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Thule Embraces Carbon Fiber 3D Printing

21 June 2023
08 Oct 2025

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Customer Profile

Thule is a globally recognized brand for car racks, carriers, luggage, and lifestyle accessories. With headquarters in Connecticut, USA, Thule emphasizes innovation and design for active individuals.

Challenge

Early 3D printed models lacked functional strength for rigorous testing. Thule needed prototypes with the stiffness and durability of reinforced injection-molded parts.

Solution

Thule adopted the Stratasys Fortus 450mc™ with Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber (CF) material. This provided the strength and stiffness required for demanding functional tests. The material was also used to print assembly fixtures and manufacturing aids.

Strength and stiffness capabilities of the Nylon 12CF carbon fiber material.

Impact

Thule accelerated prototyping, improved accuracy, and reduced time to market. Nylon 12CF allowed rigorous testing and daily use for functional parts, revolutionizing operations with faster, more affordable production.

 “Nylon 12CF has revolutionized our operations. It lets us create accurate models, perform faster testing, and accelerate time to market.” — Rob Humphries, Prototype Engineer

Discover the key benefits and features of Polymer 3D Printers or choose our AM Consultancy Service to manage your entire product development process.

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