Stratasys Expedites SAF Nylon Qualification with Industry Collaboration

Event summary

  • Stratasys launched a qualification program for SAF™ PA12 nylon, a production-ready material for selective absorption fusion (SAF) 3D printing.
  • The program leverages the NCAMP materials qualification process and involves collaboration with aerospace and defense manufacturers and service bureaus.
  • Early participants include Boeing, General Atomics, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Bifrost Manufacturing, and Stratasys Direct Manufacturing.
  • The initiative aims to shorten material qualification timelines and expand the application of SAF technology beyond initial prototyping.
  • Stratasys’ Advanced Industrial Solution (AIS) framework is being extended to SAF technology to improve material performance, consistency, and traceability.

The big picture

Stratasys' initiative addresses the growing demand for scalable and qualified additive manufacturing solutions, particularly within aerospace and defense, driven by modernization and reshoring trends. By accelerating material qualification, Stratasys aims to lower barriers to entry for manufacturers seeking to leverage SAF technology for production applications, potentially expanding its addressable market beyond prototyping and tooling. This move signals a strategic shift towards capturing a larger share of the production-grade 3D printing market, currently estimated to be a multi-billion dollar opportunity.

What we're watching

Adoption Rate
The success of this qualification program hinges on the willingness of major aerospace and defense players to adopt SAF PA12, and the speed at which they integrate it into production workflows.
AIS Expansion
Stratasys’ ability to successfully extend its AIS framework to other SAF materials and technologies will be a key determinant of its competitiveness in the production-grade additive manufacturing space.
Competitive Landscape
How competitors like HP and BASF respond to Stratasys’ move to streamline SAF material qualification will shape the broader landscape for production-ready polymer 3D printing.