For years, Stratasys’ PolyJet technology has been the benchmark in 3D printing for visual prototyping: high-fidelity color models, ultra-fine details, smooth surfaces. But beneath the aesthetics lurked a limitation known to insiders: the fragility of the materials prevented their use in functional testing and real-world applications.
With the launch of ToughONE™, Stratasys is changing the rules of the game to address this very need. This new material, launched June 10th by the leading 3D printing company, represents a breakthrough for the PolyJet world: it combines the flawless aesthetics of inkjet technology with the mechanical strength needed for functional prototyping and final part production. Is this the beginning of a new era, in which engineers and designers no longer have to choose between form and performance?
With ToughONE™ material and Stratasys PolyJet technology, it is possible to produce strong, functional prototypes.
ToughONE™ Takes PolyJet Technology to the Next Level
PolyJet technology involves jetting photopolymer resin droplets onto a build surface that are then cured layer by layer with a UV light.
Known for its accuracy, PolyJet technology is considered the ideal tool for visualizing concepts through Pantone® colors, realistic textures and complex geometries. However, when it comes time to test a component under stress, other technologies are usually used, which enable the production of more robust parts. However, this leads to longer lead times and higher costs.
The market launch of ToughONE™ material eliminates these trade-offs. Instead, it offers high impact, wear resistance and toughness, without sacrificing surface finish, accuracy and dimensional stability under load and stress. Therefore, the new material means that one can now go from aesthetic prototyping to functional prototyping, and even final part production, using the same machine.
Designed for the J8 Series
So, with which machine is ToughONE™ compatible? Stratasys’ new material is available exclusively for the J8 series, which includes the J850™ Prime, J850™ Pro and J826™ models. These are systems that offer large print volumes, Pantone® color matching, as well as advanced features such as Voxel Print™ and Smart Insert™ using GrabCAD Print Pro™ software.
For users of the J3 or J5 series, ToughONE™ is a great reason to consider an upgrade. For new users, on the other hand, it can be an opportunity to consolidate the entire workflow onto a single platform. By doing this, one could eliminate the need for multiple machines, complex post-processing and risk in the production environment. Users can also take advantage of benefits such as rapid design iterations through real-time testing, shorter development cycles and reduced time-to-market. Additional advantages include lower prototyping costs, fewer production delays, and the confidence to produce critical elements such as snap-fits, living hinges, and structural enclosures.
Ultimately, ToughONE™ and J8 systems are designed to enable organizations to innovate faster, smarter and more efficiently.
Applications of Stratasys’ ToughONE™ Material
ToughONE™ integrates perfectly with PolyJet’s multi-material philosophy. Thanks to the ability to combine up to seven resins in a single print, it becomes possible to make prototypes with zones of differentiated mechanical properties, flexible hinges and rigid sections in the same part, components capable of simulating real conditions of mechanical stress, and detailed and durable functional parts in small series.
The applications are becoming increasingly broad: from industrial design to consumer electronics, from medical to automotive, and from consumer goods to the packaging industry.
The launch of ToughONE™ is thus not just a material upgrade for Stratasys but a strategic repositioning of PolyJet technology. It transforms a platform designed for visualization into a true product development tool, capable of accompanying every stage: from the initial idea to functional prototype to the production of finished parts in small series.
By reducing dependence on secondary technologies, Stratasys wants to offer companies greater speed, simplicity and competitiveness in innovation processes with a comprehensive, powerful and functional platform.
Want to learn more about ToughONE™ and the J8 series? Find more information HERE.
*Cover image: A part 3D printed using multi-material PolyJet technology, ToughONE material, multiple colors and components featuring different mechanical properties. All photo credits: Stratasys