Stratasys and Limbitless Solutions Mark 12 Years of Partnership With Renewed Sustainability Focus

A Decade of Additive Manufacturing for Social Impact

Stratasys and Limbitless Solutions, the non-profit research facility at the University of Central Florida, are expanding a partnership that has now run for 12 years — one that has delivered hundreds of 3D-printed prosthetic devices to children across the United States and beyond.

The collaboration is a useful case study in what sustained industry–academia cooperation can look like in additive manufacturing. Over the course of the partnership, Stratasys has donated materials, additive manufacturing technology, and engineering expertise to Limbitless, enabling the non-profit to produce end-use components, thermoform moulds, and prototype parts. A dedicated Limbitless lab at the University of Central Florida, equipped with multiple Stratasys systems, gives students hands-on experience with 3D printing — building the skills pipeline alongside the prosthetics output.

Certified Pre-Owned Equipment Enters the Picture

This year, the two organisations have placed a greater emphasis on sustainability. As part of that shift, Stratasys has donated one of its Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) F370 3D printers to support Limbitless's ongoing operations, student education, and community outreach. The Stratasys CPO program extends the working life of additive manufacturing equipment through factory-certified refurbishment and redeployment — a circular-economy play that keeps capable machines in service rather than scrapped.

“This long-standing partnership reflects the best of what Stratasys has to offer,” said Rosa Coblens, VP Sustainability & Communications at Stratasys. “Through our Mindful Manufacturing approach, we are advancing sustainability while supporting meaningful social impact. By reconditioning high-performing equipment through our Certified Pre-Owned program, we not only reduce waste but also enable purpose-driven organisations like Limbitless to extend their reach and empower more lives.”

Built From a Phone Call

The origins of the partnership are modest. It has been active since Limbitless's co-founder was in graduate school, growing from an initial conversation into a decade-long effort.

“Stratasys has been with us since day one,” added Albert Manero, PhD, Executive Director and Co-founder of Limbitless Solutions. “What started as a short phone call while I was in graduate school turned into a decade-long partnership that shows how additive manufacturing can create a tangible impact for the children we serve and the future engineers and designers working to build a more accessible world.”

What Comes Next

Going forward, the expanded partnership centres on three priorities: sustainability, education, and increasing access to 3D-printed prosthetics for children. For manufacturing professionals watching how OEMs approach equipment lifecycle management, the CPO donation is the detail worth noting — refurbishment and redeployment as a mechanism for both waste reduction and mission-driven capacity building.