Infinite-Build turns 3D printing on its side

Stratasys has demonstrated next generation manufacturing technologies as part of its SHAPING WHAT’S NEXT vision for manufacturing. SHAPING WHAT’S NEXT builds on Stratasys’ industrial FDM 3D printing expertise to respond to the needs of challenging applications, addressing manufacturers’ needs to rapidly produce strong parts ranging in size from an automobile armrest to an entire aircraft interior panel.

The Infinite-Build 3D Demonstrator features a revolutionary approach to FDM extrusion that increases throughput and repeatability. The system turns the traditional 3D printer concept on its side to realise an "infinite-build" approach which prints on a vertical plane for practically unlimited part size in the build direction.

Boeing has played an influential role in defining the requirements and specifications for the demonstrator, and is currently using an Infinite-Build 3D Demonstrator to produce low volume, lightweight parts.

“We made a strategic decision more than a decade ago to work closely with Stratasys on this technology,” said Darryl Davis, president, Boeing Phantom Works. “We are always looking for ways to reduce the cost and weight of aircraft structures, or reduce the time it takes to prototype and test new tools and products.”

Ford is also exploring innovative automotive manufacturing applications for this demonstrator. Ford and Stratasys will work together to test and develop new applications for automotive-grade 3D printed materials that were not previously possible due to limited size, enabling and accelerating innovative automotive product design.

Mike Whitens, director, vehicle enterprise sciences, Ford Research & Advanced Engineering. “Our vision at Ford is to make high-speed, high-quality printing of automotive-grade parts a reality. We are excited about the future opportunities that the scalable and versatile Infinite-Build concept can unlock, and look forward to collaborating with Stratasys to help achieve our goals.”