3D Printing

Stratasys to show new manufacturing tools at Formnext

Stratasys to show new manufacturing tools at Formnext

Key Takeaways

  • Stratasys F870 makes its European debut at Formnext 2026, targeting high‑volume polymer production on the factory floor.
  • The system features a 1,000 × 610 × 610 mm heated build chamber, continuous‑run capability, and support for industrial‑grade thermoplastics.
  • Formnext will also showcase SLA‑based investment‑casting tools (Neo800+ + Somos ShellCast), automated post‑processing (sCure for Origin P3), and PolyJet ToughONE Black for functional prototyping.
  • A dedicated Defense Summit segment highlights additive manufacturing (AM) use cases for military logistics, supply‑chain resilience, and rapid tooling.
  • Real‑world case studies from Toyota, General Motors, and other OEMs will demonstrate end‑to‑end digital workflows from design to production.

Stratasys Unveils a New High‑Volume Manufacturing Platform at Formnext 2026

Stratasys Ltd. will reveal a new manufacturing‑scale solution at Formnext 2026 (Nov 17‑20, Hall 12.1, Booth D129, Messe Frankfurt). The centerpiece is the F870 FDM system, which is positioned as a work‑horse for large‑format, high‑throughput polymer part fabrication. The company will also present a suite of complementary technologies spanning SLA, DLP, and PolyJet processes, with live demonstrations from automotive giants such as Toyota and General Motors.

New Manufacturing Solution Reveal

  • Launch time: 1 p.m., Nov 17, Hall 12.1, Booth D129
  • Purpose: Continuous, unattended production of end‑use polymer components for series manufacturing.
  • Key specs:
    • Build volume: 1,000 mm × 610 mm × 610 mm (fully heated chamber)
    • Material range: Over 200 industrial thermoplastics, including PA‑12, PC‑ABS, and ULTEM 1010
    • Print speed: Up to 150 mm³/s per nozzle (dual‑nozzle option)
    • Automation: Integrated conveyor‑style part removal and optional robotic arm for 24/7 operation

Stratasys says the F870 will complement its existing production‑focused portfolio, which already includes the Fortus 450mc and Fortus 770mc systems.

Formnext Defense Summit

On the same day, Stratasys will take part in the Formnext Defense Summit, presenting additive solutions for:

Application Target Audience Primary Benefit
Rapid‑manufacture of spare parts Military logistics Reduces lead‑time from months to days
Low‑volume production of custom jigs Government procurement Enhances field repair capability
Secure supply‑chain for critical components OEMs & defense contractors Minimizes reliance on single‑source vendors

The focus will be on how AM can reinforce supply‑chain resilience and enable on‑site manufacturing in austere environments.

Automotive Tooling and Factory‑Floor Use Cases

The F870’s large build envelope makes it ideal for tooling, fixtures, and jigs used on high‑speed assembly lines. Demonstrations will include:

  • Toyota’s pilot line for lightweight interior brackets, achieving a 30 % weight reduction versus injection‑molded steel.
  • GM’s use of F870‑produced functional prototypes for power‑train housing, cutting iteration cycles from 4 weeks to 48 hours.

All parts will be printed using high‑temperature polymers capable of withstanding up to 250 °C service temperatures.

Complementary Solutions on the Booth

SLA for Investment Casting

  • Neo800+ SLA printer paired with Somos ShellCast resin and GrabCAD Print Pro ShellGen module.
  • Enables production of antimony‑free master patterns up to 800 mm in size with ±0.05 mm dimensional accuracy.

Automated Post‑Processing (sCure)

  • Designed for the Origin P3 DLP platform.
  • Consolidates drying, multi‑wavelength UV curing, heating, and photobleaching in a single 30‑minute cycle, improving part consistency by ≈20 % and reducing operator labor.

PolyJet ToughONE Black

  • Compatible with J3 and J5 printers.
  • Offers shore D = 85 hardness and tensile strength of 55 MPa, suitable for functional prototypes that mimic final‑part performance.

Comparison of Highlighted Machines

Feature Stratasys F870 (FDM) Neo800+ (SLA) Origin P3 (DLP)
Build volume (mm) 1,000 × 610 × 610 800 × 800 × 800 200 × 200 × 200
Primary material Thermoplastics (PA, PC, ULTEM) Photopolymer resin (ShellCast) Photopolymer resin (standard)
Layer thickness 0.05‑0.2 mm 0.025‑0.1 mm 0.02‑0.06 mm
Production mode Continuous, unattended Batch, heated chamber Batch, rapid cure
Typical part strength Up to 70 MPa (PA‑12) Up to 60 MPa (ShellCast) Up to 45 MPa (standard)
Ideal use case Large tooling, end‑use parts Master patterns for casting High‑resolution prototypes

Bottom Line

Stratasys’s debut of the F870 at Formnext 2026 underscores the company’s push into high‑volume, factory‑floor additive manufacturing. With a massive heated build chamber, industrial‑grade material compatibility, and built‑in automation, the F870 is poised to replace traditional tooling for many automotive and aerospace applications. Coupled with complementary SLA, DLP, and PolyJet solutions, Stratasys is delivering an end‑to‑end AM ecosystem that addresses everything from

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