Stratasys and Siemens have today announced a formal partnership to integrate the former’s additive manufacturing solutions with the latter’s Digital Factory solutions.
The partnership is intended to lay the foundation for the two companies to fulfil their shared vision of incorporating additive manufacturing into the traditional manufacturing workflow. Their aim is to help additive manufacturing become a universally recognised production practice which can benefit multiple industries, including aerospace, automotive and energy.
This announcement comes after Siemens recently announced end-to-end solution, which integrates digital design, simulation and data management with conventional and additive manufacturing.
Stratasys and Siemens have recently been collaborating on a number of projects. These included the direct link from Siemens’ NX software for CAD/CAM/CAE to Stratasys’ GrabCAD Print platform, which enables a seamless design-to-3D print workflow, and the Stratasys Robotic Composite 3D Demonstrator. The Composite 3D Demonstrator incorporates Siemens’ product lifecycle management (PLM) software and its motion control and CNC automation technologies, to produce strong, lightweight performance parts.
“Siemens is enthusiastic about this partnership with Stratasys and the opportunity to help our customers adopt a new manufacturing mind-set that we believe will result in better products produced more economically and delivered more efficiently,” said Zvi Feuer, SVP Manufacturing Engineering Software, Siemens PLM Software. “This relationship helps set the course for continued innovation and leadership through the tight integration of our product lines and through collaboration on comprehensive additive manufacturing solutions.”
While additive manufacturing technology has continually developed over the years, additional criteria are required if it is to take its place in volume production environment and become as commonplace as CNC. Working in cohesion, Stratasys and Siemens plan to further advance AM
“Stratasys is excited to formalise our partnership with Siemens and views it as a major catalyst for the industrialisation of additive manufacturing. Together, our companies are joining forces to create a cohesive, best-of-breed technology foundation that enables large-scale manufacturers to enjoy the benefits of additive manufacturing in traditional production environments.”
Meanwhile, Stratasys have also introduced the next generation of their Fortus 3D printer series. The Fortus 900mc is a robust FDM Production printer built for functional prototyping, manufacturing aids, tooling and short-run direct digital manufacturing. This new generation maintains the industry’s leading accuracy and reliability, while comprising additional key features and certifications. The 3D printer allows for improved use along with a rapid installation process that saves time for the users.
Along with the unveiling of the new printing system, Stratasys’ FDM Nylon 6 material is now available. Additionally, the 3D printing solutions company have announced the global availability of GrabCAD Print software, which offers wide-ranging compatibility with the company’s FDM 3D Printers.
Stratasys, as well as Siemens, are showcasing their additive manufacturing solutions at the formnext exhibition currently taking place in Frankfurt. Stratasys’ Robotic Composite 3D Demonstrator is being featured in a unique virtual 3D printing experience at the Stratasys booth, Hall 3.1, Stand H40. Meanwhile, Siemens is demonstrating its end-to-end additive manufacturing software solution along with its scalable hardware platform for motion control and relevant manufacturing processes in Hall 3.1, Stand J20.