Stratasys has launched its new F870, a large-format FDM system aimed directly at the factory floor. Unveiled on 9 September 2026, the printer is engineered for industrial manufacturers in sectors like automotive and aerospace seeking to produce large-scale tooling, fixtures, manufacturing aids, and end-use parts in-house.
The move signals a continued push by the additive manufacturing pioneer to shift its technology from a prototyping tool to a core component of production workflows.
Technical specifications of this large-format FDM system
With a substantial build volume and support for industrial-grade materials, the F870 is positioned to help manufacturers accelerate production schedules, reduce reliance on external suppliers, and improve supply chain resilience, with automotive giants Toyota and Rivian already evaluating the platform.
The F870 is built for industrial environments and demanding production schedules. Its specifications reflect a focus on size, reliability, and continuous operation, directly addressing the challenges of integrating additive manufacturing into existing factory ecosystems. The system is a significant addition to the company’s portfolio of production-focused machines.
At its core is a vast build volume of 1,000 x 610 x 610 mm (39.4 x 24 x 24 inches), with a maximum diagonal build length of 1,171 mm (46.1 inches).
This large capacity allows for the creation of single, monolithic parts that would otherwise need to be printed in sections and assembled, saving time and preserving structural integrity. This is a key factor for applications like large assembly fixtures and inspection gauges.
Surrounding this build space is a fully heated chamber, maintained at a constant 95 degrees Celsius. This feature, which Stratasys claims is the longest heated build capacity in its class, is critical for ensuring part quality and dimensional accuracy. It mitigates issues like thermal stress and interlayer delamination, particularly when working with engineering-grade thermoplastics that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations.
Designed for uptime and unattended operation
To maximise productivity, the F870 is engineered for long periods of unattended printing, capable of running continuously for up to two weeks. This is supported by a material delivery system, shared with the Stratasys F3300, that holds four large spools of 4,100 cubic centimetres each. An automatic changeover feature seamlessly switches to a new spool when one is depleted, ensuring jobs are not interrupted.
Further bolstering its production credentials is an integrated regenerative drying system with four onboard dryer bays. This keeps materials at optimal condition, preventing moisture absorption that can compromise print quality and part strength. The system runs on three-phase power and, notably, requires no external shop air, simplifying installation on a busy factory floor by using a built-in vacuum pump.
Material capabilities and strategic applications
A printer’s utility is defined by its materials, and the F870 launches with a focused portfolio of nine industrial-grade thermoplastics. These include ASA (in six colours), ABS-M30, and the forthcoming FDM ABS Draft Gray for faster, lower-cost concept models. The system also uses SR-35, a soluble support material that simplifies post-processing of complex geometries.
The standout material, however, is FDM Nylon 12CF, a carbon fibre-reinforced composite. This material’s high strength-to-weight ratio, stiffness, and durability make it a direct substitute for machined aluminium in many tooling applications.
Manufacturers can use it to produce strong, lightweight fixtures and aids that are easier for line workers to handle, reducing fatigue and improving efficiency. The use of such materials is key to expanding the role of advanced manufacturing automation.
According to Rich Garrity, Chief Business Unit Officer at Stratasys, the new platform directly answers market demand. “Manufacturers are looking for proven solutions to speed up production, reduce cost, and respond in real-time to ever-changing supply chain and manufacturing requirements,” he stated.
The F870 is intended to provide these capabilities at a competitive price point, enabling more companies to adopt additive manufacturing for production-support roles. The on-demand nature of the parts can also support AI-driven maintenance schedules.
Early adoption by automotive leaders Toyota and Rivian
Underscoring the F870’s industrial focus, Stratasys has already placed systems with leading automotive manufacturers. Toyota Production Engineering, located at its major facility in Georgetown, Kentucky, and electric vehicle maker Rivian Automotive at its Plymouth, Michigan site, are among the first users. Both are evaluating the printer for factory-floor tooling, custom manufacturing aids, and prototyping ahead of its full commercial availability.
These early deployments provide critical validation of the system’s value proposition. In complex automotive assembly lines, the ability to quickly design and print a custom fixture or an ergonomic assembly tool can save significant time and money compared to traditional machining, which often involves long lead times. These aids can range from large panel alignment jigs to small, intricate holders for components during assembly.
Dallas Martin, an Additive Manufacturing Engineer at Toyota North America, confirmed the potential benefits. “The F870’s combination of build size, material performance and industrial features aligns with manufacturing needs we’re looking to address,” Martin said. He added, “We’ve already seen the value Stratasys additive manufacturing can deliver. The next challenge is expanding its use across more applications.”
Stratasys’ industrial strategy and the competitive landscape
The F870 launch solidifies Stratasys’ long-term strategy of expanding beyond its rapid prototyping roots into mainstream manufacturing. The company, co-founded in 1989 by S. Scott Crump—the inventor of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)—has been steadily building a portfolio of production-ready systems.
This printer integrates with factory systems through its GrabCAD Print software and MTConnect connectivity, aligning with broader AI strategies for the industrial internet of things (IIoT).
The market for large-format additive manufacturing is growing, with several companies competing for factory floor space. Competitors like Germany’s BigRep, known for its one-cubic-metre BigRep ONE, and Modix, which offers modular large-format printer kits, also target industrial applications.
Stratasys aims to differentiate the F870 with its focus on reliability, the proven performance of its FDM platform, and the quality control afforded by its fully heated build chamber and integrated material management.
By offering a system that combines a large build envelope with the reliability and material properties required for production parts, Stratasys is betting that manufacturers are ready to embrace additive technology as a practical solution for daily operational challenges, not just for one-off prototypes.
The potential to reduce tooling lead times by up to 95% and material costs by over 60%, according to some industry estimates, presents a powerful business case.
Public debut and outlook
The Stratasys F870 is set to make its public debut at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2026, held at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. The system will be on display from 14–19 September at Booth 338460 in the South Hall, giving a wider industrial audience their first hands-on look at the machine.
The launch represents another step in the maturation of additive manufacturing. As systems become larger, faster, and more reliable, their role is expanding from a niche technology to a versatile tool for optimising production lines. For engineers and operations managers in Africa and across the globe, technologies like the F870 offer a tangible way to build more resilient and responsive manufacturing operations.
