The Stratasys F900 is a powerful and versatile 3D printer that offers exceptional build quality and a wide range of materials compatibility. Designed for demanding industrial applications, the F900 boasts impressive speed and precision, making it a top choice for prototyping, tooling, and production parts.
This review delves into the F900’s key features and performance, exploring its strengths and weaknesses. We’ll examine its build volume, print quality, material options, and user interface. We’ll also assess its reliability, maintenance requirements, and overall value for money.
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Our aim is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the Stratasys F900, helping you determine if it’s the right 3D printer for your needs. Whether you’re an engineer, designer, or manufacturer, this review will provide valuable insights into the F900’s capabilities and limitations.
We’ll also compare the F900 to other leading 3D printers in its class, examining its competitive advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, our goal is to equip you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about whether the Stratasys F900 is the right investment for your business or project.
| Name: | Stratasys F900 |
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| Rating: | 3.9 out of 5 stars |
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Stratasys F900: A Comprehensive Review
The Stratasys F900 is a high-performance Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printer that boasts impressive build volume, material compatibility, and print quality. Designed for professionals and businesses seeking reliable and accurate 3D printing solutions, the F900 offers a compelling combination of features and capabilities. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the F900’s key attributes, performance, software, and overall value proposition.
Build Volume and Material Compatibility: The F900 boasts a substantial build volume of 30.5″ x 24″ x 16″ (775mm x 610mm x 406mm), allowing for the printing of large and complex models. It supports a wide range of FDM materials, including ABS, ASA, PC, ULTEM, Nylon, and more. This extensive material compatibility provides users with the flexibility to choose the best material for their specific application.
Performance and Print Quality: The F900 utilizes Stratasys’ advanced FDM technology to deliver high-quality prints with excellent dimensional accuracy and surface finish. The machine’s precise control over temperature and extrusion rates contributes to its consistent and reliable performance. Users can expect smooth, detailed prints with minimal layer lines, making it suitable for demanding applications such as prototyping, tooling, and production parts.
Software and User Interface: The F900 integrates seamlessly with Stratasys’ GrabCAD Print software, a user-friendly platform for preparing and managing 3D printing projects. The software offers intuitive tools for slicing, nesting, and optimizing print jobs. It also provides advanced features such as support generation, build plate preparation, and material selection. The user interface is straightforward, making the F900 accessible to both novice and experienced users.
Reliability and Maintenance: Stratasys is known for its commitment to building robust and reliable 3D printers. The F900 embodies this reputation, offering a durable construction and dependable performance. The printer’s closed-loop system minimizes the risk of print failures and ensures consistent results. The F900 also benefits from Stratasys’ extensive support network, providing access to technical assistance, maintenance services, and spare parts.
Cost and Value for Money: The Stratasys F900 is a significant investment, catering to businesses and professionals with demanding 3D printing needs. However, its high build volume, material compatibility, and excellent print quality justify the price for users seeking a robust and reliable solution. The F900’s long-term value lies in its ability to streamline workflows, reduce prototyping times, and improve product development processes.
Applications and Use Cases: The F900 is a versatile 3D printer suitable for a wide range of applications, including:
- Prototyping: Rapidly create functional prototypes for testing and evaluation.
- Tooling: Produce durable and accurate molds, jigs, and fixtures.
- Production Parts: Manufacture small-batch production parts with high precision.
- Education and Research: Support hands-on learning and research projects.
Comparison with Competitors: The Stratasys F900 competes with other high-performance FDM 3D printers in its price range. Its strengths lie in its large build volume, extensive material compatibility, and proven reliability. Compared to competitors, the F900 offers a comprehensive solution with a focus on both performance and user-friendliness.
Pros:
- Large build volume
- Wide material compatibility
- High print quality
- Reliable and durable construction
- User-friendly software
- Comprehensive support network
Cons:
- High initial investment cost
- Requires dedicated space and infrastructure
Conclusion: The Stratasys F900 is an impressive FDM 3D printer that excels in build volume, material compatibility, print quality, and reliability. It’s an excellent choice for professionals and businesses seeking a robust and versatile solution for demanding 3D printing applications. While its initial cost is significant, the F900 delivers long-term value through its consistent performance, extensive material support, and ability to streamline workflows. Ultimately, the decision to invest in the F900 depends on your specific needs and budget.
Introduction: Unveiling the Stratasys F900
The Stratasys F900 is a robust, industrial-grade 3D printer designed to deliver high-performance, precise parts for demanding applications. It’s part of the Fortus line, known for its reliability and production-ready capabilities, making it a popular choice for manufacturing, engineering, and research organizations. The F900 is a fused deposition modeling (FDM) printer, using a thermoplastic filament material to build parts layer by layer, offering exceptional dimensional accuracy, strong mechanical properties, and detailed surface finishes.
Designed for high-throughput production, the F900 boasts an impressive build volume and a wide range of compatible materials. Its closed-loop system ensures precise temperature control, contributing to consistent and predictable part quality. The printer’s intuitive software and user interface make operation and maintenance straightforward, while its robust construction ensures years of reliable performance.
Beyond its technical specifications, the F900 is noteworthy for its versatility. It can handle complex geometries, intricate details, and demanding materials, making it suitable for a wide array of applications. Whether you’re prototyping functional prototypes, creating production-ready parts, or researching advanced materials, the F900 has the power and precision to meet your needs.
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Key Features and Specifications
The Stratasys F900 is a high-performance, industrial-grade 3D printer designed for demanding manufacturing and prototyping applications. It boasts a range of impressive features and specifications that make it a compelling choice for businesses seeking advanced additive manufacturing capabilities.
Build Volume and Material Compatibility:
The F900 offers a generous build volume of 1000 x 600 x 600 mm (39.4 x 23.6 x 23.6 inches), providing ample space for large-scale prints. This printer is compatible with a wide range of Stratasys Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) materials, including ABS, ASA, PC, ULTEM 9085, and Nylon 12. This diverse material selection allows users to produce parts with a variety of properties, such as high strength, chemical resistance, and temperature tolerance.
Performance and Print Quality:
The F900 features a robust build platform and a precise, high-speed print head that enables fast and accurate printing. Its advanced FDM technology delivers exceptional layer resolution, resulting in high-quality prints with fine details and smooth surface finishes. The printer’s closed-loop system ensures consistent temperature control, minimizing warping and other printing defects.
Software and User Interface:
The F900 is compatible with Stratasys’s GrabCAD Print software, which offers a user-friendly interface for preparing and managing print jobs. The software provides advanced features for slicing, nesting, and optimizing print parameters for optimal results. It also allows for easy collaboration and sharing of print files with other users.
Reliability and Maintenance:
The F900 is built for reliability and is designed for continuous operation in demanding industrial environments. Its robust construction and advanced features minimize the risk of downtime and ensure consistent performance. The printer’s modular design simplifies maintenance and reduces repair costs.
Cost and Value for Money:
The Stratasys F900 is a significant investment, but its high performance, large build volume, and material versatility justify the price for businesses that require advanced 3D printing capabilities. The printer’s ability to produce high-quality parts and reduce lead times can significantly enhance efficiency and profitability.
Applications and Use Cases:
The F900 is well-suited for a wide range of applications, including:
- Prototyping: Producing functional prototypes with intricate details and accurate dimensions.
- Manufacturing: Creating custom tools, jigs, fixtures, and other production aids.
- Aerospace: Printing parts with high strength and heat resistance for aircraft and spacecraft.
- Automotive: Producing prototypes and tooling for vehicle components.
- Medical: Creating custom implants, surgical guides, and other medical devices.
Comparison with Competitors:
The F900 is a leading contender in the industrial 3D printing market, offering a compelling combination of performance, build volume, and material compatibility. It stands out from competitors by offering a wide range of high-performance materials, advanced software features, and a robust construction designed for reliability.
The F900 offers a significant advantage for businesses seeking a powerful and versatile 3D printing solution. Its exceptional performance, extensive material compatibility, and robust design make it a valuable investment for industries demanding advanced additive manufacturing capabilities.
Build Volume and Material Compatibility
The Stratasys F900 boasts a generous build volume of 305 x 254 x 305 mm (12 x 10 x 12 inches), providing ample space for creating large and intricate parts. This expansive build area makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from prototypes and tooling to functional parts and even production runs.
The F900 is compatible with a variety of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) materials, including ABS, ASA, PC, ULTEM 9085, and Nylon. This diverse material selection allows users to tailor their prints to specific requirements, such as strength, durability, heat resistance, or chemical resistance.
For instance, ABS is a popular choice for prototyping due to its affordability and ease of use. ASA offers excellent weather resistance and UV stability, making it ideal for outdoor applications. PC provides high impact strength and heat resistance, making it suitable for demanding parts. ULTEM 9085 is known for its exceptional strength and heat resistance, making it suitable for aerospace and automotive applications. And Nylon offers high tensile strength and toughness, making it a good choice for functional parts.
The compatibility with various materials allows for a wide range of applications, making the F900 a versatile tool for manufacturers, designers, and engineers alike. Whether you need to create prototypes, tools, or functional parts, the F900 has the material and build volume to handle your needs.
Performance and Print Quality
The Stratasys F900 delivers exceptional performance and print quality, solidifying its position as a top-tier Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printer. Its robust build platform and precision-engineered components ensure consistent and accurate prints, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.
The F900 boasts a high-resolution print head capable of achieving layer thicknesses as low as 0.127 mm, resulting in incredibly detailed and smooth surfaces. This level of precision allows for the creation of intricate geometries, complex features, and fine details, making it suitable for prototyping, functional parts, and even high-quality models.
One of the standout features of the F900 is its ability to handle a diverse range of materials. The printer is compatible with various thermoplastic filaments, including ABS, ASA, PC, and Nylon, offering users the flexibility to choose the material best suited for their specific project requirements. This versatility makes the F900 an invaluable tool for engineers, designers, and manufacturers alike.
Furthermore, the F900 incorporates advanced features that enhance print quality and efficiency. These include a heated build chamber that reduces warping and improves dimensional accuracy, a closed-loop feedback system that monitors and adjusts the print process, and a powerful cooling fan that promotes faster part solidification.
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When it comes to print speed, the F900 excels. Its fast print speeds allow users to create prototypes and functional parts in a timely manner, accelerating product development cycles. Despite the high print speeds, the F900 maintains impressive print quality, ensuring that speed does not come at the expense of accuracy or detail.
The Stratasys F900‘s exceptional performance and print quality are a testament to its advanced engineering and meticulous design. It provides users with the tools they need to create high-quality parts with exceptional precision and detail, making it a reliable and versatile addition to any 3D printing workflow.
Software and User Interface
The Stratasys F900 boasts a user-friendly software and intuitive interface that makes it easy for both beginners and experienced users to get started. The machine utilizes Stratasys’ GrabCAD Print software, which offers a comprehensive set of features designed to streamline the 3D printing process.
GrabCAD Print provides a straightforward workflow that guides users through every stage of printing, from model preparation to print job management. The software offers a range of tools for slicing, support generation, and material selection, making it easy to optimize prints for desired outcomes. Additionally, GrabCAD Print enables users to monitor print progress in real-time, ensuring a seamless and efficient printing experience.
Furthermore, the software features a robust library of pre-configured settings for various Stratasys materials, simplifying the printing process for even complex materials. Users can also save and share custom settings, further enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of the system. The intuitive user interface provides an easy-to-navigate environment, with clear icons and menus that make it simple to access all necessary features and controls.
Overall, the Stratasys F900‘s software and user interface are designed to provide a user-friendly and efficient 3D printing experience, making it accessible for a wide range of users. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned professional, the intuitive interface and comprehensive features of GrabCAD Print ensure a seamless and enjoyable printing experience.
Reliability and Maintenance
The Stratasys F900 is renowned for its robust build and reliable performance. Built with industrial-grade components and a focus on uptime, it’s designed to handle demanding production environments. The machine boasts a sturdy frame and a well-engineered print head, minimizing the risk of mechanical failures.
Stratasys provides comprehensive support and maintenance packages to ensure your F900 operates flawlessly. Their service technicians are highly trained and experienced in resolving any issues that may arise. Additionally, the F900 features a user-friendly interface that simplifies maintenance tasks, allowing operators to monitor system health and perform routine maintenance with ease.
A key aspect of the F900’s reliability is its closed-loop system for temperature control. This ensures precise temperature management during the printing process, preventing warping and other issues that can compromise print quality. The machine also utilizes advanced sensors to monitor and adjust critical parameters, ensuring consistent results.
Furthermore, the F900 is equipped with a variety of safety features, including emergency stop buttons and automated safety protocols. These measures minimize the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of operators during operation.
While the F900 is designed for reliability, like any complex piece of machinery, it requires routine maintenance to maintain peak performance. Stratasys offers a variety of maintenance programs, including preventative maintenance plans, that can help you keep your F900 in optimal working condition.
Overall, the Stratasys F900 is a highly reliable 3D printer that is built to withstand the rigors of industrial production. Its robust design, comprehensive support, and user-friendly maintenance features make it a solid investment for businesses looking for a reliable and dependable 3D printing solution.
Cost and Value for Money
The Stratasys F900 is a high-end industrial 3D printer, and as you might expect, it comes with a hefty price tag. While the exact cost can vary based on configuration and options, you’re looking at a significant investment. However, it’s important to consider the value for money the F900 offers. This printer is designed for serious production applications, and its capabilities justify the cost for businesses that require:
- High-quality, durable parts: The F900 produces parts with excellent dimensional accuracy and surface finish, making it ideal for demanding applications like tooling, prototypes, and functional parts.
- Consistent and reliable production: With its robust build and advanced features, the F900 is built to deliver consistent and reliable production, minimizing downtime and ensuring high throughput.
- Material versatility: The F900 supports a wide range of engineering-grade materials, including ABS, ASA, PC, and PEEK, allowing you to choose the best material for your specific application.
- Scalability and automation: The F900 can be integrated into existing workflows and production lines, enabling seamless automation and increased efficiency.
While the upfront cost may seem high, the F900’s capabilities, reliability, and potential to enhance production processes can translate into significant long-term cost savings and increased revenue. The key is to evaluate your specific needs and determine if the F900’s advanced features and capabilities align with your production goals and budget.
Applications and Use Cases
The Stratasys F900 is a versatile 3D printer designed to meet the demands of various industries and applications. Its robust build volume, high-quality prints, and compatibility with a wide range of materials make it a valuable asset for:
Prototyping and Design:
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- Concept Modeling: The F900 allows for the rapid creation of prototypes, enabling designers to quickly test and iterate on their ideas. Its high resolution and accuracy ensure that prototypes closely resemble the final product.
- Functional Prototyping: Create functional prototypes with intricate details and complex geometries, allowing for testing of form, fit, and function before investing in costly tooling.
- Rapid Tooling: The F900 can produce molds and jigs for low-volume production, significantly reducing lead times and costs compared to traditional methods.
Manufacturing and Production:
- Tooling and Fixture Production: Create custom tooling and fixtures that are lightweight, durable, and precisely tailored to specific production needs.
- Direct Manufacturing: The F900 can directly manufacture end-use parts in various materials, enabling the production of complex geometries and customized designs.
- Low-Volume Production: Ideal for producing small batches of specialized parts or products requiring intricate designs or unique geometries.
Healthcare and Medical:
- Medical Devices and Models: Print anatomical models, surgical guides, and medical devices for training, planning, and patient-specific solutions.
- Prosthetics and Orthotics: Create personalized prosthetics and orthotics with precise fit and custom designs, enhancing patient comfort and functionality.
Education and Research:
- Hands-On Learning: The F900 provides a platform for students to gain practical experience in 3D printing and explore various design concepts.
- Research and Development: Enable researchers to fabricate prototypes, models, and test specimens for a wide range of applications, driving innovation and scientific discovery.
Other Applications:
- Automotive: Create prototypes, molds, and production-ready parts for automotive components, including interior and exterior designs.
- Aerospace: Produce lightweight and durable parts for aerospace applications, such as aircraft interiors, engine components, and satellite parts.
- Consumer Goods: Manufacture customized products, personalized accessories, and unique designs for various consumer applications.
The Stratasys F900 empowers organizations across diverse industries to bring their ideas to life, optimize production processes, and achieve greater efficiency and innovation through the power of additive manufacturing.
Comparison with Competitors
The Stratasys F900 is a high-end Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printer that caters to professional and industrial users. When comparing it to competitors, it’s crucial to consider its strengths and weaknesses in relation to similar machines.
Direct Competitors:
- Ultimaker S7: This printer offers a larger build volume than the F900 and is known for its user-friendly interface. However, the F900 excels in terms of print quality and precision, making it a better choice for demanding applications requiring intricate details.
- MakerBot METHOD X: The METHOD X boasts a high-performance printing experience with its dual extrusion system. While it offers a wide range of materials, the F900 still edges out in terms of overall build quality and material compatibility.
- 3D Systems ProJet 660Pro: This printer utilizes a different technology (PolyJet) which produces high-resolution prototypes with smooth surface finishes. However, the F900 offers superior strength and durability, making it a more suitable choice for functional parts.
Strengths of the F900 in Comparison:
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- Material Selection: The F900’s vast material library offers a wider range of options, including engineering-grade thermoplastics, which are crucial for producing durable and robust parts.
- Print Quality and Precision: The F900 boasts superior print quality and precision thanks to its advanced printing technology and precise control over temperature and flow rate.
- Reliability and Durability: Stratasys has a reputation for building reliable and durable machines. The F900 is designed for high-volume production and demanding applications, ensuring consistent results.
Considerations When Comparing:
- Cost: The F900 is priced higher than many of its competitors. While its features and capabilities justify the price for professional users, it might be out of reach for small businesses and hobbyists.
- Complexity: The F900 requires a higher level of technical expertise to operate effectively compared to some simpler machines.
Conclusion:
The Stratasys F900 is a powerful and versatile 3D printer that excels in delivering high-quality prints with a wide range of materials. While its price point might be a factor for some, its capabilities and reliability make it a solid choice for professionals and industries requiring precision, durability, and advanced material options. When comparing it to competitors, the F900 stands out as a top-tier machine offering a balanced blend of performance, reliability, and material compatibility for demanding applications.
Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional print quality: The F900 delivers incredibly high-resolution prints with exceptional detail and smooth surface finishes. This is due to its advanced Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology and precise control over the extrusion process.
- Large build volume: The F900 boasts a significant build volume, allowing you to print larger and more complex parts compared to smaller 3D printers. This makes it ideal for producing prototypes, functional parts, and even production-ready components.
- Material versatility: The F900 is compatible with a wide range of engineering-grade thermoplastics, including ABS, PC, Nylon, and PEEK. This versatility allows you to choose the best material for your specific application, ensuring optimal strength, durability, and performance.
- Reliable and robust: Stratasys is known for its robust and reliable 3D printers, and the F900 is no exception. It features a durable build, high-quality components, and a well-designed print head that ensures consistent performance.
- Ease of use: While the F900 is a powerful and sophisticated machine, it’s surprisingly user-friendly. The intuitive software interface, comprehensive documentation, and helpful online resources make it easy to get started and operate effectively.
- Strong community support: Stratasys has a dedicated community of users and support resources available online, providing access to troubleshooting guides, tutorials, and peer-to-peer assistance.
Cons:
- High initial cost: The F900 is a premium 3D printer with a hefty price tag. It’s a significant investment, which may be a barrier for some users, especially small businesses and individuals with limited budgets.
- High running costs: Along with the high initial cost, the F900 also incurs high operating expenses. These include the cost of materials, maintenance, and consumables.
- Large footprint: The F900 requires a considerable amount of space due to its size and the need for adequate ventilation. This might be a limiting factor for those with limited workshop or studio space.
- Limited color options: While the F900 offers a range of materials, the color options for these materials are somewhat limited compared to other 3D printers. This might be a drawback for users who require a wide variety of colors in their prints.
- Specialized maintenance requirements: Due to its complexity, the F900 may require specialized maintenance and service, which can be expensive. You might need to rely on trained technicians for certain repairs and troubleshooting.
Conclusion: Is the Stratasys F900 Right for You?
The Stratasys F900 is a powerful and versatile 3D printer that offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and reliability. Its large build volume, wide range of material compatibility, and excellent print quality make it an ideal choice for a variety of applications, from prototyping and tooling to functional parts and end-use products. However, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget before making a decision. If you require a high-performance 3D printer with a large build volume and the ability to print with a wide range of materials, the F900 is an excellent investment. However, if your needs are more modest or you are on a tighter budget, there may be other options available. Ultimately, the best way to determine if the Stratasys F900 is right for you is to carefully consider your specific requirements and compare it to other available options.
In conclusion, the Stratasys F900 is a powerful and versatile 3D printer that delivers exceptional quality and performance. Its large build volume, robust construction, and advanced features make it an ideal choice for professionals and manufacturers seeking high-precision prototypes, functional parts, and complex designs.
The F900’s ability to handle a wide range of materials, including ABS, ASA, PC, and ULTEM, allows users to create parts with diverse properties, making it suitable for a vast array of applications. Furthermore, the integrated FDM technology ensures accurate layer deposition and precise dimensional control, resulting in highly detailed and functional prototypes.
The F900’s user-friendly interface, comprehensive software suite, and remote monitoring capabilities enhance its ease of use and streamline the printing process. Its reliable performance and consistent results make it a valuable asset for any production environment.
Overall, the Stratasys F900 stands as a premium 3D printer that excels in delivering high-quality prints with unmatched precision and versatility. Its advanced features, robust construction, and extensive material compatibility make it a compelling choice for professionals seeking a powerful and reliable 3D printing solution.
Mohammed 
Reem