The F123 Series: Making FDM Accessible
Whether you’re looking for draft-concept iterations or high-quality functional prototypes, the Stratasys F123 Series printers are perfect for your needs. The F123 printers have been the fastest selling Stratasys 3D printers to date, because they are office friendly, versatile, and easy to use.
Released in 2017, the original launch of the F123 Series included:
- F170 with a build area of 10 x 10 x 10 inches and 4 material options
- F270 with a build area of 12 x 10 x 12 inches and 4 material options
- F370 with a build area of 14 x 10 x 14 inches and 7 material options
The F123 Series gives users reliable, repeatable, and exceptional 3D prints. Many customers have referred to it as an additional employee because of its “lights out” printing capability, enabling users to print parts and continue working when the lights are out and employees are home. The printers can also be run remotely, enabling you to concept to happen faster, no matter what.
An Entry-Level, Industrial 3D Printer
Geoff with Scott Crump, the founder of Stratasys, and the new F120
In 2019, Stratasys expanded the F123 printer series by adding the low-cost F120.
- F120 has a build area of 10 x 10 x 10 inches and 2 material options
The addition of the F120 was exciting, because it enabled Stratasys professional printers to be brought to new users and new companies that were constrained by tighter budgets, but still wanted professional-level FDM 3D printing.
The F120 vs. The F170
At first glance, the F120 looks an awful lot like the F170, as both have the same build area of 10 x 10 x 10 inches, but there are a few key differences between the machines.
As someone looking to make a purchasing decision, how do you determine which one is right for your needs?
The F120 makes it easy for the novice to begin 3D printing with reliable technology and consistently accurate 3D printed parts. The F120 can print in two different colors, a black ABS and an ivory ASA.
Despite having an identical build platform, the F170 has a few capabilities that set it apart from the F120. The F170 can print in four different materials, with a much wider variety of colors.
Like the F120, the F170 can print in ABS and ASA; however, it offers more color flexibility. The F170 can print ABS in 9 different colors and ASA in 10 different colors. It can also print the biodegradable PLA in 11 different colors and TPU 92A. TPU 92A is a newer FDM material, released after the initial launch of the F123 Series. The flexible elastomer allows users to create flexible parts quickly and efficiently.
While there’s no way to tell for certain, Stratasys will likely continue to add material capabilities to the F170 and not the F120. Despite the initial higher cost, the F170 offers a greater value proposition over time.
What Machine Is Right For You?
If you are looking for a low cost, reliable 3D printer that can grow with your business, I would recommend the F170, as I know the long-term benefits are worth the investment. However, if you are working with a tight budget, the F120 can still accurately and consistently produce high-quality parts. My customers who have chosen the F120 over a competitor’s hobby or desktop printer have been happy to be using Stratasys technology that gives easy-to-use, professional results every time.
Our team of experts at Purple Platypus can help you find the right 3D printer for your needs. To learn more, give us a call at 949.474.9222 or send us an email at [email protected].
Related Articles You Might Enjoy:
- 30 on 3D: Stratasys FDM TPU 92A
- 30 on 3D: The F120 From Stratasys
- Assessing Your Prototyping Goals: PolyJet or FDM?
Meet Geoff Varga
As a Sales Engineer for both Purple Platypus and Purple Porcupine, Geoff helps our Arizona customers find the perfect printer for their needs or print their parts. Out of the office, Geoff enjoys volunteering in the community and spending time with his family. If you haven’t had the chance to meet Geoff, be sure to connect with him on LinkedIn!