Industrial, Commercial and Professional 3D Printers

High quality 3D printers offer enhanced efficiency and expand business potential. It liberates you from the limitations of traditional manufacturing methods, allowing for designs that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with standard machines and mold tools. There are many types of 3D printers, and for complex shapes and features that may be impossible or difficult to produce with traditional methods. When navigating the decision between 3D printing and traditional manufacturing, several pivotal considerations come to the fore. At the heart of this decision-making matrix is the project's scope and intent. Is the primary focus rapid iterations, customization, or scale? The complexity of the design, not just in terms of intricate geometry but also the desired finish and precision, becomes crucial. 3D printing can produce highly complex and intricate designs with minimal tooling or setup, which can be challenging or cost-prohibitive for CNC machining and injection molding. Equally significant are economic factors, from the immediacy of initial investments to the broader landscape of supply chain considerations. Material requirements, both in terms of availability and specific properties, also play an instrumental role. Overarching considerations, such as environmental impact, future adaptability, and lead times, further enrich this decision-making tapestry. 3D printing allows for easy design modifications and iterations without significant setup changes, providing a more agile design process compared to traditional methods. Parts can be printed on-demand, reducing the need for extensive inventory and storage, a feature not as easily achieved with CNC machining and injection molding.

There are many types of 3D printing technologies used in high quality 3D printers currently available. Each of these additive manufacturing techniques requires a specific type of 3D printing material, from plastic thermoplastic filament to photosensitive resin and powdered material.

Every 3D printing technology has its own advantages and boundaries and can be used for specific applications and use cases.

Some main categories of 3D printing technologies include for instance:  FDM, SLA,  PolyJet , SAF and DLP technologies. 

3D printers are a great tool for rapid prototyping, one of the most common uses for 3D printing. Advanced, industrial-level 3D printers are also used for printing of end use products.

When it comes to 3D printing software, the premium version of GrabCAD Print™, known as GrabCAD Print Pro™ would be the software of choice. This advanced software is designed for high-performance end-use parts and prototypes in controlled manufacturing environments. Some of its notable features include the Accuracy Center, Manufacturing Templates, support for 3rd Party Plugins, and Per-Part Estimation. Keep in mind that more features will be added in future updates.

Using GrabCAD Print Pro can significantly reduce your print preparation time and minimize material wastage, leading to substantial cost and time savings for users."

3D printing, or additive manufacturing, involves the creation of a three-dimensional object based on a digital 3D model or CAD design. This manufacturing process encompasses a range of techniques where materials are either deposited, fused, or solidified in a controlled manner by a computer. Typically, these materials are added in a layer-by-layer fashion and can include plastics, liquids, or powders.

There exist multiple 3D printing technologies, each characterized by its distinct processes and material options. Some of the common methods in 3D printing include Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), PolyJet, among others. The choice of technology and material selection depends on factors such as the complexity of the desired object, material properties required, and the intended application.

Stratasys 3D printers are versatile and can be used for both large production runs and prototyping, depending on the specific model and technology chosen. Stratasys offers a range of 3D printers, each with its own capabilities, so the suitability for large-scale production depends on the model and the requirements of the production run. Stratasys printers offer different size volumes, like  F770 offers a build volume of 356 x 254 x 254 mm (14 x 10 x 10 inches). This size refers to the maximum dimensions of objects that can be printed in a single build on the F770 printer. It's suitable for creating relatively large parts and prototypes, making it a valuable tool for various industrial and manufacturing applications.

Polymers – from thermoplastics which are the most widely used category of 3D printing materials includes some of the same general-purpose plastics found in mass production processes like injection molding. And since 3D printed parts bear many similarities to their injection-molded counterparts, you can accurately test form, fit and function before investing in expensive tooling. Engineering plastics For applications that require higher heat resistance, chemical resistance, impact strength, fire retardancy or mechanical strength, production-level 3D printers work with specialized plastics that meet stringent engineering requirements. High-performance plastics High-performance plastics offer the greatest temperature stability, chemical stability and mechanical strength for the most demanding applications. to thermosets to photopolymers that are liquid resins that cure with exposure to UV light. Most photopolymer technologies print single, opaque colors like grey, white and black. Many of them also have translucent or clear materials. PolyJet is even more advanced and is capable of printing models with full and gradient color. Generally speaking, photopolymer technologies produce models with outstanding feature definition and a smooth, beautiful surface finish. Some, like SL, have a specially formulated material for investment casting patterns. However, photopolymers are UV-sensitive and generally not as durable as production-grade thermoplastics.

Each Stratasys 3D printing technology solves specific design and manufacturing challenges. These technologies cater to a broad spectrum of needs, from 3D printing technologies for rapid prototyping to production of end-use-parts that include PolyJet, SLA, FDM, DLP / P3 and SAF.

Stratasys 3D printers stand out in the market due to their superior precision, diverse material options, multi-material capabilities, large format 3D printers, reliable support and service, industry-specific solutions, user-friendly software, and a proven track record. Our comprehensive range of 3D printing materials and established platforms provide unmatched versatility for a myriad of applications, ensuring durability, reliability, and consistent outcomes. Our integrated hardware and user-friendly software solutions seamlessly incorporate additive processes into your production workflows. We're at the forefront, investing in cutting-edge material technology, strengthening supply chains, and devising innovative solutions to optimize your production. Globally, our service teams and part-provider networks are committed to supporting you, no matter where you're located. With over 30 years of existence, Stratasys has established a substantial presence in the 3D printing industry, earning the trust of many industries, including aerospace and healthcare, for its reliable and proven technology.