For many years, industrial-grade 3D printers have been implemented in manufacturing enterprises for the mass production of end-use parts. However, 3D printing at this level also requires new operational capabilities in the software area, such as the ability to manage a large number of 3D printers in multiple locations, monitor print quality, automate material management, and integrate with a range of departments within the organization. Traditional manufacturing solutions aren’t designed for additive workflows that are digitally native, highly flexible, and location-independent.
Stratasys today unveiled the GrabCAD Additive Manufacturing Platform, an open source software that enables industrial companies to manage additive manufacturing on an industrial scale. It has been specifically designed to meet the unique needs of additive manufacturing across the entire digital process – from design to manufacturing.
The GrabCAD AM platform integrates GrabCAD applications and third party software partners, enabling bi-directional connectivity between 3D printers, additive manufacturing and enterprise applications, and the wider Industry 4.0 infrastructure.
The platform includes:
In addition to proprietary applications, the platform is open to any software vendor that meets the requirements, such as references and performance tests, through an SDK license fee. Stratasys has added over a dozen partners since the beginning of 2021, including AMFG, Teton Simulation and Link3D.
As of October 2021, the GrabCAD AM platform has over 38,000 application users and 20,000 registered 3D printers. It processes 35 gigabytes of data streams per day and is operated by a global team of over 100 developers.
Source: Stratasys press materials