With a new year upon us, it is only natural to look back on the previous year’s achievements, challenges, and surprises. 2020 did not go as planned, but the year was full of firsts, growth, and innovation, both for 3D printing and Purple Platypus.
January
Stratasys launched GrabCAD Shop at the beginning of 2020. GrabCAD Shop has become such an integral part of the 3D printing workflow it is hard to believe it only released a year ago. A lot of communication is required between engineers, designers, and operators to print a part. GrabCAD Shop streamlines this process, so valuable time is not wasted. Start your free trial today!
February
Back when we were young and naïve, Purple Platypus exhibited at PD&M. PD&M is typically Purple’s largest show of the year, which rang even truer in 2020. We are grateful we were able to connect with existing and new customers, while showcasing all of the technology and capabilities we have to offer. We look forward to exhibiting at more trade shows as it becomes safe again.
March
The month of March marked changes for all of us. As a hands-on team, the transition to working from home was unexpected. We are very impressed with our team’s adaptability and positive attitude throughout the many stages of quarantine. We’ve learned a lot through this experience and will come out stronger in the end.
April
Stratasys announced the release of a brand-new 3D printer, the J55. Impressed with its innovative spin on traditional PolyJet technology, we brought a machine in-house and were not disappointed. Over the past eight months, our team has fully tested and approved of the machine – using it to print parts for internal use and for our Porcupine customers.
May
In our efforts to adapt to the climate, Purple held our first virtual event. Our Virtual Open House explored the depths and possibilities of the J55. Many of our customers were excited to learn about the new machine, and we wanted to showcase it while still respecting everyone’s health and safety. Our Engineers and Sales Reps enjoyed getting to share their experience and impressions of the new machine and we learned a new way to safely connect with those interested in 3D printing.
June
The 3D printing industry pivoted quickly at the start of COVID, with Stratasys leading the charge by organizing the production of 3D printed face shields and nasal swabs. To date, Stratasys has shipped over 270,000 face shields to healthcare workers. By June, sterilized nasopharyngeal swabs printed in a partnership with Origin, were tested and approved in a clinical trial and are now considered an FDA Class I Exempt Device. The 3D printing industry’s response helped offset the widespread shortages from the start of the virus.
July
Back in April, Purple Platypus became the first global partner to sell a J55. Our team saw the value of the new printer so clearly that we couldn’t wait for our customers to get their hands on it. The J55 began shipping in July and our service team was able to deliver and install the machine without a hitch. If the J55 is any indication, there are sure to be more inventive and creative products from Stratasys on the way.
August
In the absence of in-person trainings, Stratasys hosted a Virtual Marketing Summit. Our Marketing Team was able to attend and gained invaluable information regarding new products from Stratasys, as well as staying connected in the era of working from home. While our team missed being able to attend in person, we are glad Stratasys provided a safe option for us to learn and grow.
September
The Fall brought on new projects for Purple Platypus. Our Service Bureau began work with a client looking for help on a fun and interesting product. We can’t say too much yet, but keep an eye out for a case study that will surely pique the interest of man’s best friend.
October
We were excited to exhibit at our first virtual trade show, the Arizona Tech + Business Expo. Our Sales and Marketing Teams made avatars and joined a virtual world, complete with an Expo Hall, meeting spaces, and trade show booths, as well as a lighthouse and speedboats. Thank you to the Arizona Tech & Business Expo for creating a space for us to safely connect!
November
Stratasys revamped one of its most tried and true machines. The Objet30 V5 still provides smooth, detailed parts in an office friendly, desktop-sized package, but now includes new materials like DraftGrey. If you’re looking for a proven, reliable printer with upgraded capabilities, the Objet30 V5 might be for you.
December
3D printing ended the year with a bang!
Stratasys released a new Advanced Bone material for the Digital Anatomy Printer. We are eager to see how this helps to medical field with training and testing.
KeyShot announced that their software is now completely compatible with Stratasys PolyJet 3D Printers, making it easy for designers to click and print.
Objet1000 users will be glad to know there is now an upgrade available. The new upgrade transforms the machine into the J4100 and offers the largest build-size of any PolyJet machine, plus extensive capabilities.
What a year 2020 turned out to be. While there were challenges, we overcame them and grew together. 2021 is shaping up to be an exciting year full of new technology, new skills, and a new approach. As the world hopefully starts to open back up, let’s move forward together and remember all the lessons we learned in 2020.
Meet Mia Stelling
Meet Mia Stelling, our Sales Operations Manager. Mia plays a huge role in assisting our sales team, is a liaison between Purple and our vendors, and nurtures our customer relationships by offering high-quality guidance and assistance through their buying process. Mia loves working in such a booming industry, as there is something new to learn about 3D printing every day. If you haven’t had the chance to meet Mia yet, be sure to connect with her on LinkedIn!
