“Adapt or perish.” Those words, often attributed to author H. G. Wells, might seem a bit harsh on the surface, but they highlight a truth that’s hard to deny. Businesses that don’t adjust to changes in the marketplace fall behind or disappear altogether. Similarly, processes and tools that fail to evolve with customer needs get replaced. “Survival of the fittest” applies in the C-suite and on the factory floor.
So, what does this have to do with 3D printing? A lot, actually. At Stratasys, we’re proud of our heritage, providing 3D printers, materials, and software that help our customers do amazing things. But like you, we can’t stand still if we’re to continue giving customers what they need. It’s one of the reasons we’re excited about OpenAM software and what it can help our customers achieve.
OpenAM is the software that makes the Fortus 450mc operate more like an open-source 3D printer. It lets you adjust the machine’s print parameters, including the default settings for GrabCAD Print and Insight software. In more specific terms, it provides valuable capabilities that let you:
Is this simply a matter of making a few keystrokes in the software? Not exactly. Getting “under the hood” of the printer requires some diligence and an understanding of the software and material tuning. But we don’t leave you isolated – a comprehensive OpenAM User Guide provides detailed instructions to lead you through the process.
At a higher level, these capabilities offer more flexibility in how you use your printer. They allow you to adapt in ways that benefit your business, whether mitigating supply chain risk with new material sources or enabling new applications by adjusting material properties to optimize part outcomes.
Rocket Composites is a manufacturer of carbon fiber parts for a variety of industries. The team there recently used OpenAM software on their Fortus 450mc to meet a customer requirement that came with a tight budget and tighter deadline. With help from OpenAM software, engineers altered the as-printed properties of two FDM thermoplastics to meet specifications and expedite the process to make the schedule. One of those materials was a polymer not currently available on the Fortus 450mc. In the end, OpenAM software made it possible. To learn more details, read about their story here.
OpenAM helped Rocket Composites adjust their printer’s results to adapt to the job specifications. But in a larger context, it allowed the company to achieve a business win by meeting the customer’s needs despite challenging terms. With that success in hand and a solid foundation in OpenAM, Rocket Composites is well positioned to take on new challenges that can make a positive impact on its bottom line.
What new and diverse possibilities could OpenAM enable in your operation? We’re excited about the possibilities! To learn more about this opportunity-enhancing solution, visit the OpenAM Software.
