Stratasys Introduces Cross-Over 3D Printer

By DE Editors

Stratasys Inc. (Eden Prairie, MN) has introduced the Fortus 250mc Production 3D Printer, which it calls a “cross-over system” that delivers part production for prototyping and direct digital manufacturing. Stratasys explains further that the Fortus 250mc combines the ease of use of its Dimension line of 3D prototyping systems with its Insight software. Insight software is said to provide users of Fortus production systems flexible control over the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) additive manufacturing process. The Fortus 250mc, as with others in its line, is based on FDM technology.

“The engineers interested in this new product will likely be traditional 3D printer candidates, but who want more sophisticated build-parameter control,” said Product Manager Mary Stanley in a prepared press statement. “Users are moving beyond prototyping into production with their additive manufacturing machines. The most common manufacturing application is to build functioning manufacturing tools, like jigs and fixtures, to be used in the production process.”

Insight software prepares 3D digital part files (output as an STL) for production on a Fortus system. It slices files, generates support structures, and determines material extrusion paths automatically. Users can override any of Insight’s defaults then manually edit parameters to control the look, strength, and precision of parts as well as the time, throughput, expense, and efficiency of the Fortus build process.

Specifications for the Fortus 250mc include a 10 x 10 x 12 in. build envelope and three options for building layers: 0.007, 0.010, and 0.013 in. Parts accuracy is ± .0095 inch, depending upon geometry. The Fortus 250m comes a 10/100 base-T Ethernet connection and Control Center job processing/management software from Stratasys.

The Fortus 250mc employs single cartridges for build and support materials. The machine uses ABSplus thermoplastic for part creation. ABSplus is available in a range of colors, including white, blue, fluorescent yellow, black, red, and gray. The Fortus 250mc uses Stratasys SR-30 soluble support material.

Uncrated, the Fortus 250mc measures 33 x 29 x 45 in. and weighs 326 lbs. It does not require special facilities, electrical connections or venting, nor does it produce noxious fumes, chemicals, or waste, according to the company. It runs unattended with the exception that operators be present at job start/stop.

Pricing for the Fortus 250mc starts at around $45,000 in the US, according to a spokesperson for Stratasys. For more information visit Stratasys Fortus website.

Download the Stratasys Fortus 250mc spec sheet.

Download the Stratasys ABSplus thermoplastic spec sheet.

See how FDM technology works.

Sign-up to have one of your parts built on a Fortus system.

See why DE’s Editor’s selected the Fortus 250mc 3D printer as their Pick of the Week.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.