Toyota accelerates production innovation with Stratasys

Stratasys has announced that Toyota’s production engineering group is accelerating innovation on the factory floor through its strategic collaboration with the company. The automaker is empowering workers to seamlessly integrate advanced 3D printing technology in their manufacturing process, taking tools, fixtures and jigs from initial concept to working prototype in just one day.

Through the more than 10 year partnership with Stratasys, Toyota engineers have access to industrial grade 3D printers and advanced materials designed to withstand tough factory conditions. These high performance polymers reduce reliance on external suppliers and long lead times, giving frontline engineering teams the ability to iterate rapidly and adapt to shifting production needs in real time.

Toyota is currently using the Stratasys F3300, F900, Origin One, F770, Neo800, H350, F370, J850, and Fortus 450mc printers to produce robust factory tooling, end use parts, and functional prototypes throughout its North American facilities.

By integrating Stratasys industrial 3D printing solutions across its North American operations, Toyota can transform ideas into durable, customised tools that support workflows, enhance worker safety, and withstand wear and tear. Much of this work is powered by the Toyota Add Lab, the company’s in-house additive manufacturing centre that was opened in January 2023 and dedicated to accelerating research and development and factory innovation.

‘Sometimes we start with nothing more than a sketch on paper or an idea in our heads,’ said Dallas Martin, additive manufacturing engineer at Toyota North America. ‘We can model it digitally and hold a working part in our hands the very next day. That speed lets us move quickly, implement safer solutions, and continuously iterate to improve our processes.’

The collaboration reflects Stratasys’ broader commitment to helping automotive leaders transform their manufacturing workflows with scalable, cost effective additive solutions that drive innovation. From jigs and fixtures to ergonomic aids and complex assembly tools, additive manufacturing is helping Toyota team members solve production challenges with unprecedented speed and flexibility.

‘Additive manufacturing has transformed how our teams collaborate and innovate,’ said Lisa Bednar, group manager, production engineering at Toyota North America. ‘Instead of sending an idea out and waiting weeks for a part, we are building it ourselves, refining it the same day, and getting it into production faster. It is not just about speed – it is about giving our people the tools to think differently and act immediately.’

Thanks in part to the Add Lab’s innovations, Toyota engineers have used 3D printing to redesign a door assembly fixture, creating a lighter, more ergonomic tool on-site in just a few days. In another case, they developed a custom window alignment jig that turned a multi-person job into a one person task, boosting both safety and efficiency.

‘Toyota is a standout example of how leading manufacturers are leveraging additive manufacturing to deliver meaningful operational impact,’ said Rich Garrity, chief industrial business officer at Stratasys. ‘Its teams are using our technology to move faster, adapt on the fly, and build safer, more efficient production environments. We are proud to support a partner that is turning bold ideas into real world, measurable improvements on the factory floor.’