Stratasys technology accelerates Airbus production
– more than 200,000 3D printed parts are already flying
Additive manufacturing is no longer an experimental solution in the aerospace industry, but a cornerstone of the global manufacturing strategy. Airbus is a prime example of this: with Stratasys technology, it produces more than 25,000 flight-ready 3D printed parts per year, while more than 200,000 certified polymer parts are already in active service worldwide.
Production is taking place for the Airbus A320, A350 and A400M, using Stratasys industrial FDM systems, using ULTEM™ 9085 Certified Grade material – which meets the highest quality and safety requirements in the aerospace industry.
The Airbus A400 is a military aircraft, of which more than 130 are in service, that uses 3D printed parts.
Measurable benefits in practice
Introducing Stratasys additive manufacturing solutions to the Airbus A350 program:
- Resulted in a 43% weight reduction in the affected components
- removed minimum order quantity limits (MOQ)
- Reduced lead time by 85%
- brought significant production and logistics cost savings
Distributed manufacturing of parts allows Airbus to produce exactly where and when it is needed – reducing aircraft time on the ground, inventory levels and supply chain risks.
“Stratasys additive manufacturing is a key part of our commitment to safe and sustainable aviation. We can produce faster, certified and repeatable parts while reducing supply chain dependency and costs.”
Serge Senac, Airbus – Polymer Additive Manufacturing
The industrial turning point of additive manufacturing
The collaboration between Stratasys and Airbus demonstrates that certified additive manufacturing has reached the point where it has become a true, large-scale industrial manufacturing method.
“Today, tens of thousands of Stratasys-made components are flying in active service. This is a milestone not only for Airbus, but for the entire aerospace industry.”
Rich Garrity, Stratasys – Industrial Business Unit Leader
The solution directly supports Airbus' 2050 carbon neutrality goal while increasing fleet availability and reducing operating costs.
Industrial-grade reliability
Stratasys has decades of experience meeting aerospace industry standards. Its materials and systems are proven for manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) applications – helping airlines and OEMs keep their fleets in the air, cost-effectively and reliably.
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