Why is Stratasys So Expensive?

Stratasys is so expensive because of its creative patented technologies, wide range of products, all-inclusive solutions, and brand credibility. Stratasys, one of the largest 3D printer companies, has become known as a premium brand for its high-quality products and innovative solutions. However, this reputation as a leader in 3D printing comes with a big price tag that often raises questions about its cost.

Yijin Hardware is a premium CNC machining service provider, and we want to get into all the factors contributing to Stratasys’ expensive pricing, so you can make an informed decision going forward.

Key Takeaways

• Stratasys offers innovative Fused Deposition Modeling and PolyJet technologies for diverse applications.
• The company is a 3D printer manufacturer with an extensive range of materials and printers for various industries.
• Stratasys’ patented technologies and continuous innovation drive up costs.
• Its end-to-end business model provides comprehensive solutions, but increases expenses.
• Stratasys’ brand credibility and partnerships contribute to high pricing.

What is Stratasys?

Stratasys is one of the largest 3D printing companies out there and a leader in the additive manufacturing industry. Founded in 1989, the company has been at the center of developing innovative 3D printing technologies, including Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and PolyJet. These creations, especially the FDM printer, have dramatically transformed the way industries approach prototyping and manufacturing processes.

With a global reach and a diverse customer base across the aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer products sectors, Stratasys has become a trusted name in the 3D printing industry. The company’s dedication to research and development has resulted in a wide selection of 3D printers, materials, and software solutions that assist with a wide variety of industrial and professional needs, including consumables. The company also owns Makerbot and has a patent for a heated polymer coated build plate.

Stratasys’ product lineup includes popular series like the Fortus line for industrial applications and the Dimension printer for professional prototyping.

Why is Stratasys Expensive?

Stratasys is expensive because of its very short lead times, end-to-end business model, huge line of products and materials, outsourced assembly products, premium manufacturers, and well-known brand name.

We’ve outlined the main factors affecting Stratasys’ prices below.

The high price of using or working with Stratasys printers is a result of several factors that contribute to the company’s value proposition. From innovative technology to comprehensive support services, Stratasys offers a complete ecosystem that warrants its higher costs. Let’s examine the main reasons behind Stratasys’ expensive pricing strategy:

Short Lead Times

One of the main reasons Stratasys has such expensive prices is that it can deliver products with exceptionally short lead times. As manufacturing and prototyping can be incredibly fast-paced, time is extremely important. Stratasys has invested heavily in streamlining its production processes and supply chain to make sure that customers receive their 3D printers and materials as quickly as possible.

This commitment to rapid delivery allows companies to reduce their overall product development cycles and bring innovations and support material to market faster. While this efficiency comes at a cost, many businesses find the trade-off worthwhile for Stratasys 3D printers. This is because the ability to produce prototypes and end-use parts quickly can provide a big competitive advantage in industries where time-to-market is crucial.

End-to-End Business

Stratasys offers a comprehensive end-to-end business model that takes into account every aspect of the 3D printing process. This holistic approach includes not only the 3D printers themselves but also a wide selection of material costs, software solutions, and support services, making them a great tool in the industry. By providing a complete ecosystem, they ensure compatibility and optimal performance across all components of the Stratasys 3D printed parts workflow.

This integrated approach, while more expensive, offers significant value to customers by getting rid of the need to source components from multiple vendors and ensuring seamless integration between hardware, software, and materials. The result is a more reliable and efficient 3D printing experience, which can justify the higher upfront costs for businesses that require consistent, high-quality output.

Wide Range of Products

Stratasys has a large selection of 3D printers that are suited to various industries and applications. From desktop printers for small businesses to industrial-grade machines for large-scale manufacturing, they offer solutions for every level of production. This diverse product range requires a huge investment in research, development, and manufacturing capabilities.

The company’s product lineup includes popular series like the Fortus line for industrial applications and the Dimension printer for professional prototyping. Each printer is designed to meet specific industry needs, using advanced features and technologies. This specialization and variety contribute to higher costs, as the company must maintain expertise and production capabilities across multiple product lines.

Wide Range of Materials

Another factor contributing to Stratasys’ high pricing is its large range of materials. The company offers a wide selection of filaments and resins, each engineered for specific applications and properties. From standard thermoplastics like ABS to advanced materials for aerospace and automotive industries, they provide options to meet various manufacturing requirements.

Developing and producing this wide range of materials requires a major research and development investment. Stratasys continually works on creating new materials with improved properties, such as better strength, heat resistance, or flexibility. This ongoing innovation in material science allows the company to offer solutions for even the most demanding applications.

Reliable Brand

Stratasys has established itself as a credible and trusted brand in the 3D printing industry over the past three decades. This reputation is built on a history of innovation, reliability, and quality. The Stratasys name carries weight in industries where precision and consistency are essential, such as aerospace and healthcare.

The company’s brand credibility is backed up by its partnerships with leading organizations and educational institutions. For example, it has collaborated with companies like Volvo in the automotive industry and the University of California in academia. These high-profile relationships show you the trust placed in Stratasys’ technology and contribute to the expensive costs associated with their brand.

Outsourced Assembly Products

Stratasys relies on outsourced assembly for some of its products, which can lead to higher costs. By partnering with specialized manufacturers, Stratasys makes sure that each component of their 3D printers meets strict quality standards. This approach allows the company to use its expertise in specific areas of production while maintaining control over the final product.

While outsourcing assembly can increase production costs, it also allows Stratasys to focus on its core areas of research, development, and innovation. This strategy helps the company stay at the head of 3D printing technology, continuously improving its products and services. The high-quality, reliable machines that are built as a result contribute to the high costs for many customers who prioritize performance and longevity.

Premium Manufacturers

Stratasys receives premium parts and products from its specialized manufacturers. It is also a premium manufacturer in the 3D printing market, targeting professional and industrial users who need high-performance solutions. This status is reflected in the quality of components used in its machines, the precision of its printing processes, and the overall durability of its products.

The use of premium components and strict quality control measures contributes to the higher cost of Stratasys’ printers. However, this also results in machines that offer improved print quality, consistency, and longevity. For businesses that rely on 3D printing for important applications, the investment in one of these machines can be justified by reduced downtime, improved output quality, and long-term reliability.

Yijin Hardware: CNC Machining Services for Custom Parts

While Stratasys offers premium 3D printing solutions, other alternatives exist for businesses looking for custom parts production. Yijin Hardware is highly skilled in CNC machining services, providing a cost-effective option for manufacturing high-quality custom components.

If you’re thinking about other solutions to 3D printing or need complementary services for your production needs, reach out to Yijin Hardware. Our experience in CNC machining and custom part fabrication is a suitable solution for your manufacturing requirements.

FAQs on Why is Stratasys So Expensive?

What is the most expensive 3D printing material?

The most expensive 3D printing materials include generally high-performance polymers like PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), which can cost a lot more than standard materials. Its considerable temperature resistance and mechanical properties are worth the price for specialized applications.

How do you make 3D prints cheaper?

To make 3D prints cheaper, consider using lower-cost materials like PLA or PETG. You can also optimize print settings to reduce material usage. Scaling up production or using larger printers can lower costs per unit, too.

Which 3D printing material is the strongest?

The strongest 3D printing material is generally considered to be nylon or specialized composites like carbon fiber-reinforced nylon. These materials offer great tensile strength and durability, making them ideal for demanding applications.

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