripod and tackle new ways to attach a cell phone to the mount. This is the solution I came up with:

Nylon 12 is a great material that can be used in applications for repetitive snap fits, high-fatigue resistance, strong chemical resistance, and press fit inserts. The material exhibits 100% to 300% better elongation at break and has superior fatigue resistance over other additive manufacturing technologies. However, in order to achieve optimum part performance, it is important to follow best practices when 3D printing with FDM Nylon 12.

If you are thinking about replacing traditional manufacturing methods with 3D printing, you have likely thought, "Can I replace an existing metal part with a plastic one?" The answer is a resounding “maybe.” It all depends on your application. If the part has requirements that lend itself to metal, like very high-temperature conditions or significant usage cycles, then a metal part may still be required. Our Application Engineers put together a list of five topics to consider when debating between traditional metal vs. FDM technology.

A key advantage of additive manufacturing/3D printing is that you can create an assembly of parts right out of the printer. Even something like meshed gears or other moving parts can be designed without thinking “How will this be assembled?” This freedom brings big savings in labor and opens up dramatically streamlined part designs.

Yet if you’ve held a 3D printed assembly with gears, you might wonder exactly how does the software “know” how to keep meshed gears separate? It’s actually quite simple, and this post will explain how it works.

[3 Case Studies] Additive Manufacturing in the Automotive Industry

The automotive industry is a hotbed of innovation in 3D printing. From startups to BMW, everyone is aggressively utilizing the technology in all aspects manufacturing. Take a look at some of our favorite case studies.

We’re excited to share with you some new capabilities for Fortus FDM printers. These new features are through a Stratasys software update of Insight, which runs Fortus 250mc and higher printers.

We’re getting ready for our 3D Printing event with Stratasys and KSU Motorsports next week in Marietta, Georgia. This week, we had a chance to sit down with the team’s president, Alec Blair, a Senior at Kennesaw State University majoring in Mechanical Engineering Technology. He was able to give us an in-depth look at the impact 3D printing has on their team’s performance and the school’s engineering program. 

One of the key advantages of Stratasys FDM printers is their use of real engineering plastics, like ABS. Watch this informative video detailing FDM 3D printing with ABS plastics and their properties, explained by David Stockbower. He also speaks about the common applications for this versatile material.