Stratasys and Siemens join forces to incorporate 3D printing into volume production

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Stratasys Robotic Composite 3D Demonstrator unveils a hybrid approach for automated composite part production that breaks the print-by-layer mindset and enables the full value of additive manufacturing to be applied to high value composite structures making them lighter than ever before.
Image credit: Stratasys

Stratasys and Siemens have announced a formal partnership to integrate Siemens’ Digital Factory solutions with Stratasys’ additive manufacturing solutions.

Stratasys Robotic Composite 3D Demonstrator unveils a hybrid approach for automated composite part production that breaks the print-by-layer mindset and enables the full value of additive manufacturing to be applied to high value composite structures making them lighter than ever before.
Image credit: Stratasys

The partnership complements recent announcements of new Stratasys and Siemens’ solutions for additive manufacturing and is intended to lay the foundation for their shared vision of incorporating additive manufacturing into aerospace, automotive, transportation, energy and industrial tooling.

The two companies have been collaborating on a number of projects including the direct link from Siemens’ NX™ software for CAD/CAM/CAE to Stratasys’ GrabCAD Print platform and the recently previewed Stratasys Robotic Composite 3D Demonstrator that 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 mindset 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.

“We are committed to the industrialisation of additive manufacturing with all of its unique advantages, including complex part geometries, on-demand production and mass customisation. 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.”

Dan Yalon, Executive Vice President, Products, Stratasys said although additive manufacturing technology has made great strides over the past few years it has yet to penetrate volume production environments and become as commonplace as CNC.

He said the partnership between Stratasys and Siemens intends to address the shortcomings of additive manufacturing to make sure it delivers robust, repeatable and reliable operational performance with predictable properties across a broad portfolio of materials that are certifiable for specific applications and that are driven by a seamless, digital integration from design to production.

“With our complete 3D printing ecosystem of customer applications, hardware and software platforms, advanced material offerings and consulting services, Stratasys is uniquely positioned to help manufacturers leverage 3D printing to transform their business models,” Mr Yalon added.

“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. We believe that the impact on production practices will begin sooner rather than later with the aerospace, automotive and factory tooling industries expected to benefit first.”