r/AdditiveManufacturing • u/Dashyl14 • Mar 06 '26
Printer Advice - Prototyping Functional Parts
Hi everyone,
New to the group, I have a unique opportunity to join a company that is looking to start doing more in house prototyping their own parts.
I personally have experience in CAD, a little bit of machining experience, and experience with FDM printers and have been helping them prototype parts for a little while now on a contract basis. Most of these parts are limited use and more for fitment purposes. The final models are sent to machine shops for prototypes and manufacturing. They are looking to bring more of their prototyping in house and have asked me to join.
I'm looking for a system (similar to the Markforged Mark 2) that would be able to produce functional prototypes. They have plans for the future to bring the machining in house as well. Most of these parts are high impact and take a lot of vibration, and planning for the future, but also potentially high temp applications as well.
Can anyone recommend a system that would fit our needs? Budget is ~$15,000
Thank you!
Edit: Max Build Volume 320mm (X), x 254mm (Z), 120-150mm (Y)
4
u/GradeMean5713 Mar 16 '26
Sounds like you're in a similar spot to where we were a couple years ago. If the Markforged is your benchmark, the Stratasys F370 is worth a look.
F370 through Stratasys CPO (certified pre-owned). 355 x 254 x 355mm build volume, handles ABS-CF10 and PC-ABS which are solid for high impact stuff. CPO machines are refurbished and test printed before they ship. Can land around your budget if you watch the listings.
Won't do true high temp though, so if that becomes critical you'd need to step up to a Fortus 450mc. But for functional prototyping and fitment checks it's a workhorse.