In the fast-moving world of additive manufacturing, new machines come and go. Some do well, some fail, and some stand the test of time. Excellent systems earn the title of “workhorse.” Users have given the Fortus 450mc from Stratasys high praise because, ten years after its introduction, 92% of the installed systems are still making parts. This machine just works.
We love our Fortus 450mc’s here at PADT – across the company. And the customers we have sold systems to are just as happy. You don’t become a workhorse because of your discounted price or your fancy lighting. You earn the title by being a trusted tool that shows up every day and does its job without a lot of fussing.
To help the 3D Printing community celebrate this important milestone, let’s take a look at the Fortus 450mc’s history and specifications, share why PADT’s entire team loves these boxes, and then look at the new features available now.
About the Stratasys Fortus 450mc
The Fortus 450mc is a fused deposition modeling (FDM) additive manufacturing system. Stratasys invented FDM technology, and as they rolled out each new system, they learned more about what customers wanted. The engineers at Stratasys created a system that focused on robustness and accuracy while also providing a platform that could add new materials as they became available.
Some of the features that operators have leveraged over a decade include:
- 16 x 14 x 16 in build volume
- Fully heated build chamber that supports high-temperature materials
- Large T20 printer tips for faster print times on large parts
- Support for 21 materials with multiple color options for many
- Support for high-temperature engineered materials
- Open material license
- Canister material supply
- Two bays each for support and build material with auto changeover between canisters
- Multiple options for software for job processing and management
Early on, people started referring to the Stratasys F450mc as an industrial 3D Printer, because that is precisely what it was. This system is just as comfortable on a shop floor as in an R&D lab. It is as solid inside as it looks on the outside. If you are an engineer, you will appreciate how well-designed and built these devices are.
The Fortus 450mc started with a strong foundation, but not all the features. Here is a summary of its evolution from 2014 to 2025:
- 2015: ULTEM™ 1010 added to supplement the original suite of great materials
- 2016: ULTEM™ 9085 added for aerospace applications, and GrabCAD Print software modified to support the F450mc
- 2017: Stratasys delivers a functional carbon-fiber-filled material with Nylon 12CF
- 2018: High-performance PEKK material added with Antero 800NA
- 2020: Connection to shop floor system enabled with MTConnect
- 2022: The new T16A, T20, and T20F tips were added to increase print speed and part quality. OpenAM software added to allow users to modify parameters and use non-Stratasys material. 13 materials are validated for the system
- 2023: GrabCAD Print Pro software released, and security is improved with IPv6 support
- 2024: Two more validated materials added: VICTREX™ AM 200 and PC-ESD
Why We Love Our Fortus 450mc Systems
PADT was one of the first users when the Fortus 450mc was introduced in 2014. It was a Goldilocks machine that fit right into a part-size sweet spot, and we soon learned that our engineers had great control over their builds. It supported a nice mix of materials and produced great parts.
Our salespeople were happy to suggest the Fortus 450mc to customers with the right fit. It’s always easier to sell a product that truly adds value and that customers will keep for years. Then, as we sold more systems, our field technicians started working on them and learned how well they were made. And when something did go wrong, they were easy to debug and fix.
But the real Fortus 450mc fans are our engineers who run parts for our customers. Customers often come to our 3D Printing Services team because they have unique material needs, tricky geometry, or pressing time constraints. In every one of those situations, you count on a machine that is going to make the parts right the first time, without a lot of hassle. The Fortus 450mc has always been their go-to system when they know they and FDM part with quality and accuracy.
The Fortus 450mc Gets Even Better After Turning Ten
For its second decade, the Fortus 450mc is getting a refresh and an upgrade. Besides a more modern, single dark color, this updated workhorse offers bundled upgrades that enhance productivity, improve connectivity with Industry 4.0 applications, expand the range of applications, and strengthen cybersecurity.
Some of the new features available now are:
- Hardened components to support materials like FDM® Nylon 12CF and Antero®
- An all-materials license for full access to the Fortus 450mc materials portfolio
- A one-year license for GrabCAD Streamline Pro™ and GrabCAD Print Pro™
- GrabCAD Streamline Pro upgrades, including enterprise-grade cybersecurity capabilities
Later this year, users can opt to add a new glass-filled, fire-resistant material. It will also include faster build speeds for specific materials.
Get Serious about Industrial 3D Printing with the Fortus 450mc and PADT
When you are done trying to get your low-cost desktop FDM machine to do industrial additive manufacturing, it’s time to look at the Fortus 450mc. This machine will continue to operate, and Stratasys will continue to offer additional material options. 92% of these systems are still in use today. If that doesn’t tell you something about good design, nothing much will.
PADT’s highly technical team is ready to answer any questions and manufacture parts for you, so you can see the difference this system makes. They can also go over the different material options and offer some helpful hints after running Fortus 450mcs for a decade. Reach out today and let’s talk.
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