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.

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
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