On May 27, Stratasys Asia Pacific introduced four new enhancements to Stratasys Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM ® )-based 3D printers, fully optimizing selected models for creating functional product prototypes, production tools and end-use parts for the most demanding manufacturing applications.
Easier to Manufacture Complex Hollow Composite Parts with New Sacrificial Tooling Solution
3D printed sacrificial tooling, or 3D printed molds and mandrels , enables manufacturers to rapidly and cost-effectively create complex composite parts with geometries that would normally trap the tool. To further improve the process, Stratasys is introducing an innovative sacrificial tooling solution, featuring the new ST-130 material along with alternative fill patterns designed for faster dissolution, rapid build speed, and greatly improved tool quality and autoclave performance.
The new sacrificial tooling solution is available for the Fortus 450mc and 900mc 3D Printers.
"Ideal for automotive, aerospace and sporting goods industries, the new ST-130 material empowers manufacturers of composite parts with an accelerated, more cost-effective option for sacrificial tooling," said Ryan Sybrant , Director, Manufacturing Marketing and Enablement at Stratasys.
The new material is available for the Stratasys Fortus 450mc and 900mc 3D Printers.
Fortus 900mc Acceleration Kit -- for Rapid Production of Composite Tooling
Producing the large composite parts and associated tooling, typing used in aerospace, automotive and similar applications can take several weeks to many months for fabrication. To reduce production time and cost, Stratasys has developed the Fortus 900mc Acceleration Kit. The new solution allows very large tools to be produced up to three times faster in ASA and ULTEM™ 1010 materials.
ULTEM 9085 Aerospace: First ULTEM Material with Full Aerospace Traceability
Aerospace engineers and manufacturers need materials that meet air worthiness requirements for flight hardware. To meet these challenging requirements, Stratasys produces ULTEM9085 Aerospace grade filaments to a detailed specification developed in consultation with multiple aerospace customers. While there is no change to the ULTEM 9085 material properties, the Aerospace designation enables full production traceability in compliance with strict aerospace requirements. In addition to the Stratasys Certificate of Compliance, each order of ULTEM 9085 Aerospace grade filament is provided with traceability documentation and a certificate of analysis confirming batch material properties.
Engineers can begin prototyping sooner - avoiding lengthy time-to-market for new aerospace designs and high costs resulting from late development design changes. ULTEM 9085 Aerospace is also optimized for low-volume or custom tooling applications.
T ough PC-ABS Material Now Available on More Stratasys 3D Printers
With its high durability and smooth matte finish, PC-ABS is a natural choice for challenging applications, such as power-tool prototyping and industrial equipment manufacturing. Owners of the Fortus 380mc and 450mc 3D Printers will now have the ability to leverage PC-ABS, reducing time-to-market and high tooling costs for low-volume and custom production builds. 3D printing in real engineering thermoplastics results in stronger parts, more confident testing and prototypes that mimic the material properties of the final product.
"We believe that these new enhancements will greatly increase the impact of Stratasys FDM 3D printing solutions, clearly demonstrating a commitment to the ongoing success of our manufacturing customers. Each new feature is designed to address specific manufacturing requirements - including speed, ease-of-use and creation of new industrial applications," added Sybrant.
