Stratasys has launched the FDM PA6/66-GF30-FR flame-retardant composite material, which is said to be capable of supporting customers in rail and transportation.
Engineered specifically for use on Stratasys' Fortus 450mc and F900 systems, Stratasys says the material has been designed to produce certified end-use parts and critical spare parts.
The FDM PA6/66-GF30-FR material has been developed in collaboration with railway OEMs and service providers. Those partnering companies have outlined a 'clear need' for 'certified, production-ready additive manufacturing solutions' that balance compliance, performance, and total cost of ownership.
Stratasys' response to those demands is a material that meets EN 45545-2 HL2 (R22/R23) and FMVSS 302 fire safety requirements, while also promising high stiffness and strength. Meeting these requirements and delivering these capabilities, the FDM PA6/66-GF30-FR material is said to be suitable for load-bearing, functional rail applications. The material also offers reliable printability, excellent surface finish, and repeatable part quality, according to Stratasys.
Its flame-retardant PA 6/66 base polymer is reinforced with 30% glass fibre, delivering stronger and stiffer performance than PC-FR alternatives and positioning it competitively around materials such as ULTEM 9085 resin. Meanwhile, compatibility with SUP4050B breakaway supports enables efficient post-processing and throughput for end-use parts.
“With Stratasys, we can implement additive manufacturing in a controlled, certifiable way, which is essential for the rail industry,” said Lorenzo Gasparoni, 3D Printing Program Manager, Alstom Group. “FDM PA6/66-GF30-FR supports reliable, repeatable production of qualified spare parts, along with streamlined, easy support removal using SUP4050B. The surface finish is exceptional and directly reflects the quality and performance of the parts.”
“At Siemens Mobility, we see additive manufacturing as a key enabler of flexible production in the railway industry,” added Christian Ochs, Head of Additive Manufacturing, Siemens Mobility GmbH. “Its ability to produce complex, application-specific parts on demand supports more efficient maintenance, reduces lead times, and enhances lifecycle management across rail systems.”
“Stratasys is strategically focused on mobility, transportation, automotive, and industrial applications, where our high-end additive manufacturing solutions have a real advantage in meeting production and certification requirements. The launch of FDM PA6/66-GF30-FR demonstrates our excellence in design for mobility applications,” said Rich Garrity, Chief Business Unit Officer at Stratasys. “By expanding our rail-certified FDM materials portfolio, we’re enabling customers to scale additive manufacturing with greater flexibility and confidence, while producing parts when and where they’re needed.”
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