• Material Guide for Automotive

General Motors faced a challenge with heavy steel "risers" on an overhead conveyor system, hampering efficiency. Rather than choosing aluminum, they innovatively opted for 3D-printed nylon polymer with carbon fiber reinforcement, reducing weight by 32% and cutting lead time by 75%. This shift from traditional metal to polymer in 3D printing aligns with a growing trend in the automotive industry.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) offers diverse advantages for autos. To maximize its potential, choosing the right AM technology is crucial. Our companion Solution Guide, "How to Choose the Right 3D Printing Technology for Automotive Manufacturing," delves into this topic. When it comes to materials, polymer 3D printing stands out, offering:

  • Fewer resource constraints
  • Accessibility and ease of use
  • A wide range of materials at various price points
  • Lightweight yet strong alternatives to metal

We understand that the abundance of polymer options can be daunting. That's why our Solution Guide is here to help. It highlights suitable Stratasys AM technologies and materials for different automotive production phases, including Product Development, Production Support, and Part Production. Got questions? Feel free to reach out!

Introducing the latest addition from Creaform: the HandySCAN 3D MAX Series tailored for large parts. These ergonomic, industrial 3D scanners are part of the handheld MAX Series, proudly designed and produced in Canada. The HandySCAN 3D MAX Series brings forth an expansive 3D scanning area, spanning approximately 1m x 1m, precisely engineered to capture accurate 3D measurements of intricate and sizable surfaces.

This portable 3D scanner comes equipped with various scanning modes, allowing users to select the fastest scanning option for efficiency or maximum resolution for precision. This versatility empowers professionals to take optimal measurements of large components and assemblies covering up to 15 meters in scope.

Moreover, the HandySCAN 3D MAX Series boasts an array of remarkable features:

  • Flex Volume: This feature empowers users to perform high-quality scans at a close range while swiftly measuring large parts from a considerable standoff distance.
  • Smart Surface Algorithm: Leveraging advanced image processing, this algorithm delivers improved performance and enhances readings, particularly on challenging and contrast-rich surfaces. By harnessing the capabilities of artificial intelligence, it provides unparalleled tracking and ensures a flawless scanning process.
  • Real-Time Calibration: The MAX Series seamlessly incorporates the calibration step into the scanning workflow, performing it automatically and in real time for a hassle-free experience.
  • Somos QuickGen 500 Material User Guide

Somos® QuickGen™ 500 is a fast-printing DLP/LCD material with a print speed 2x faster than similar materials. It offers accurate printing for general and functional prototypes.

  • Somos QuickGen 500 MDS

Somos® QuickGen 500 is a fast-printing, general-purpose resin for digital light processing 3D printing.

  • Best option for prototyping using a flexible material
  • Prints fast and accurately

Digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing technology generally boasts faster print speeds and lower capital investment. Combined with Somos® QuickGen 500, companies looking to manufacture locally can more quickly and easily adopt 3D printing.

Somos® QuickGen 500 is a fast-print-ing DLP material with a print speed 2x faster than similar materials. It offers accurate printing for general and functional prototypes.

Somos® QuickGen 500 has unique flexibility; it is more flexible than other resins, but stiffer than elastomers, offering both flexibility and spring back. The material has substantial elongation and a lower modulus with no significant strain rate dependence on elongation at break. This results in consistent performance independent of how quickly force or strain are applied. Many flexible materials show greater influence from the rate of applied force.

Key Benefits

  • Fast printing
  • Economical
  • Balance of flexibility and stiffness
  • Accurate
  • Near colorless

Applications

  • General and functional prototypes
  • Semi-flexible applications
  • Applications with detailed features
  • Fluid flow analysis
  • P3 Deflect™ 120

High-temperature photopolymer with good strength for functional parts, from Evonik INFINAM®.

Our first photopolymer from Evonik is a strong, heat-resistant material that addresses applications where a combination of high-temperature resistance and good elongation at break are crucial. P3 Deflect 120 has low viscosity and high green strength, which make it suitable for parts with challenging geometries such as wiring housings, connectors, or mold tooling.

Key Benefits

  • High HDT, 121°C (250°F) with good elongation at break
  • Very stiff and high green strength
  • Easy to print + single component material
  • Color: Black
  • Dura56 by LOCTITE MDS

Developed on and certified for the Origin® One 3D printers

DURA56 is a tough, high-impact photopolymer with excellent surface quality. For functional end-use parts and prototypes.

Created by Stratasys and LOCTITE to address end-use and prototyping applications with high material consumption. Ideal for housings, parts with mating features, or class A surfaces.

Benefits:

  • High-impact strength
  • Tough
  • Excellent surface finish
  • Low part cost
  • Low Viscosity

Ideal for:

  • Enclosures and Housings
  • Jigs & Fixtures
  • Functional testing
  • Flexible Elastomeric 3D Printing Material

High Rebound Photoelastic Black

P3 Stretch IND475TM is a single-component UV resin that, when cured, transforms into a soft and flexible elastomeric material. This material offers a well-balanced combination of hardness, strength, and elongation, making it versatile for various applications.

Additionally, IND475 is a low-viscosity liquid that can be easily 3D printed at room temperature.

Benefits:

  • True elastomeric behavior
  • Fast Printing with low shrinkage behavior
  • High resilience / High energy return

Ideal for:

  • Air and dust gaskets
  • Flexible seals and housings
  • Cushioning pads
  • Somos® PerFORM HW: Advanced 3D Printing Material for Precision Injection Molds

Enabling Advanced 3D Printing Solutions

Somos® PerFORM HW is tailored for P3TM, Digital Light Processing (DLP), and Liquid-crystal display (LCD) 3D printing technologies, catering to the specific needs of injection mold development. This cutting-edge material offers exceptional dimensional stability and minimizes warpage, crucial for precision and quality.

3D printing with Somos® PerFORM HW provides a host of advantages over traditional manufacturing methods. It accelerates development processes, speeds up production, unlocks design creativity, and lowers the total cost of ownership. Manufacturers can swiftly iterate designs before final production, reducing time and cost.

Creating injection molds, especially for low-volume or intricately detailed parts, has historically been time-consuming and expensive. However, DLP and LCD 3D printing eliminate these barriers. These technologies offer rapid printing speeds, with a lower entry cost, making additive manufacturing accessible to transitioning companies. Additionally, on-demand local production with DLP or LCD printing reduces unplanned downtime associated with mold maintenance.

Stratasys presents Somos® PerFORM HW, an optimized version of the renowned Somos® PerFORM, finely tuned for DLP technology. This resin excels in stiffness and high-temperature performance, making it ideal for applications like injection molding tools. It boasts robustness, dimensional stability, and minimal warpage, ensuring consistent performance in high-pressure and demanding environments, such as wind tunnel testing.

Key Benefits

  • High accuracy with minimal warpage, meeting critical requirements
  • Outstanding detail resolution
  • Exceptional high-temperature tolerance
  • Superior stiffness
  • Fast printing, ease of processing, and efficient finishing
  • Cost-effective solution

Ideal Applications

  • Tooling and injection molding, suited for low-volume production
  • Electrical casings and consumer electronics
  • Customized consumer medical applications
  • Automotive housings and spare parts
  • High-temperature testing and functional prototyping
  • Jigs and fixtures
  • Wind tunnel testing

Somos® PerFORM HW is your gateway to innovation, offering advanced 3D printing solutions with exceptional performance and reliability.

Enhance Your 3D Printing Experience with Stratasys' Innovative F3300 FDM Printer

Experience Cost Savings Like Never Before

Stratasys' cutting-edge F3300 FDM 3D Printer is here to revolutionize your production process by significantly reducing your cost per part. This is achieved through a comprehensive redesign of hardware, software, and systems.

Boost Your Throughput Exponentially

The F3300 printer introduces a range of technological advancements that elevate your throughput to new heights.

Reliability That Sets New Standards

In a production environment, reliability is paramount. The F3300 ensures benchmark reliability through EtherCAT Onboard Communication, Redundancy for Critical Systems, and Extruder Instrumentation.

Unmatched Print Quality

The F3300 raises the bar for FDM 3D printed parts with features that regulate material moisture and provide precise control over the printing process.

Streamlined and User-Friendly Operation

Stratasys ensures that advanced technology is easy to use. The F3300 features user-friendly elements designed for simplicity and accessibility.

Elevate your 3D printing capabilities and lower costs with the Stratasys F3300 FDM 3D Printer.

  • Minds-i Self-Driving Tractor Lab

Autonomous Self-Driving Farming

MINDS-i Robotics introduces an innovative STEM Integrated Robotics program centered around an autonomous, GPS-IMU powered tractor, revolutionizing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning. Students delve into programming, electromechanical systems, and autonomous navigation, crafting and programming the tractor for diverse farming tasks such as crop evaluation, spraying, spreading, monitoring, and more.

The initiative aims to spark and sustain students’ interest in STEM. MINDS-i Robotics offers an engaging learning ecosystem with user-friendly robot assembly, programming, and customization. The advanced farm vehicles execute real-world agricultural tasks, igniting enthusiasm for STEM career paths. Collaborative problem-solving is encouraged through a curriculum supporting open-source programming languages like C++, Python, or ROS, nurturing limitless creativity. Teachers benefit from exceptional technical support, empowering students to bring their imaginative concepts to life.

The course structure spans a half-semester, totaling 45 hours of immersive learning designed for small groups of 2 to 4 students. A detailed brochure is available for download to delve deeper into the program specifics. Access the brochure for comprehensive insights into the curriculum, technical specifications, and additional information, guiding educators and students toward maximizing the potential of the MINDS-i STEM Integrated Robotics program.

Download the brochure and unlock the potential of hands-on STEM learning, where students design, innovate, and navigate the future of autonomous farming technology.

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  • MIMBUS Discover is a turnkey VR solution for career exploration. Engage students with 16+ immersive modules across skilled trades while tracking performance in real-time with VULCAN. Ideal for CTE, K-12, and workforce programs.
  • Educational STEM Lab
    Item Number:
    MCK-CKWM-001
    The Catapult Lab is a great entry point to the MINDS-i system. The provided exercises focus on the creative build process, data collection and the PDSA cycle (Plan, Do, Study, Act) used in the industry for decades, for design engineering, product troubleshooting & problem-solving.
  • Minds-i STEM Robotics Curriculum
    Item Number:
    MCK-ECLB-2WD
    This fast and sleek 1/10th scale electric car comes with all the electronics and hardware needed to assemble the kit and includes easy to use visual instructions. This kit is also compatible with most hobby standard DC motors, gears, radio transmitters, servos, bodies, wheels, tires, and more.
  • MINDS-i UAV Certification Prep for FAA Part 107 Knowledge
    Item Number:
    MCK-107P-001
    Prepare students for FAA Part 107 knowledge areas with the MINDS-i FAA 107 Certification Prep Course. Explore regulations, airspace, weather, safety, and UAV operations in a 45-hour program.
  • SkillsUSA Robotics Challenge Vehicle
    Item Number:
    CPK-W4X4-001
    Explore the Minds-i Search and Rescue Competition Kit, created for SkillsUSA robotics events. Learn how students can build, program, and remotely operate robots to tackle real-world rescue challenges.
  • Mining Truck Operator Simulator Trainer
    Item Number:
    MT
    Modern mining equipment is increasingly complex, costly, and difficult to operate productively. As a result, proper operator training has become everyone's business. The fact is, it takes training to spot a truck and position it for loading under a full bucket. It also takes training to back up a truck just using mirrors under that bucket. Otherwise, your mining operations will suffer from lower productivity, higher fuel costs, increased tire wear, and more equipment maintenance and repair.
  • Mobile Crane Personal Simulator
    Item Number:
    MCRA
    Simlog’s Advanced Edition puts you at the controls of a modern rough-terrain mobile crane equipped with telescoping boom and jib, and a variety of hook-blocks with best-in-class simulation graphics and physics, slings that go “slack”, and a boom that deflects. And now there’s wind, with parameters to define the direction, strength, and gusting.
  • Portable Training Center
    CM Labs’ Mobile Training Center is designed to give organizations the flexibility to offer training and assessment anywhere. It provides on-site presence, reducing team displacement and job site disruption. Community colleges and vocational schools can expand training locations and access markets previously out of reach or too remote.
  • Allow your welders to double their throughput with a pre-engineered robot welding system. Both the MAC series, designed with a FANUC CRX Cobot, and the MATE series, designed with a FANUC ARC Mate robot, give endless opportunities for quick setup and ease of use.
  • DAC Worldwide Technical Models
    DAC Worldwide’s models are detailed, to-scale models that depict various industrial machines across numerous sectors. The industrial models, which are loosely-based on common equipment by popular industry leaders, include all primary features and components.

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