Should You Replace Your Fortus 360mc or 400mc? Why Keeping Your T-Class System Might Be the Smarter Move
As Fortus 360mc and Fortus 400mc 3D printers continue to age, and with Stratasys announcing end-of-life support, many manufacturers are asking the same question:
Is it time to replace your T-Class system, or can you extend its life and performance?
At Pivot, we’re seeing a growing number of customers choose a third option: maximize the value of the equipment they already own.
While trade-ins and new machine purchases may seem like the obvious path, there are several compelling reasons to keep your Fortus system running.
- Maintain Workflow Flexibility (and Avoid 450mc Limitations)
Many operators transitioning from the Fortus 400mc to the Fortus 450mc report a similar frustration:
Less control over builds.
In an effort to simplify the user experience, the 450mc limits many of the advanced controls experienced users rely on, including:
- Fine-tuning support structures
- Optimizing sparse fill strategies
- Reducing material usage and build times
If your team has developed proven workflows on T-Class systems, upgrading could actually reduce efficiency instead of improving it.
- Expand Material Capabilities Without Buying a New Machine
One of the biggest drivers behind new equipment purchases is access to more materials. But in many cases, you don’t need a new machine to achieve this.
Pivot offers:
- Material unlocks for Fortus 360mc and 400mc systems
- Access to the full range of compatible thermoplastics
- Upgrades for approximately $1,000
Compared to the cost of a new industrial FDM printer, this is a high-ROI alternative.
We also provide hardware upgrades, including:
- Converting a Fortus 360mc to a 400mc
- Expanding build volume
- Increasing material capacity from 2 bays to 4 bays
- Maximize the Value of a Fully Depreciated Asset
If you’ve owned your Fortus system for several years, chances are it’s already:
- Fully depreciated
- Paid off
- Integrated into your production workflow
Replacing it means:
- Capital expenditure approval
- Operational downtime
- Training and ramp-up time
Keeping your existing system running allows you to avoid disruption while continuing to generate value from an asset you already own.
- Extend Machine Life with Independent Support
Despite OEM end-of-life announcements, your equipment doesn’t have to stop producing.
Pivot provides:
- Maintenance contracts for Fortus 360mc and 400mc
- On-demand repairs and service
- Cost-effective material alternatives
We’re committed to supporting these platforms for at least the next 5 years, helping you maintain uptime without OEM dependency.
Don’t Replace Your Fortus System—Optimize It
Before you invest in a new 3D printer, it’s worth asking:
Can your current machine do more than you think?
In many cases, the answer is yes, with the right partner.
Contact Pivot to discuss your goals, challenges, and whether upgrading or maintaining your existing Fortus system is the best path forward.
