Case Study: Haier Molds Co. achieves 69% faster prototyping with Stratasys FDM 3D printing

Home Appliance Manufacturing Secrets Revealed

Haier Molds Co., a Qingdao-based subsidiary of the Haier Group, needed faster, more flexible prototyping to keep up with rising consumer demand and fierce market competition. Previously reliant on CNC methods with long turnarounds, Haier Molds adopted 3D printing—specifically FDM® technology—and deployed Stratasys equipment (including the Fortus 900mc) to accelerate design iteration and reduce time to market.

Stratasys’ FDM solution enabled Haier Molds to produce complex concept and functional parts in single builds, iterate designs rapidly, and run unattended overnight prints. The results included cutting a balance ring prototype from two working days to six hours (up to 69% time savings), printing a replacement fan blade in seven hours with the Fortus 900mc to avoid production downtime, and creating a 3D-printed mini washing machine that drove customer interest and follow-on sales—delivering measurable speed, accuracy, and competitive advantage.

Haier Molds Co.

Zhu Mingju

Project Manager