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Solvay (Alparetta, Ga., U.S.) announced a cooperation agreement with Stratasys (Eden Prairie, Minn., U.S.) to develop new high-performance additive manufacturing (AM) filaments for use in Stratasys’ FDM F900 3D printers.

As part of their joint product roadmap, Solvay and Stratasys will develop a high-performance AM filament based on Solvay’s Radel polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) polymer that will meet FAR 25.853 compliance requirements for use in aerospace applications. Both companies aim to commercialize this new Radel PPSU filament in 2020. Additional industry-specific products are expected to follow.

“Stratasys’ customers have been repeatedly asking for more varied, high-performance materials, while many of Solvay’s customers want our high-performance polymers to be enabled for use on Stratasys’ industrial 3D printing systems. This important partnership between our two companies now allows us to fulfill these burgeoning needs,” says Christophe Schramm, business manager for additive manufacturing for Solvay’s Specialty Polymers global business unit.

“Solvay is a trusted leader of diverse, tested materials for demanding aerospace, automotive, and medical industries. We’re proud to have this new collaboration agreement in place which will give customers the ability to further expand FDM 3D printing into production applications,” says Rich Garrity, president, Stratasys Americas.

Solvay’s Radel PPSU grades have been developed specifically for use in aircraft cabin interior components and are compliant with all commercial and regulatory requirements for flammability, smoke density, heat release and toxic gas emissions. These grades are also said to offer optimal chemical resistance and toughness.