Stratasys Launches Flame-Retardant Material for Rail Applications

Stratasys is addressing certification challenges in the rail industry with the release of FDM PA6/66-GF30-FR, a new material developed for end-use production in rail and transit environments. This flame-retardant, glass-fiber-reinforced nylon is engineered to meet EN 45545-2 HL2 (R22/R23) and FMVSS 302 fire safety standards, making it suitable for passenger-facing and structural applications.

The material is reinforced with 30% glass fiber, offering improved stiffness and strength compared to PC-FR alternatives. It is positioned competitively alongside high-performance materials like ULTEM 9085 resin and offers compatibility with SUP4050B breakaway supports for efficient post-processing. FDM PA6/66-GF30-FR is currently available for Stratasys’ Fortus 450mc and F900 industrial FDM systems.

Development of the new material involved close collaboration with railway OEMs and maintenance providers to align performance targets and production requirements with industry needs. Lorenzo Gasparoni from Alstom Group noted the importance of a certified workflow for additive manufacturing in rail, highlighting the material's support for reliable production of qualified spare parts and easy support removal. Siemens Mobility also views additive manufacturing as a key enabler for flexible production, efficient maintenance, and enhanced lifecycle management in rail systems.

This launch is part of Stratasys' strategic focus on mobility, transportation, and industrial sectors, where certification requirements are critical. By expanding its portfolio of certified FDM materials for rail, Stratasys aims to enable customers to scale additive manufacturing with greater confidence and flexibility, producing parts on demand and where needed. The company sees certified materials as a significant advantage in spare parts logistics and lifecycle management for rail assets that operate for decades under strict safety regulations.