Stratasys is a manufacturer of 3D printers, software, and materials for polymer additive manufacturing as well as 3D-printed parts on-demand.
As a leading manufacturer of 3D printers, what are the most prevalent use cases for your solutions?
The applications for 3D printing and additive manufacturing are nearly limitless, but Stratasys is particularly focused on aerospace and defense, automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods, including fashion. In addition, we're strongly invested in education, as it's crucial for future engineers to understand how to design specifically for additive manufacturing. Without that knowledge, the advantages of this technology can’t be fully realized. We focus on areas where additive manufacturing truly excels, such as customization and personalization, which are difficult to achieve with traditional methods. The technology is also ideal for low-volume production and creating complex geometries that conventional methods can’t handle, especially in sectors like aerospace, automotive, and medical devices. Furthermore, it offers a more sustainable solution with lower energy consumption, which is critical today.
As an example, how does your 3D printing aid the aerospace industry in the U.S.?
In aerospace, one major application is distributed manufacturing. We’re working with the U.S. Navy to place large 3D printers worldwide, enabling precise on-site production of spare parts. This prevents planes from being grounded and ensures they can be back in the air quickly. The challenge is ensuring consistent quality no matter where the part is printed, and Stratasys excels in delivering that reliability. Another area is UAVs and drones, where weight reduction is key.
We’ve helped customers reduce drone weight by 50%, doubling their range and performance. We’re also consolidating parts in aircraft interiors, streamlining production and reducing weight, which directly improves efficiency and reduces downtime for aircraft.
Where is additive manufacturing making most of an impact in automotive?
In automotive, one of the most successful applications is tooling, jigs, and fixtures. We have helped manufacturers reduce costs and production times by replacing traditional aluminum tools with lighter carbon fiber alternatives through additive manufacturing. This reduces tool weight by up to 50%, leading to significant cost savings and improved efficiency on the production floor. Although we are just beginning to disrupt this space, the potential is enormous. The ability to produce tools in hours or days instead of months is revolutionary for automotive production lines. This shift will reshape how the industry approaches manufacturing and tool production.
Regarding your product lines like the Fortus 450 and Neo 800, what are the key technological advancements with each iteration?
The most critical focus for us is driving adoption of these technologies. While the machines are powerful, manufacturing businesses can be slow to adapt because they are accustomed to methods that work. Reliability and ease of use are our top priorities, and the Neo series is being adopted by industries like Formula 1, where teams have attributed performance improvements to our technology. We are constantly expanding material options, which is key to opening new applications. Speed improvements are also a focus—our new F3300 machine has increased speed by 80%, reducing the cost per part and improving efficiency. As we continue to improve reliability, speed, and material versatility, we’re setting new standards in additive manufacturing.
Looking ahead, where do you see Stratasys and the industry in three to five years?
In the next few years, we expect significant disruption in key industries, especially aerospace and defense. Current conflicts like those in Ukraine have highlighted the need for quick, localized production, and additive manufacturing is perfectly suited to meet that demand. This will transform how defense operations and supply chains are managed, providing faster response times and greater sustainability. Healthcare is another sector where we expect major advancements. Our new InterJet XM machine will revolutionize dental prosthetics with a fully digital workflow, cutting costs and improving patient outcomes. In surgery, anatomical models and surgical guides will become the norm, improving success rates and reducing recovery times. Stratasys is positioning itself to lead these transformations in both aerospace and healthcare.
Is there an inflection point where more consumer goods will be 3D printed?
Consumer goods are highly sensitive to cost, but we’re focused on reducing material costs and increasing automation to make 3D-printed goods more affordable. Right now, 3D printing in fashion is cutting-edge, with innovations like shirts that provide feedback on body posture, but we’re working diligently to make these products more accessible.
What are the next steps for Stratasys, and what milestones are you aiming to achieve?
The next steps are focused on scaling the major applications we’ve identified—like dentures and medical devices—into mainstream manufacturing. In healthcare, for instance, 3D printing is set to become the standard for producing dental prosthetics and complex surgical guides. Scaling these applications will transform industries. We are also working on reducing material costs and ensuring engineers have the necessary knowledge to use our technology. By offering a comprehensive package—combining hardware, software, and materials—Stratasys is leading the way in additive manufacturing. The focus is on driving adoption and transforming industries by providing reliable, cost-effective solutions for large-scale production.
