Stratasys Announces New F123 Series 3D Printer at SolidWorks World 2017
While it is a CAD software focused event, SOLIDWORKS World is rapidly becoming one of the most important yearly appointments for 3D printing innovation as well, especially for industry leader Stratasys. The company used this platform to announce its first multi-color platform and it is now present at the 2017 edition to announce the disruptive F123 series: a low cost, high quality 3D printer series leveraging on advanced and professional Stratasys FDM technology.
The F123 series includes 3 different systems: the F100, F200 and F300. The systems vary according to print volume (see image below) and supported materials, with all systems supporting PLA, ABS and ASA and the F370 being the only one capable of using the PC-ABS.
Designer Price Point
The new machines position themselves above the entry level Mojo (which is now only commercialized in the US market) and UPrint and below the industrial Fortus systems. The price is expected to start at just below $19,ooo but that will be confirmed by Stratasys during the SolidWorks presentation.
The new F123 systems are intended for design studios. They have been optimized to be extremely plug and play thanks to over 15 new patents and 43 existing patents. The naturally support mobile systems for monitoring the print process and command remotely.
Beta users have confirmed that from unboxing to printing the time required is just 30 minutes. The entire process unpacking the system and plugging into a regular socket. The software is immediately downloaded and set up via web (ethernet or wi-fi). Printing can commence immediately after.
At the same time, they are meant to be elegant in stylish in their appearance while assuring smooth operation and reliable when it comes changing materials or washing away the supports
GrabCAD Print-Ready
The F123 systems can also leverage the powerful new GrabCAD print build software. Which automatically splits up any object into each of its components and optimizes the set up on the print plate.
GrabCAD Print also supports native printing from most CAD software, including SolidWorks. It is not by chance that Stratasys waited for SOLIDWORKS World to present it to the world.
