Fortus 900mc Aircraft Interiors Certification Solution
Stratasys has introduced a new additive manufacturing solution designed specifically for the manufacture of aerospace interior parts to ensure they meet stringent FAA and EASA certification requirements.
Launching at the Paris Airshow this week, the new Fortus 900mc Aircraft Interiors Certification Solution is based on Stratasys’ Fortus 900mc Production 3D printing technology combined with its ULTEM 9085 resin, a strong, lightweight thermoplastic meeting aerospace flame, smoke and toxicity (FST) regulations (FAR 25.863).
The technology is currently undergoing a qualification program under FAA oversight at the National Center for Advanced Materials Performance (NCAMP), part of the National Institute of Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University. In a first-of-its-kind NCAMP qualification, Stratasys is working to assist customers in qualifying the Fortus 900mc Aircraft Interiors Certification Solution for equivalency with the NCAMP statistical dataset.
“NIAR has been commissioned to develop the framework that would include polymer additive manufacturing under the NCAMP umbrella. And we have partnered with Stratasys to be the first material for this new process for NCAMP,” said Paul Jonas, Director Technology Development, Special Programs, Wichita State University, National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR). “The first part that you make has to be equivalent to the hundredth part, to the thousandth part, to the part you make ten years from now in order to be good enough to be certified for the FAA. And that’s what’s so powerful about the NCAMP process.”
Camera mounting bracket printed with Aircraft Interiors Certification Solution
3D printing aircraft interior parts can have key inherent benefits for both supply chain efficiency and for the product offering of aircraft interior manufacturers. By removing the complexity from achieving FAA and EASA certification manufacturers are able to create low-volume, customised interior parts, lightweight components, and reduce spare part inventories by 3D printing parts on demand.
“Until now, the process of achieving FAA certification for 3D printing has been limiting the adoption of additive manufacturing in aviation. There have been limited specialised solutions and statistical datasets available to support this complex process. With the new Stratasys Fortus 900mc Aircraft Interiors Certification Solution, we are removing major obstacles and making it much easier to 3D print airworthy parts, improving repeatability and performance,” said Scott Sevcik, Head of Aerospace, Defense and Automotive Solutions, Stratasys.
The qualification test program is underway now and is planned to be completed by September 2017, with publication of the final NCAMP qualification report to follow. The solution is available for pre-order and will be widely released at the conclusion of the test program.
