Certified parts printed from Stratasys’ Ultem 9085 filament CG reduce aircraft downtime and supply chain risk
Airbus is producing over 25,000 flight-ready 3D-printed parts annually using Stratasys technology, reshaping how aircraft are built and maintained across its global fleet. Airbus has embraced additive manufacturing, evolving from a spare crew seat, its first part, to now having more than 20,000 certified Stratasys polymer parts in active service
New data shows that the implementation of Stratasys’ 3D-printed parts in the Airbus A350 resulted in a 43% weight reduction and an 85% reduction in lead time, helping to save on production time and expenses. Airbus prints parts for the A320, A350, and A400M models using Stratasys Ultem 9085 filament Certified Grade (CG) material on several Stratasys industrial-grade FDM printers.
Serge Senac, Airbus industrial leader for polymer AM, said, “Stratasys’ additive manufacturing technology is an integral part of our commitment to safe and sustainable aviation. We can produce certified, repeatable parts faster, with less reliance on complex supply chains. This manufacturing flexibility reduces costs and ensures improved response times to meet the needs of our customers around the world. Last but not least, this technology contributes to Airbus’ roadmap to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.”
These parts meet strict aerospace requirements while enabling faster, more cost-effective component replacement throughout an aircraft. Distributed manufacturing enables Airbus to create parts where and when they are needed, reducing aircraft downtime and inventory storage, and avoiding supply chain delays.
Rich Garrity, chief business unit officer, Stratasys, said, “Our collaboration with Airbus is proof that additive manufacturing is being integrated into true production at scale, and can be a huge differentiator. With tens of thousands of certified parts already flying, we are seeing an inflection point, not just for Airbus, but for the entire aerospace industry. Demand for lighter, faster, and more resilient supply chains is accelerating, adoption of Stratasys technology worldwide. What Airbus is achieving today signals the next growth chapter for our industry: certified additive manufacturing as a mainstream production method across aviation globally.”
