Markforged launches aerospace-ready traceable composite materials

Markforged (Watertown, Mass., U.S.), creator of the integrated metal and carbon fiber additive manufacturing platform, The Digital Forge, says it is supporting aerospace, defense and other manufacturers in highly-regulated industries with its Onyx FR-A and Carbon Fiber FR-A, aerospace-ready versions of its Onyx FR and Carbon Fiber FR materials.

These two new materials are currently undergoing a qualification program conducted on the X7 industrial 3D printer by the National Center for Advanced Materials Performance (NCAMP), part of the National institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University. Upon completion, Markforged expects to have the first continuous fiber-reinforced additive manufacturing (CFAM) process qualified by NCAMP, one of two bodies authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to qualify materials for flight.

Moreover, Markforged has been collaborating with NCAMP since the first quarter of 2020 and has successfully completed the rigorous factory audit phase of the qualification program approved by NIAR and a steering committee consisting of experts spanning commercial and defense industries, academia and the FAA. The program is currently in the printing and testing phase, which will be followed by an in-depth analysis and reporting cycle. Markforged and NCAMP anticipate full qualification upon completion of these processes in early 2023. Both the FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) currently accept composite specification and design values developed using the NCAMP process.

Onyx FR-A and Carbon Fiber FR-A materials are designed to meet flame, smoke and toxicity (FST) requirements for many parts in aircraft interiors, come with traceability and adhere to specifications approved by NCAMP. Markforged says they are specifically developed for end-use applications in demanding industries like aerospace and defense because of their high strength-to-weight ratio, exceptional surface finish and high consistency. With Onyx FR-A and Carbon Fiber FR-A materials, aerospace manufacturers and others in highly-regulated industries that require higher levels of documentation will more freely explore what’s possible with AM, Markforged says, as well as high-strength continuous fiber-reinforced end-use parts.

Available to customers now, Onyx FR-A and Carbon Fiber FR-A will reportedly give manufacturers confidence in the materials while reducing risk and saving time. Once Onyx FR-A and Carbon Fiber FR-A complete the NCAMP qualification process, manufacturers will be able to access Markforged’s material information from the NCAMP database, prove equivalency and have the ability to gain FAA certification efficiently.

Onyx FR-A and Carbon Fiber FR-A materials are available on the Markforged X7, and Onyx FR-A is also available on the Markforged X5 and X3. These printers combine precision-built hardware, advanced sensors and best-in-class software to deliver accurate parts, repeatedly. The company expects to launch additional traceable materials in the future.