Some updates for materials and file processing have been added to Insight. If you have a need for custom tool paths and contours you will want to get the newest release for improved quality of the software and parts it provides. Below are the release notes pertaining to those updates. Insight 13.11 Updates Modeler and Material Configuration Updates F123 ABS-ESD7 on the Stratasys F370 – ABS-ESD7 is an ABS thermoplastic with static dissipative properties for applications where a static charge […]
SOLIDWORKS: Configuring Smart Components with the Configurator Table
When creating a Smart Component or editing an existing smart component, there is an option available called “Configurator Table”. The configurator table allows the user to define various configurations of the smart components. The first step to do this is to make sure that your parts are configured. In the below pictures, there is the latch that will be used as the smart component and it has 3 configurations. The second picture is the block that will be used for […]
GrabCAD Print Version 1.35 Released
Build number 1.35.21.56592 released on 24 October 2019 Important Notification: Support for Windows 7 is ending. After January 14, 2020, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or support for PCs running Windows 7. GrabCAD Print 1.37 (scheduled for December 17, 2019) will be the final release supported on Windows 7. Stratasys will stop providing software updates for GrabCAD Print on Windows 7, will no longer ensure that GrabCAD Print works on Windows 7, and will not offer support for […]
Sealing FDM Models
The Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing process of layering extruded material makes FDM parts porous. This can be a benefit for some applications such as Thermoforming that requires air to be drawn through a tool. However, sealing a part to hold an airtight vacuum may be necessary for other applications. In 2016 I wrote a blog, FDM Build Parameters to Create a Vacuum, using software parameters to create a denser filled part. This method requires using advanced Insight software […]
What is Local Fabriacate for Desktop Metal?
As cloud-based software, FabricateTM maintains a secure connection to Desktop Metal servers at AWS. However, we understand that some customer environments face security restrictions that require all computation and data to be kept on-premises. For this reason, we have developed a local version of Fabricate. A local Fabricate installation allows you to use many of the same features found in the cloud-based Fabricate software, including job setup and management, without requiring a connection to the cloud. Local Fabricate lets you manage […]
Desktop Metal Dimensional Accuracy & Surface Finish
The Desktop Metal process is designed to provide “near net shape” parts that achieve tolerances comparable to casting. When tight tolerances or smooth surface finishes are required, users should expect to employ secondary operations (milling, grinding, polishing, etc.). Studio System parts are currently achieving tolerances of +/- 0.5 mm for parts less than 60 mm. (+/- 0.02 in for parts less than 2.3 inches), or between 0.8% and 2%. This means that a 1” part should be 1″ +/- 0.02”, and a […]
Importing SOLIDWORKS 2019 files into GrabCAD Print 1.25
With the latest release of SOLIDWORKS 2019 SP1, you may have experienced an error when importing your .SLDPRT file directly into GradCAD Print 1.25. While the developers of GrabCAD Print have committed to resolve this issue in their 1.27 release, in the meantime saving your SLDPRT file in the .STL (Surface Tessellated Language) file format will let you continue using GrabCAD Print for your 3D Printing needs. Here is a brief reminder for converting your 3D drawing to the STL […]
GrabCad 1.25 Release
GrabCAD Print version 1.25, January 2019 Build number 1.25.17.47934 released on 4 January 2019 The per-machine installer which was released for beta testing in 1.16 is now generally available from print.grabcad.com. In addition to being much more stable than the current per-user installer, it allows for deployment at schools and enterprise organizations by IT system admins. For more information and instructions on switching over, read our help article. OBJ and VRML files with self-intersections, water tightness / open faces issues, and inverted […]
Testing 17-4 ph Stainless Steel from Desktop Metal
Out of my own curiosity, I wanted to see how our printed stainless steel compared to common production stainless steel like 304. I took a few samples to a friends shop and talked about what I wanted to do and off we went. First, 304 is probably one of the most common general use steels made and used in industry. 17-4 is a bit more specialized but its most sought-after features are its high strength and corrosion resistance. This is […]
Insight – Advanced Software for FDM
Stratasys FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) software has become quite simple to use with the introduction of GrabCAD Print. GrabCAD Print makes it easy with a few selections to produce an exceptional 3D model of your CAD drawing. GrabCAD Print settings are intentionally minimal and conservative for the novice user to achieve 100% success. But what if you need something special? For example, a sparse interior with a thick outer shell for strength? This is where the advanced Insight software […]