#USA #Minnetonka #Stratasys #FDM #PA6/66-GF30-FR

Stratasys Unveils Fire-Resistant FDM Material for Rail Transportation

Stratasys, a leading player in 3D printing technology, has announced the launch of its new fire-resistant composite material, FDM® PA6/66-GF30-FR, specifically tailored for the rail and transportation sector. With its advanced properties, this new filament promises to meet stringent safety standards while offering efficiency in manufacturing vital components.

The FDM PA6/66-GF30-FR material is designed for use with Fortus® 450mc and F900® systems, making it a robust choice for creating end-use parts and essential spare components. Developed through extensive collaboration with rail manufacturers and maintenance service providers, this material aligns compliance, performance, and cost efficiency — crucial attributes in the transportation industry.

Adherence to Safety Standards

One of the standout features of FDM PA6/66-GF30-FR is its proven compliance with various fire safety regulations. This includes the European railway fire safety standard EN 45545-2 HL2 (R22/R23) and the US automotive safety standard FMVSS 302. This guarantees that components manufactured with this material not only provide high strength and rigidity but also ensure safety in rail transportation applications.

Enhanced by a formulation comprising 30% glass fiber within a flame-retardant PA6/66 base polymer, FDM PA6/66-GF30-FR exceeds conventional PC-FR materials in both strength and rigidity, while offering an economically viable alternative to ULTEM™ 9085 resin.

Achieving Quality and Consistency in Production

The new FDM material has been crafted for production environments, achieving:

• - Superior build stability
• - Excellent surface finish
• - High reproducibility in part quality
• - Efficient post-processing capabilities

Additionally, it is compatible with SUP4050B breakaway support material, which alleviates the challenges associated with support removal, hence boosting productivity.

Expectations from the Rail Industry

Lorenzo Gasparoni, the 3D Printing Program Manager at Alstom Group, expressed optimism regarding Stratasys solutions, stating, “With Stratasys' innovations, the rail industry can adopt additive manufacturing in a certified and controlled manner. FDM PA6/66-GF30-FR facilitates stable production of compliant spare parts while benefiting from efficient post-processing with SUP4050B. Its superior surface quality reflects the high finish levels of the produced parts.”

The need for spare parts in the rail sector has become a pressing issue given that rail vehicles and transportation equipment have long operational lifespans. Increasingly, additive manufacturing is being utilized for on-demand manufacturing to address challenges such as:

• - Reducing lead times
• - Cutting inventory costs
• - Enhancing supply chain flexibility

Christian Ochs, Head of Additive Manufacturing at Siemens Mobility GmbH, noted, “Additive manufacturing is a pivotal technology for flexible production in the railway sector. It allows essential components to be manufactured as needed, streamlining maintenance efforts, reducing lead times, and strengthening lifecycle management of rail systems.”

Stratasys' Strategic Vision

Rich Garrity, Chief Business Unit Officer at Stratasys, remarked, “Stratasys positions mobility, transportation, automotive, and industrial equipment as critical markets. With the launch of FDM PA6/66-GF30-FR, we enhance our portfolio of compliant FDM materials, empowering customers to manufacture parts where and when they are needed.”

Launch Date

The FDM® PA6/66-GF30-FR material will be available for Fortus® 450mc and F900® systems starting on August 3, 2026. For further information, check the product page on their website.

About Stratasys

Stratasys is at the forefront of the global transition to additive manufacturing, offering innovative 3D printing solutions across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, and medical sectors. Through smart connected 3D printers, resin materials, software ecosystems, and on-demand parts, Stratasys empowers advanced enterprises to transform product design, enhance manufacturing and supply chain agility, and improve patient care.

For locals, Stratasys Japan, based in Tokyo with branches in Osaka and a modeling center in Tsukuba, represents Stratasys Ltd. in Japan, focusing on sales of 3D printers and printing materials, as well as offering parts modeling services (DFP).

Stratasys retains the right to disclose important non-public information utilizing the aforementioned social media platforms in accordance with SEC regulations.

This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although these statements are based on current information, they may be affected by risks and uncertainties, including those outlined in Stratasys' Form 20-F annual report submitted to the SEC.

For further inquiries, please explore Stratasys's official website and social media.