Key Takeaways
- Stratasys F870 is a new large‑format, production‑grade FDM printer with a 1 m³ build envelope (1000 × 610 × 610 mm).
- Designed for high‑volume automotive, aerospace, and defense parts, it can run continuously for up to 72 hours with a repeatability of ±0.1 mm.
- Early adopters include Rivian (Michigan) and Toyota Production Engineering (Kentucky), where the machine is being used for fixtures, tooling, and low‑volume end‑use components.
- The F870 supports over 400 material grades, including high‑temperature ULTEM 1010 (up to 250 °C) and carbon‑fiber‑reinforced Nylon.
- Compared with Stratasys’s previous flagship F850, the F870 delivers 30 % faster print speeds and a 20 % larger build volume, while maintaining comparable accuracy.
Stratasys Introduces the F870 at IMTS 2026
Ahead of the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago, Stratasys unveiled its newest FDM platform, the F870. Marketed as a “large‑format, production‑grade” system, the printer targets manufacturers that need to embed additive manufacturing directly on the shop floor. The company emphasizes that the F870 is already in operation at Rivian’s Michigan plant and Toyota’s Kentucky production engineering center, where it accelerates the delivery of fixtures, jigs, and low‑volume functional parts.
Why Large‑Format Matters
Industrial users are increasingly demanding machines that can produce parts the size of vehicle sub‑assemblies without resorting to multiple build cycles or post‑processing assembly. The F870’s 1 m³ build volume (1000 × 610 × 610 mm) meets this need, allowing a single print to replace several smaller builds. Its heated chamber (up to 120 °C) and dual extruder system enable the use of high‑temperature polymers and composite materials, essential for automotive and aerospace applications where thermal stability and mechanical strength are non‑negotiable.
Performance Highlights
| Specification | Stratasys F870 | Stratasys F850 (predecessor) | Typical Competitor (e.g., EOS P 770) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build Volume | 1000 × 610 × 610 mm | 800 × 600 × 600 mm | 800 × 800 × 800 mm |
| Layer Resolution | 0.08 – 0.30 mm | 0.09 – 0.30 mm | 0.06 – 0.20 mm |
| Print Speed* | Up to 300 mm/s | Up to 230 mm/s | Up to 250 mm/s |
| Material Portfolio | 400+ grades (ULTEM, Nylon, PC, carbon‑fiber) | 350+ grades | 200+ grades |
| Continuous Run Time | 72 h (auto‑cooling) | 48 h | 48 h |
| Repeatability | ±0.1 mm | ±0.15 mm | ±0.12 mm |
| Approx. Price (USD) | $1.2 M | $950 k | $1.5 M |
*Print speed reflects typical nozzle travel; actual throughput depends on part geometry and material.
The table illustrates that the F870 not only expands the printable envelope but also improves speed and repeatability, narrowing the performance gap with high‑end powder‑bed systems while retaining the material versatility of FDM.
Real‑World Deployments
- Rivian (Michigan): Uses the F870 to fabricate battery‑pack brackets and custom tooling, reducing lead time from weeks (CNC‑machined) to days. Initial reports show a 45 % reduction in part cost for these low‑volume items.
- Toyota Production Engineering (Kentucky): Integrates the printer into a “digital twin” workflow, producing functional prototypes of intake manifolds in‑house. The system’s ability to print high‑temperature ULTEM 1010 eliminates the need for secondary heat‑treatment steps.
Both sites highlight the printer’s factory‑floor footprint (≈2 × 2 × 2 m) and plug‑and‑play software that links directly to enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, enabling on‑demand part ordering.
Implications for the Automotive Supply Chain
The F870’s capability to produce large, high‑temperature parts on demand supports the industry’s shift toward “micro‑factories” and localized production. By cutting the reliance on distant tooling vendors, manufacturers can achieve shorter cycle times, lower inventory, and greater design flexibility—critical advantages as vehicle architectures become increasingly modular and electrified.
Bottom Line
Stratasys’s F870 positions itself as the go‑to FDM solution for manufacturers that require meter‑scale parts, high‑temperature material performance, and continuous, reliable operation on the factory floor. Early adoption by Rivian and Toyota validates its promise to shrink lead times and cut costs for automotive tooling and low‑volume components. With a 30 % speed boost over its predecessor and a competitive price point, the F870 is set to become a cornerstone of additive manufacturing strategies in the automotive, aerospace, and defense sectors.