Stratasys Streamlines Additive Manufacturing with GrabCAD Enhancements
The future of additive manufacturing just got a whole lot smarter, greener, and more efficient. Stratasys has unveiled significant enhancements to its popular GrabCAD Print™ and GrabCAD Print Pro™ software.
These updates are designed to boost productivity, streamline workflows, and integrate sustainability features across all five of Stratasys’ core 3D printing technologies. For manufacturers looking to elevate their processes, this could be a game-changer.
Let’s delve into what these updates bring to the table and why they matter to the industry’s future.
Emissions Estimations for Carbon-Conscious Manufacturing
In an era where sustainability is no longer just a buzzword but a business imperative, Stratasys’ latest software upgrade addresses this head-on. The company has integrated emissions estimation tools into GrabCAD Print Pro, allowing users to calculate and optimise the carbon footprint of each print job.
Now, manufacturers using FDM® technology printers can access precise CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent) estimates for their builds. The software takes into account factors such as print time, power consumption, and specific data from a facility’s location to produce accurate emissions reports. This empowers companies to align their operations with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) targets, meeting regulatory demands while optimising processes for a greener footprint.
“We’re committed to supporting our customers in their journey toward decarbonisation and responsible manufacturing,” stated Rosa Coblens, Vice President of Sustainability at Stratasys. “The emissions estimation tool is central to our Mindful Manufacturing approach, enabling customers to achieve measurable impacts while optimising their technology investments.”
As regulatory frameworks tighten around carbon emissions, this tool positions Stratasys at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing, helping companies future-proof their operations against rising compliance pressures.
Unified Workflow for All Core Technologies
One of the most exciting elements of this upgrade is the expanded availability of GrabCAD Print for the Neo® stereolithography (SLA) platform. Previously, each Stratasys technology had its own unique software requirements. But now, with GrabCAD Print supporting all five of Stratasys’ core technologies (FDM, PolyJet, SLA, P3, and SAF), users can streamline their entire workflow through one cohesive software platform.
For manufacturers juggling multiple 3D printing systems, this unification is a breath of fresh air. It allows for easier cross-platform management, ensuring that production lines are more efficient and less prone to errors due to software discrepancies.
“The availability of GrabCAD across all five Stratasys technologies gives us a significant competitive advantage,” said Rich Garrity, Chief Business Unit Officer at Stratasys. “Many of our customers utilise a variety of printers, and having one software package helps them seamlessly move between technologies.”
This software upgrade not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances print quality, thanks to features like advanced file management, intuitive support generation, and optimised print control—especially critical for intricate designs and high-precision parts.
New Era of Precision for Stereolithography
With the addition of GrabCAD Print Pro to the Neo® SLA printers, Stratasys has ensured that its customers can now access a unified software experience across different printing methods. This expansion enables the integration of Neo’s Titanium™ software within the GrabCAD ecosystem, offering SLA users advanced capabilities for model preparation, build optimisation, and post-processing.
The Neo integration is a major leap forward for companies relying on SLA for high-detail parts. Notably, Neo printers are now equipped with free print preparation capabilities, making it easier to manage complex builds without investing in additional software solutions. This aligns with Stratasys’ mission to democratise access to high-quality additive manufacturing technology.
Driving Efficiency with Enhanced Material Support and Workflow Features
Stratasys has gone the extra mile with its latest GrabCAD Print Pro enhancements. Users now benefit from:
- Expanded material compatibility: Greater support for diverse polymers means more flexibility in design and production.
- Advanced control features: These include the new Split feature, which allows users to prepare complex models with greater ease, and optimised anchor placements for Origin DLP printers, enhancing support structure accuracy.
These improvements provide manufacturers with even more precision, enabling them to produce better-quality parts in less time. The addition of such granular control features aligns with industry demands for faster, more efficient prototyping and production processes.
A Strategic Approach to Additive Technology
Stratasys has long been a leader in pushing the envelope when it comes to additive manufacturing, and the enhancements to GrabCAD Print are a testament to its forward-thinking ethos. By integrating sustainability features, expanding software support, and enhancing user control, the company is doubling down on its commitment to Mindful Manufacturing—a holistic approach that balances productivity with environmental responsibility.
“Our GrabCAD Print software is not just about enhancing print quality; it’s about enabling manufacturers to achieve their ESG goals,” added Coblens. “We’re helping customers drive decarbonisation efforts while ensuring that their production processes are future-ready.”
For industries ranging from aerospace to automotive and healthcare, these updates are a win-win. They help manufacturers meet rising customer expectations for sustainable products while optimising their internal operations for cost and efficiency.
Stratasys has been a trailblazer in the 3D printing industry, offering cutting-edge solutions that span sectors like aerospace, consumer products, and healthcare. With a focus on connected 3D printers, advanced materials, and a robust software ecosystem, Stratasys empowers organisations to transform their design and manufacturing processes.
Shaping the Future of Manufacturing
In a world where agility, sustainability, and precision are non-negotiable, Stratasys’ enhancements to GrabCAD Print and Print Pro are timely. By providing manufacturers with the tools to cut emissions, streamline workflows, and optimise production, Stratasys is setting the stage for a new era in additive manufacturing.
The company’s continuous innovations demonstrate that when it comes to the future of production, the possibilities are truly limitless. For manufacturers looking to stay ahead of the curve, the message is clear: embrace technology, optimise for sustainability, and never stop evolving.
