Stratasys

Stratasys is a leading American-Israeli manufacturer of 3D printing and additive manufacturing systems. The company is renowned for pioneering and commercializing fused deposition modeling technology, a foundational process in the industry. With a broad portfolio of systems, materials, and software, it serves diverse sectors including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer products. Headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, with additional offices and facilities worldwide, Stratasys plays a central role in the global advanced manufacturing landscape.

History

The company was founded in 1989 by Scott Crump, who invented the fused deposition modeling process, and his wife Lisa Crump. Its early growth was fueled by the commercialization of this technology, leading to an initial public offering on the NASDAQ in 1994. A major expansion occurred in 2012 with the landmark merger with Objet Ltd., an Israeli company known for its PolyJet photopolymer technology, which created a combined entity with one of the industry's broadest technology portfolios. Subsequent strategic acquisitions have included MakerBot in 2013, a leader in the desktop 3D printing market, and GrabCAD in 2014, a platform for engineering collaboration. In 2023, Stratasys entered into a proposed merger agreement with Desktop Metal, aiming to create a comprehensive additive manufacturing solutions provider, though the deal was later terminated.

Technology

Stratasys's core technologies encompass several key additive manufacturing processes. Fused deposition modeling involves heating and extruding thermoplastic filaments through a nozzle to build parts layer by layer, known for its strength and durability with materials like ABS and ULTEM. The PolyJet process, originating from Objet Ltd., jets liquid photopolymer resins onto a build platform where they are instantly cured by UV light, enabling high-resolution, multi-material, and full-color parts. The company also offers Selective Absorption Fusion technology for powder-based nylon parts and Stereolithography systems. These processes are supported by a vast library of proprietary materials, including engineering-grade thermoplastics, digital materials, and biocompatible resins for applications in fields like the Food and Drug Administration-regulated medical sector.

Products

The company's product lineup is segmented by technology and application. Its Fused deposition modeling series includes industrial workhorses like the Fortus series and the F770, designed for large, durable prototypes and production tools. The PolyJet portfolio features systems such as the J5 MediJet for medical modeling and the J850 Prime for multi-material, full-color applications. For concept modeling and education, it offers the Origin One and various MakerBot desktop printers. A critical component of its ecosystem is the GrabCAD software platform, which provides workflow management, print preparation tools like GrabCAD Print, and a community for sharing Computer-aided design files. The company also produces a wide array of specialized 3D printing materials for each technology platform.

Applications

Stratasys systems are utilized across a wide spectrum of industries for both prototyping and end-use part production. In aerospace, companies like Boeing and Airbus use the technology for lightweight ducting, custom tooling, and cabin interior components. The automotive industry employs it for functional prototypes, jigs, fixtures, and custom parts for vehicles in Formula One and consumer markets. Within healthcare, applications include surgical guides, anatomical models for pre-surgical planning from CT scan data, and dental aligners. Other key uses are in the consumer goods sector for product design validation, the architecture field for detailed scale models, and the entertainment industry for props and character models in films produced by studios like Industrial Light & Magic.

Business and operations

Stratasys operates as a global organization with dual headquarters in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA and Rehovot, Israel. It go-to-market strategy involves a direct sales force and a network of value-added resellers across the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. The company maintains manufacturing and research facilities in several countries, including the United States, Israel, and Germany. It competes directly with other major players in the additive manufacturing industry such as 3D Systems, HP Inc., and EOS GmbH. Financially, it is publicly traded on the NASDAQ and its performance is closely watched as an indicator of health within the broader industrial technology sector. Strategic partnerships, such as those with Siemens for digital manufacturing integration, are central to its operations.