Fortus

Fortus
Name	Fortus
Caption	Fortus 3D printer series
Manufacturer	Stratasys
Introduced	2000s
Type	Fused Deposition Modeling 3D printer
Media	Thermoplastic filaments (e.g., ABS, PC, ULTEM)

Fortus is a family of industrial additive manufacturing systems developed for rapid prototyping and production-grade thermoplastic parts. The line is noted for high-temperature extrusion, dimensional accuracy, and materials versatility, and has been adopted across aerospace, automotive, medical, and tooling sectors. Fortus systems integrate hardware, materials science, and software workflows to support serial production, certification, and enterprise deployment.

Etymology

The name Fortus was introduced by Stratasys as a brand for its class of high-performance fused deposition systems. The branding strategy paralleled other industry names such as RepRap and MakerBot while signaling differentiation from earlier Stratasys products like the Forte (not to be confused). Fortus references have been used in product literature alongside material names such as ULTEM and partnerships with firms like Boeing and General Motors.

History

Fortus emerged in the late 1990s and 2000s amid rapid evolution in additive manufacturing led by companies such as Stratasys, 3D Systems, and academic initiatives at institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of Texas. Early Fortus models evolved from proprietary fused deposition modeling approaches pioneered by S. Scott Crump and commercialized through Stratasys following developments in patents and licensing. The product line expanded alongside materials development by suppliers including Sabic, Covestro, and DSM who formulated engineering thermoplastics for high-temperature extrusion. Major adopters included aerospace contractors such as BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman, as well as automotive manufacturers such as Ford Motor Company and Tesla, Inc., which used Fortus systems in prototyping and tooling programs. Over successive generations Fortus integrated control systems influenced by industrial automation vendors like Siemens and Rockwell Automation and software ecosystems including Siemens NX and Autodesk Inventor.

Design and Features

Fortus systems are based on fused deposition modeling concepts originally developed in the 1980s; their architecture emphasizes enclosed build chambers, heated build plates, and dual-extrusion head options. Key components and design choices parallel technologies used by suppliers such as Stratasys itself and competitors like EOS and HP Inc.. Fortus machines feature high-temperature extruders capable of processing polymers such as ULTEM 9085, Nylon 12, and Polycarbonate variants supplied by companies like Sabic and RTP Company. Motion control and gantry systems leverage linear rail technologies found in industrial robots from ABB and KUKA for repeatability. Software toolchains for Fortus integrate with CAD and PLM platforms including PTC Creo, Siemens Teamcenter, and Dassault Systèmes products to manage build preparation, nesting, and job scheduling. Fortus printers support soluble and breakaway support strategies compatible with post-processing equipment from firms like Stratasys and third-party vendors such as PostProcess Technologies.

Variants and Models

The Fortus family includes multiple models tailored to different build volumes and feature sets. Examples of product tiers mirror market segmentation similar to Stratasys FDM 2000 series and Stratasys F370—entry, mid, and large-format. Notable Fortus-class systems have been deployed in configurations comparable to machines from MakerBot Industries for prototyping and to industrial systems from EOS for end-use parts. Model differentiation focuses on build envelope, material support (e.g., high-performance polymers like PEEK and ULTEM 1010), and ancillary capabilities such as dual- and triple-extrusion heads. Service and support for models are often provided through regional partners including Hexagon AB-affiliated resellers and global service networks used by Siemens and GE Aviation.

Usage and Applications

Fortus systems serve applications across industries where high-strength, temperature-resistant thermoplastic parts are required. In aerospace, firms such as Boeing and Airbus have utilized Fortus-like systems for tooling, jigs, and limited flight components under certification frameworks involving agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration and European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Automotive companies including General Motors and Toyota employ Fortus machines for rapid tooling, functional prototypes, and limited production parts validated through supply chains involving Magna International and Denso. Medical device manufacturers and research hospitals such as Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins Hospital have used high-performance thermoplastic prints for surgical guides and fixtures, integrating regulatory pathways associated with Food and Drug Administration guidance. In industrial manufacturing, tooling houses and service bureaus like Protolabs and 3D Systems leverage Fortus-series capabilities for low-volume production and engineering-grade prototypes.

Market and Reception

Fortus-class systems compete in a market populated by 3D Systems, EOS, HP Inc., Markforged, and an ecosystem of regional suppliers. Industry analysts at firms like Gartner and IDC have tracked adoption trends showing growth in industrial additive manufacturing for production use, with Fortus products positioned for customers prioritizing materials breadth and repeatability. Reviews in trade publications such as Additive Manufacturing and Wired have highlighted Fortus strengths in material compatibility and build reliability while noting capital cost relative to desktop systems from MakerBot and Ultimaker BV. Procurement by large OEMs including Lockheed Martin and Rolls-Royce has reinforced Fortus-style systems in certified manufacturing workflows, while reseller networks and service bureaus continue to influence market penetration and lifecycle support.

Category:Additive manufacturing