Insight software from Stratasys

Included with the Fortus Line of Stratasys printers, Insight software gives you more power and customization over your projects. Insight controls the Fortus FDM printers from Stratasys. This includes the Fortus 250 as well as the 380mc, 450mc and 900mc Production Systems. Like Catalyst (the software that controls the uPrint and Dimension line of FDM printers), Insight will run in default mode for easy operation. We call this Green Flagging. However, Insight also has the ability to modify toolpaths which provides better appearance, improved strength and in some cases will speed up the printing process.

with gap

without air gap

For example two import functions of Insight are: the ability to fill air gaps and to reinforce features with contours. You can also modify geometry (add or remove) to accommodate for post-printing operations like milling, sanding, and drilling and tapping. This is also great for press-fit applications or where additional clearance is needed.

mix solid and sparse fill patterns in the same part.

Insight has the ability to mix solid and sparse fill patterns in the same part. The sparse patterns can also be optimized for applications like Thermoform tooling, paper pulp tooling, and more. Once you have come up with your optimal build patterns these parameters can be saved as templates for later re-use.

the material has entry and exit locations which are called start and stop points

At each layer, the material has entry and exit locations which are called start and stop points. These are often visible on the printed parts. Using Insight, you can randomize the locations of the start/stop points at every layer or choose a less conspicuous location for the seam, like along a sharp corner for example.

With the slicing tools in Insight, a part that is larger than the build envelope can be sectioned into multiple pieces and multiple planes.

With the slicing tools in Insight, a part that is larger than the build envelope can be sectioned into multiple pieces and multiple planes.

With the slicing tools in Insight, a part that is larger than the build envelope can be sectioned into multiple pieces and multiple planes. (In contrast, a part can only be sectioned into two pieces in the XY plane with Catalyst). To help assist in joining parts properly after the print, Insight allows you to print registration features like tongue and groove along the Z axis and Sawtooth along the Y axis. You can even manually draw custom registration features if neither of these options will be effective for joining your sections together.

Thin walled parts can be stabilized by additional support structures with a feature called Wall stabilization.

Thin walled parts can be stabilized by additional support structures with a feature called Wall stabilization. These support structures will prevent the thin walls from becoming wavy or distorted.

Material anchors can be placed to help hold large, solid parts down to the build tray.

Material anchors can be placed to help hold large, solid parts down to the build tray. This feature will prevent corners of the part from lifting off the tray due to rapid or non-uniform cooling.

Another way you can manipulate the toolpaths in Insight is by swapping support material in place of model material.

Another way you can manipulate the toolpaths in Insight is by swapping support material in place of model material, and vice versa. Support structures that don’t contact the part can be changed to model material to cut down on the overall print time of a part. In some instances, the support material can be eliminated all-together to decrease build time and speed-up the post clean-up. Also, model material can be swapped for support for soluble core applications.

A unique benefit to Insight is the ability to manipulate printing jobs to embed metal inserts and fasteners.

Another benefit unique to Insight is the ability to manipulate printing jobs to embed metal inserts and fasteners. This can greatly enhance the functionality of the printed part.

As you can see, processing files with the Insight software for additive manufacturing on the Fortus line of 3D printers will give you the freedom to control exactly how your parts will print to deliver strong and accurate models every build.

Click the button below to watch a short video describing these functions.