Case Study: UPSA achieves 95% part cost savings and accelerates manufacturing innovation with Stratasys 3D printing

UPSA Spurs Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Innovation with 3D Printing

UPSA, a French pharmaceutical manufacturer producing more than 340 million boxes annually, faced aging workshop skills, limited in-house part production, high part weights and rising inventory costs. To modernize tooling and cut costs, UPSA adopted Stratasys FDM technology—deploying the Fortus 450mc 3D printer and ABS‑M30i material—to expand in‑house capability and stimulate cross‑department innovation.

Using the Stratasys Fortus 450mc, UPSA 3D‑printed tooling, replacement parts, a vacuum nozzle, camera mounts and a cap‑cleaning device, enabling rapid iterations and on‑site production. The results were measurable: a 70% reduction in part weight, 95% cost savings on a replaced cast‑steel arm (55 parts produced in one year), consolidation of assembly parts (27 to 2), elimination of time‑consuming visual inspections, and a full return on investment within the first year.

UPSA

Mathieu Dumora

Technical and Infrastructure Project Manager