Why use FORTUS systems to produce end-use parts?
For low-volume manufacturing, traditional methods of making production parts are evolving. Instead of machining parts or cutting a tool for molding, direct digital manufacturing (DDM) is a cost-effective and simpler alternative. Now the production process can start as soon as the part’s CAD file is sent to an additive fabrication machine.

Although the part aesthetics are different from an injection-molded part, accuracy and strength are comparable.

Why manufacture parts with FORTUS systems vs. traditional methods?

Reduce Time 

• No waiting for machining or tooling 
• On-the-fly design changes and enhancements can be made during production cycles 
• Just in time inventory possible

Reduce Cost

• No machining or tooling costs 
• Customers realize ROI after just a few jobs
• Reduced inventory requirements — components can be made on demand 

When does it make sense to use FORTUS systems for Direct Digital Manufacturing?

• Low production volume
• Complex part design prevents you from traditional manufacturing 
• High start-up investment 
• Need for production to begin before tooling is ready (bridge tooling or bridge-to-manufacturing) 
• Near-term design changes are probable 

How does a FORTUS system produce parts? 
Fortus systems employ FDM technology, which is simple and safe, and can produce production-grade parts that are ready for installation in your product. By offering the most sophisticated technology, the largest build envelope and maximum throughput of any additive fabrication system, Fortus offers unprecedented capabilities for low-volume manufacturing applications.

1. Pre-Process - Load the part’s STL file (CAD data) into Insight file pre-processing software. 
2. Manufacture Parts - System builds part in thermoplastic material one layer at a time on precise tool paths. 
3. Remove Supports - Remove temporary support structures in a hands-free soluble support tank.
   The part can now be installed.
   Optional - Finishing techniques like painting, electroplating, and wood grain dipping can be applied to make a part fit into any application.   

Customers who are manufacturing production parts with their Fortus systems. 

Using Fortus systems, Script Pro saves 79 percent of cost of creating key component of pill dispensing systems.
Script Pro’s Fortus system paid for itself within months as it eliminated costly tooling and machining for a highly customized part. Plus, stock can be created in days and changes made on the spot, to better meet customer needs. For just one part alone, $30,000 was saved on engineering time and tooling. 

Read Case Study |  Download PDF   

Klock Werks produced custom bike parts in 5 days, reducing production time 82%.
Klock Werks Kustom Cycles used direct digital manufacturing with Fortus  to make custom end-use motorcycle parts directly from CAD files without tooling. The parts were strong and accurate enough for permanent use on the bike, saving $13,000 and three weeks.
Read Case Study  |  Download PDF 

NorSap produces 25 components for oil rigger using direct digital manufacturing.
This marine equipment manufacturer found Fortus prototypes durable and attractive enough to be used as production parts. Their unusual looking designs typically required injection molding; however, 70 percent of parts produced today are now used for production.  

Read Case Study  |  Download PDF   

FDM plays critical role in winning design for University of Central Florida team.
While the student team had a fantastic design entry in the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Competition, the complex geometry and need for load-bearing strength rendered it prohibitively expensive. A direct digital manufactured frame was created and swept the competition.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.
Creating a streamlined, durable tracker used to be a challenging prospect, given the subject and unusual conditions, but Fortus systems provides the accuracy, strength and flexibility needed for innovative designs that can withstand the rigors of being a mile below sea level on the back of a whale.

Read Case Study | Download PDF