Automated parts service handles high volumes, production-grade plastics

New Stratasys RedEye service allows 24/7 ordering of part prototypes online, made from a variety of plastics.

Stratasys Inc. recently launched RedEye RPM, what it calls the world’s largest rapid prototype and part-building service. RedEyeRPM.com is an online extension of Stratasys’ existing BuildFDM service, which builds prototypes and parts using the FDM process for customers in North America. RedEye augments this existing service by allowing automated, instant quoting and ordering around the clock, seven days a week.

RedEye employs a proprietary, secure quoting-and-ordering engine. It preserves user confidentiality by analyzing design-file data without uploading it. Users are assured that neither the Web engine nor RedEye personnel will view their design file until the quote is accepted or saved. Site visitors receive an automated price quote in about 30 seconds. They log-in, browse to select their file, and choose a build material. For one part or high volumes, most customers receiving the order in 3-5 days. RedEye produces functional and accurate parts. Users select from various production-grade plastics to produce parts that are durable enough for functional testing. An accurate building process ensures that part tolerance rivals any competitive process, with prototypes made from the same plastics used in production.

With more than 60 prototype machines in operations, Stratasys says it is targeting a services sector estimated at $213 million, the company says.

To try the RedEye automated quoting process, go to www.RedEyeRPM.com.

—Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering , [email protected]