Minnesota, US – Materials from PU 3D-printing company Chromatic 3D Materials have passed 14 CFR vertical burn tests, demonstrating compliance with anti-flammability standards for airworthiness. The company’s thermoset polyurethanes have been certificated for a wide variety of airline parts, including elastomeric components used in stowage compartments and decorative panels, as well as ductwork, cargo liners, fabric sealing and other applications.
Testing conducted by the National Institute for Aviation Research at Wichita State University showed that multiple polyurethanes 3D-printed by Chromatic are compliant with US standards for use in aircraft interiors. ChromaLast 65, ChromaMotive 70 and ChromaFlow 90 each passed the 12-second vertical burn test necessary for use in floor coverings, textiles and cushions, decorative parts, galley furnishings, electrical conduits, insulating components, ducts, cargo liners and elsewhere. ChromaLast 65 and ChromaFlow 90 passed the 60-second vertical burn test for interior panels, galleys and under-seat stowage areas.
Having met these requirements, Chromatic can now offer the aerospace market its RX-AM materials and technology platform for additive manufacturing. The company says its RX-AM technology makes it possible to produce high-quality components with limited material stock, allowing aerospace companies to print parts on demand outside of traditional manufacturing environments.
Dr Cora Leibig, Chromatic’s founder and CEO, said: “Additive manufacturing can revolutionise product design and supply chains — and it all starts with the type of materials that are available. The aviation industry has some of the most stringent materials requirements, and we are pleased that test results from the National Institute for Aviation Research prove Chromatic’s materials pass with flying colours. We’re confident that our industrial-strength polyurethanes will open doors for 3D-printed applications in aviation as well as other industries that require safe, flame-resistant materials, including automotive, furniture and apparel.”
Chromatic manufactures 3D printing machinery that uses reactive PU rather than thermoplastics, whilst also formulating blends of isocyanates and polyols, and developing software to model the material properties of the blends.
An interview with Dr Cora Leibig will be published in the February/March 2023 edition of Urethanes Technology International.
