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Choosing an FDM Printer: Where the New F870 Fits
Compare Stratasys FDM systems for fixtures, large tooling and recurring part manufacture, including the new F870.
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Technical Articles
72 technical articles on additive manufacturing, 3D scanning, materials and implementation planning.
Part Consolidation in Additive Manufacturing: When to Remove an Interface - and When to Keep It
An interface may exist because of an old manufacturing constraint, or because it provides access, load transfer, sealing, adjustment or replacement. Classifying those functions helps engineers consolidate parts without creating new production and service problems.
Aerospace · Oil & Gas
Designing Large FDM Parts Beyond the Build Envelope: Split Lines, Joints and Assembly
An oversized FDM structure can be manufactured in sections, but each split introduces load-transfer, alignment, machining, assembly and inspection requirements. Careful interface design determines whether those sections form a repeatable production assembly.
Industrial Manufacturing · Aerospace
Additive Manufacturing for UAS: Choosing the Right Process from Small Drones to Large Aircraft
A UAS programme may require compact PA12 parts in repeated batches, detailed subsystem hardware, large thermoplastic structures and composite tooling. Process selection depends on the component duty, production volume, downstream work, inspection and release requirements.
Aerospace · Defense
Designing 3D-Printed Thermoforming Tools for Vacuum, Heat and Surface Control
A printed thermoforming tool can match the CAD surface yet produce incomplete draws, visible surface defects or unstable results. Effective tooling design connects geometry with airflow, heat response, sealing, mounting and measured forming trials.
Industrial Manufacturing
3D Scan Mesh Resolution: Matching Point Spacing to Inspection and CAD Work
Maximum point density does not automatically produce better engineering data. Match 3D scan resolution to the smallest relevant feature and the intended inspection or CAD task.
Industrial Manufacturing
Wind-Turbine Blade Core and Mold Geometry: Using Full-Field Scans to Reduce Rework
Large blade cores and molds can be locally acceptable and still drift out across the full geometry. This article explains where full-field scanning helps catch that problem before cure, bonding, and downstream rework.
Industrial Manufacturing
3D-Printed Threads or Metal Inserts? Designing Parts for Repeated Assembly
Printed threads, tapped holes, thread-forming screws and metal inserts can all work in production parts. The right choice depends on load, material, process and how often the joint will be opened.
Industrial Manufacturing
Using 3D-Printed Parts Around Sensitive Electronics: ESD Is More Than a Material Choice
An ESD-capable material does not define the finished printed part. Electrical requirements, manufacturing route, interfaces and verification still need to be considered for components used around sensitive electronics.
Industrial Manufacturing · Aerospace
How to Calculate Automated 3D Inspection Cell Cycle Time
An automated inspection cell can finish scanning while the inspected component remains clamped. Cycle time runs until the fixture is free for the next production load.
Industrial Manufacturing
SLA Investment Casting Patterns: Replacing Wax Tooling for Low-Volume and Changing Parts
D2M helps manufacturers assess where SLA casting patterns can remove dedicated wax-pattern tooling from selected investment casting programmes. The established foundry sequence remains in place after pattern production.
Industrial Manufacturing · Automotive
When UAS Requirements Change, Production Has to Change With Them
Small UAS configurations can change faster than conventional tooling can economically follow. See where SAF can support suitable changing polymer component families.
Aerospace · Defense