Stratasys introduces new manufacturing technologies for thermoplastic 3D printing

Infinite-Build and Robotic Composite allow thermoplastic 3D printing to take place from all angles. A printer Infinite-Build is designed to print large thermoplastic parts with repeatable mechanical properties on a vertical plane for practically unlimited part size in the build direction.

The Robotic Composite 3D Demonstrator installed industrial motion control hardware and an 8-axis motion system (possible movements of a manipulator) and integrated them with design–to-3D printing software capabilities.

Both technologies are designed for industrial printing and exist in a form of conceptual prototypes. The technologies are under development, but even prototypes can show the prospective buyers all the features of the new systems. Siemens takes part in developing Robotic Composite.

According to Stratasys, the new systems are created to print lightweight but large and high-quality small parts for aerospace and automotive. Oil and gas and medical industries may also get interested in new technologies because they widely use composite structures and parts.

Well-known Boeing and Ford have already had a chance to explore the features. Boeing considers that Infinite-Build enables products to be made at a much larger and potentially unlimited length.  Ford and Stratasys started to work together to develop new applications for automotive-grade 3D printed materials that were not previously possible due to restrictions in 3D printing.

Companies: Boeing, Ford, Stratasys

Terms: 3D printing