The Stratasys F870 is a large-format FDM 3D printer built for manufacturers who need to produce functional prototypes, tooling, and end-use components at scale. It ships with a new material delivery system, a new material, and three new print heads. Here's what you need to know.
What Is the Build Volume of the Stratasys F870?
The F870 features a build volume of 39.4" x 24" x 24", the second largest available from the Stratasys FDM line. That size gives manufacturers room to print large components, tooling, or multiple parts in a single build, opening up applications that don't fit on smaller systems.
How Is the F870 Different From the F770?
The F870 shares a similar footprint to the F770, but the material delivery system is a significant departure.
The F870 features four material bays, each holding up to 250 cubic inches of model or support material. Stratasys redesigned this system specifically to deliver more reliable changeovers between material bays. The result is up to two weeks of uninterrupted printing without manual intervention.
Each material bay also includes an on-board drying system. For FDM users, this matters: moisture in the material leads to inaccurate parts and poor surface finish. Having the drying built in removes the need for separate drying equipment and keeps material in optimal condition throughout a long build.
The new F870 FDM 3D printer from Stratasys.
What Materials Are Available on the F870?
The F870 currently supports four materials:
- ASA
- Nylon 12CF
- ABS-M30
- ABS Draft Grey
ASA, Nylon 12CF, and ABS-M30 are well established in the Stratasys FDM ecosystem. ABS Draft Grey is new, launching alongside the F870.
ABS Draft Grey is similar to ABS-M30 with one trade-off: each spool is guaranteed to have at least 80% of the strength of ABS-M30, at 40% lower cost. For applications where maximum strength is not required, that is a meaningful reduction in cost per part without a significant loss in performance.
What Print Heads Are Available for the F870?
Three new print heads launch with the F870. The changeover procedure follows the same process as other printers in the F123 series, including the F190 CR and F370 CR.
N20H Print Head
The N20H is the dedicated head for Nylon 12CF. It has a fixed layer height of 0.010".
N14 Print Head
The N14 is the most versatile of the three. It prints ABS, ASA, and SR-35 support material at three layer heights: 0.007", 0.010", and 0.013".
N25 High-Speed Print Head
The N25 is designed for speed. It prints ASA at a fixed layer height of 0.013" and uses a larger orifice to achieve print speeds 1.5 to 2.1 times faster than the N14. The N25 is closely related to the T25 head on the F770.
A sample part printed on the F870.
Who Should Consider the Stratasys F870?
Three use cases are the clearest fit:
- Large carbon fiber parts are needed
- Print speed and throughput are the priority
- FDM part cost must come down and maximum strength is not required
For large carbon fiber parts, the F870's build volume combined with Nylon 12CF and the N20H print head gives you a capable setup.
For speed and throughput, ASA with the N25 high-speed head is the combination to evaluate.
For cost reduction where maximum strength is not the primary concern, ABS Draft Grey with the N14 head is a practical option.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Stratasys F870
How large is the Stratasys F870 build volume?
The Stratasys F870 has a build volume of 39.4" x 24" x 24", making it the second largest available from the Stratasys FDM line.
How long can the F870 print without interruption?
The F870's four material bays support up to two weeks of uninterrupted printing. The system includes an on-board drying system to keep material in optimal condition throughout production.
What materials can the F870 print?
The F870 currently supports ASA, Nylon 12CF, ABS-M30, and ABS Draft Grey.
What is ABS Draft Grey?
ABS Draft Grey is a new material launching with the F870. It is similar to ABS-M30 but more affordable, with each spool guaranteed to have at least 80% of the strength of ABS-M30 at 40% lower cost.
Which F870 print head is used for Nylon 12CF?
The N20H print head is used for Nylon 12CF with a fixed layer height of 0.010".
Which F870 print head is designed for faster printing?
The N25 high-speed print head prints ASA at a 0.013" layer height. Its larger orifice allows it to print 1.5 to 2.1 times faster than the N14.
