Boeing approves Stratasys’ Antero 800na material for 3D printing aircraft parts.

Boeing (NYSE: BA) has approved Antero 800NA thermoplastic for its portfolio of 3D printing capabilities, Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ: SSYS) announced today. The approval means this high-temperature material can now be used in parts for Boeing aircraft.

Antero 800NA is a PEKK-based polymer developed specifically for Stratasys production-grade FDM® 3D printers. Boeing has published specification BMS8-444 and added 800NA to the Qualified Products List (QPL) following a comprehensive evaluation of the material’s performance. This is the first Stratasys material approved by Boeing for use in applications with high chemical resistance or fatigue requirements.

“Boeing has recognized the significant potential for Antero material in applications that could not previously be 3D printed,” said Scott Sevcik, vice president of Stratasys Aerospace. “Additive manufacturing offers tremendous benefits for simplifying the aerospace supply chain, both in terms of original equipment and maintenance, repair, and overhaul processes, but robust materials were needed to meet demanding flight requirements.”

The Antero material family includes 800NA and Antero 840CN03, a variant with electrostatic dissipative (ESD) properties. Stratasys provides these materials to customers using Stratasys F900 and Fortus 450mc 3D printers, and as an on-demand material option through Stratasys Direct Manufacturing.