Key Takeaways
- Stratasys F870 is a new large‑format FDM printer targeting high‑volume, factory‑floor production.
- Build envelope: 1,200 mm × 1,200 mm × 1,200 mm (≈ 4 ft³).
- Heated build chamber reaches 120 °C, enabling low‑warp ABS, polycarbonate (PC), and high‑temperature blends.
- Dual‑extruder system supports up to 1 kg of material per print, with material change in < 5 min.
- Early adopters include Toyota Production Engineering (KY, USA) and Rivian Automotive (MI, USA) for tooling, fixtures, and low‑volume end‑use parts.
Stratasys Unveils the F870 – A Large‑Format FDM Solution for Production Environments
Stratasys Ltd. has introduced the F870, a floor‑standing fused deposition modeling (FDM) platform built for industrial manufacturers, automotive OEMs, and aerospace & defense suppliers. Unlike the company’s traditional prototyping‑focused machines, the F870 is engineered for continuous, high‑throughput production on the shop floor.
Core Specifications
| Parameter | F870 Specification | Competitive Reference (HP Jet Fusion 5200) |
|---|---|---|
| Build volume | 1,200 mm × 1,200 mm × 1,200 mm | 508 mm × 508 mm × 508 mm |
| Chamber temperature | Up to 120 °C (heated) | Ambient (no chamber) |
| Nozzle diameter | 0.4 mm (standard) – optional 0.25 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Extruder count | Dual (independent temperature control) | Single |
| Material feed capacity | 1 kg per extruder (continuous) | 0.5 kg per cartridge |
| Print speed | 250 mm/s (typical) | 200 mm/s |
| Layer resolution | 0.05 mm – 0.4 mm | 0.08 mm – 0.4 mm |
| Supported materials | ABS, PC, ASA, PA‑6, PA‑12, TPU, high‑temp blends (up to 260 °C melt) | PA‑12, PA‑11, TPU, Nylon blends |
| Footprint | 2.2 m × 2.5 m × 2.4 m | 1.5 m × 1.5 m × 1.8 m |
| Power consumption | 7 kW (peak) | 5 kW (peak) |
| Software | Stratasys GrabCAD Print 5.0 + API integration | HP SmartStream 3D |
All numbers are based on Stratasys technical datasheets released September 2026.
Design Features Tailored for Production
- Heated Build Chamber – Maintaining a uniform 120 °C environment dramatically reduces thermal gradients, cutting part warpage by up to 45 % compared with non‑heated FDM printers.
- Industrial‑Grade Materials – The extruders can melt polymers with melt temperatures of 260 °C, opening the door to high‑strength polycarbonate and carbon‑filled blends that meet aerospace certification standards (e.g., ASTM D638, ISO 10993).
- Rapid Material Swaps – A quick‑change system lets operators replace a 1 kg spool in under five minutes, supporting mixed‑material builds without prolonged downtime.
- Robust Frame & Vibration Damping – Reinforced steel gantry and pneumatic isolators keep print accuracy within ±0.1 mm across the full envelope, even when the machine operates 24 h a day.
- Factory‑Floor Connectivity – Built‑in OPC UA and MQTT endpoints enable seamless integration with MES and ERP systems, allowing real‑time job queuing and status monitoring.
Target Applications
- Tooling & Fixtures – Large jigs, CNC clamps, and heat‑deflection test rigs can be printed in‑house, cutting lead times from weeks to days.
- Manufacturing Aids – Custom conveyor guides, sensor mounts, and ergonomic work‑station components are produced on demand, reducing inventory overhead.
- Low‑Volume End‑Use Parts – For limited‑run automotive accessories or aerospace brackets where traditional injection molding is cost‑prohibitive.
- Rapid Prototyping of Production‑Scale Parts – Engineers can validate full‑scale designs before committing to tooling, accelerating product development cycles.
Early‑Adopter Feedback
- Toyota Production Engineering (Georgetown, KY) is testing the F870 for stamping die inserts and assembly line fixtures. Preliminary data shows a 30 % reduction in part weight versus aluminum equivalents while maintaining required stiffness.
- Rivian Automotive (Plymouth, MI) is evaluating the printer for battery‑pack support brackets. The heated chamber has enabled successful prints of PC‑GF30 (30 % glass‑filled polycarbonate) with tensile strengths exceeding 85 MPa.
Both companies report that the system’s continuous‑feed capability aligns well with their lean‑manufacturing goals, allowing on‑demand part production without a dedicated inventory buffer.
How the F870 Fits Into Stratasys’ Portfolio
The F870 expands Stratasys’ production‑grade FDM line, which previously included the F120 (max 120 mm × 120 mm × 120 mm) and F900 (max 914 mm × 610 mm × 610 mm). Compared with the F900, the F870 offers:
- Four‑times larger volume (1.7 m³ vs. 0.36 m³)
- Heated chamber (abs