Stratasys Ltd., a provider of polymer 3D printing solutions, introduced the GrabCAD Additive Manufacturing (AM) Platform, an open and enterprise-ready software platform enabling manufacturers to manage production-scale AM operations.

AM systems are demonstrating their readiness for volume production of end-use parts. However, 3D printing at production scale also requires new software-driven operational capabilities, such as the ability to manage 3D printers across multiple locations, monitor output quality, automate materials management, and integrate within the broader enterprise. Traditional manufacturing solutions are not designed for additive workflows, which are digitally native, highly elastic and location independent.

Stratasys’ platform is designed for the needs of AM across the entire digital thread – from design through production – while also integrating with Industry 4.0 infrastructure and enterprise applications.

Research firm SmarTech Analysis projected the total global AM software market will reach $3.3 billion by 2026, up from less than $500 million in 2020 as the overall AM market continues to scale.

The GrabCAD AM Platform integrates GrabCAD applications and third-party GrabCAD Software Partners via the GrabCAD Software Development Kit (SDK). It enables two-way connectivity between 3D printers, AM and enterprise applications, and broader Industry 4.0 infrastructure. GrabCAD applications in the platform include:

GrabCAD Print: Simplifies the workflow between Design for AM(DfAM) and 3D print preparation. GrabCAD Print is CAD-agnostic, uses security protocols, and is managed on the desktop or mobile.

GrabCAD Shop: Cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) work order management application that simplifies the 3D printing workflow. All orders are managed in one location and are easily assigned to all networked printers, including Stratasys and non-Stratasys systems.

GrabCAD Print Manager: A new application that enables manufacturers to manage fleets of industrial 3D printers. GrabCAD Print Manager manage licenses to software and open material partners and provides customers the ability to view and manipulate production print schedules and view in-depth reports via desktop or mobile.

GrabCAD Software Development Kit (SDK): Industry 4.0-ready SDKs provide API’s, documentation, code samples and support integration with enterprise IT as well as third-party applications for account management, asset management, planning and order management, security, quality management, and analytics.

As of October 2021, the GrabCAD AM Platform consists of more than 38,000 application users, 20,000 3D printers, and 3,000 workflow users. The platform processes 35 gigabytes of data streams per day and is supported by a global team of more than 100 developers.