Fortus® process control

Fortus® Material Parameter Manager (Guide)

Fortus® machines don’t “just print plastic” — they run on material parameter files that define temperature behavior, flow response, and material-specific tuning values. If you want to run custom filament or refine print behavior, parameter control is the foundation.

View the Parameter Manager device OpenAM™ overview Talk to a Fortus Specialist Fortus® temperature settings
What parameters are What they control Custom materials Recommended workflow Compatible systems FAQ

What are Fortus® material parameters?

Fortus® printers rely on material parameter files to define how the machine runs a specific polymer family. These parameters control temperature setpoints and behavior over long builds — not just “a single number.” They are the difference between a material that prints once and a material that prints reliably.

Simple reality: If you’re trying to run a custom material, “close enough” isn’t enough. Parameter tuning is what brings stability, repeatability, and controlled deployment.

What the parameter files control

At a practical level, Fortus® material parameters define:

  • Extrusion temperature behavior (model + support)
  • Oven and chamber behavior (long-build stability)
  • Flow response and material handling characteristics
  • Retraction, ooze control, and transition behavior
  • Material-specific tuning values that affect surface quality and reliability

If you’re looking for baseline setpoints by polymer family, use the temperature guide: Temperature Settings for Stratasys® Fortus® 3D Printers. Parameter control is what lets you safely move beyond baseline numbers.

Why custom materials require parameter control

If a filament can physically move through the system, it can typically be tuned — but tuning is what makes it usable. That includes:

  • ESD variants of standard materials (often small but critical changes)
  • Modified ABS / PC blends
  • Reinforced grades
  • Flexible materials like TPU (requires disciplined iteration)
  • Specialty high-temperature polymers

Small changes (common)

Many “variant” materials only need slight adjustments — but those adjustments must be controlled and repeatable.

Deep development (sometimes)

Some materials take time and refinement. We’ve spent months developing TPU profiles — the difference is having access to the settings.

Recommended workflow (Recognition + Control)

Running custom materials on Fortus® platforms is a two-part workflow:

Recognition + Control = Custom Materials
EEPROM Writer → helps the printer recognize the material.
Parameter Manager → controls how the printer runs it.

Explore: Plus EEPROM Writer · EEPROM Solutions · OpenAM™ and open-material workflows

How the device connects

The Parameter Manager connects to your Fortus® printer over your existing network (LAN or wireless). Setup is as simple as entering the printer’s IP address. If your Fortus® printer is on your network, the device connects easily.

Compatible systems

Ready now (legacy systems)

  • Fortus® 360mc
  • Fortus® 400mc
  • Fortus® 900mc

Coming very soon

  • Fortus® 380mc
  • Fortus® 450mc
  • F900

If you’re running 380/450/F900 and want early access, contact us — we’ll confirm timeline and fit.

Get the device or request development support

Some customers want full independence (device + internal workflow). Others want help building stable profiles and controlled deployment. We can support either path.

Buy: Fortus® Material Parameter Manager Request parameter development support

Related resources

NEXT 3DP is independently operated and not affiliated with or endorsed by Stratasys Ltd. Stratasys®, Fortus®, FDM®, and OpenAM™ are trademarks of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. This information is intended for experienced users. Changing parameter values affects machine behavior and should be done responsibly.

FAQ

What is a Fortus® material parameter file?

It’s the configuration data that defines how a Fortus® system runs a specific material — including temperature behavior, flow response, and other material-specific tuning values required for stable production printing.

Is this only for OpenAM™ systems?

No. Open materials access is one part of the ecosystem. Parameter control is valuable for any workflow where you need disciplined tuning, repeatability, and controlled deployment — especially for custom filament development.

Do I need the EEPROM Writer too?

Not always — but if you’re running custom materials, EEPROM + parameters is the complete workflow. EEPROM is recognition; parameters are control. See the Plus EEPROM Writer.

How does the device connect to the printer?

It connects over your existing network (LAN or wireless). Setup is as simple as entering the printer IP address. If your Fortus® printer is already on your network, connecting the device is straightforward.

Which Fortus® systems are supported today?

Ready now for Fortus® 360mc, 400mc, and 900mc legacy systems. Support for 380mc, 450mc, and F900 is coming very soon.

Can NEXT 3DP do tuning and deployment support?

Yes — we can support your internal tuning workflow or provide parameter development guidance depending on your goals. Contact us and tell us what you’re trying to run.