Aerospace composite materials Onyx FR-A and Carbon Fibre FR-A, versions of Markforged’s Onyx FR and Carbon Fibre FR materials, have been launched after undergoing a qualification programme conducted by the National institute for Aviation Research (NIAR).
Onyx FR-A and Carbon Fibre FR-A aerospace composite materials are designed to meet Flame, Smoke, and Toxicity (FST) requirements for many parts in aircraft interiors.
In addition to this, Markforged is at pains to explain that both materials come with traceability, and adhere to specifications approved by National Center for Advanced Materials Performance (NCAMP), part of the NIAR at Wichita State University, which conducted the tests and one of two bodies authorised by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to qualify materials for flight.
Markforged has specifically developed the materials for aerospace and defence because of their high strength-to-weight ratio, surface finish, and consistency. With Onyx FR-A and Carbon Fibre FR-A materials, Markforged says aerospace manufacturers and others in highly-regulated industries that require higher levels of documentation can more freely explore what’s possible with additive manufacturing and high strength continuous fibre reinforced end-use parts.
“Markforged believes in a future that is more than metal,” said Markforged CEO Shai Terem. “We have long supported the aerospace industry and have parts in-flight today.
“There is a multi-decade trend underway to transition parts from metals to advanced composites, which are lighter and offer greater efficiencies.
“Our deliberate move to support innovation in aerospace mitigates risk for these manufacturers and helps get additive parts in the air faster by simplifying the part certification process.”
Markforged has been working with aerospace customers on the aerospace composites, such as Cabin Management Solutions to bring end-use parts to market through a manual material traceability process, having already developed over 100 end-use parts ready to be installed in aircrafts.
Onyx FR-A and Carbon Fibre FR-A materials are available on the Markforged X7, and Onyx FR-A is also available on the Markforged X5 and X3.
