Qualification Standards for Functional 3D Printed Components

Second Digit (Y): Liquid Ingress Protection 

Real-World Application: IP66 & IK09 Rated Connector Enclosures 

TECHNO used Loctite 3D 3843 on the Origin® platform to meet IP66 protection grade and IK09 impact resistance for outdoor Internet of Things (IoT) enclosures. These parts withstand UV exposure, temperature cycles, and comply with NEMA and Zhaga standards. 

Real-World Application: Ergonomic Tooling with Impact Resistance 

VALIANT TMS replaced CNC-machined ergonomic tooling with Loctite 3D 3172 HDT50 High Impact printed on Origin. The tools passed ISO 10993-5/-23 for skin contact and delivered IK-rated durability, reducing production time from two days to five hours and improving operator comfort. Find the full story here. 

Military Standards 

In fields where parts simply cannot fail, from defense and aerospace to industrial systems and consumer electronics, additive manufacturing has to go beyond prototyping. It must deliver certified, durable components built for real-world pressure. 

At Stratasys, we’re aligning our material portfolio with globally recognized standards like MIL-STD-810H, MIL-STD-108, IP, and IK ratings to ensure our technologies meet the demands of the real world. 

Military standards are among the most rigorous benchmarks in engineering. They simulate the harshest conditions imaginable – from desert heat and salt fog to explosive atmospheres and mechanical shock. Two key standards guide our material development: 

MIL-STD-810H: Environmental Engineering Testing 

MIL-STD-810H is designed to replicate the environmental stresses that equipment may face throughout its lifecycle. This includes extreme temperatures ranging from −40 °C to +70 °C, high humidity, salt fog, sand and dust exposure, and mechanical shock and vibration. It even accounts for explosive atmospheres and solar radiation, conditions common in aerospace and defense deployments. 

Stratasys materials like FDM Antero 800NA and 840CN03 are engineered for these challenges. These aerospace-grade thermoplastics offer low outgassing, high heat resistance, and chemical durability, making them ideal for aircraft interiors, UAVs, and mission-critical components. Similarly, ULTEM™ 9085 and 1010 resins provide flame retardancy and high strength FDM parts, while SAF Nylon PA12 powder delivers a lightweight yet durable solution for rugged electronics and structural parts. 

MIL-STD-108: Sealed Enclosure Integrity 

MIL-STD-108 focuses on the performance of enclosures for electronic equipment. It evaluates drip-proof, dust-tight, and air-tight construction, as well as resistance to fluid ingress, radiated noise, and mounting integrity under vibration. 

Materials like SAF Polypropylene (PP) excel in this domain, offering flexibility and water-tight sealing. For gasket and seal applications, P3 Loctite 3D IND402 and P3 Silicone 25A provide elastomeric performance with excellent impact absorption. And for soft-touch, vibration-damping interfaces, PolyJet Agilus overmolds are the go-to solution. 

Real-World Example: Defense Applications 

SPECTRA Group leveraged Origin to fast-track development of dielectric components for defense communications. They went from concept to production in five working days, bypassing traditional supply chains and achieving IP- and IK-rated performance with materials like Loctite 3D 3843. 

Real-World Example: Outdoor IoT Enclosure 

In the aforementioned TECHNO case, UV protection was also critical. TECHNO used Loctite 3843 to achieve IP66 water protection, IK08 impact resistance, as well as UV stability for outdoor electronics. These enclosures withstand sunlight, rain, and temperature cycles, meeting NEMA and Zhaga standards for smart lighting systems. 

Summary 

UV testing is the final step for outdoor reliability: ensuring parts don’t just survive water and impact but also years of sunlight. Stratasys materials are validated against global UV standards, giving engineers confidence for industrial, automotive, and defense applications. 

Additive Material Highlights 

Stratasys offers a diverse portfolio of materials across SAF, FDM, P3 DLP, and PolyJet technologies, each tailored to meet specific environmental and mechanical demands: 

These materials are certified for performance, while also offering the practical advantages of additive manufacturing, such as lower costs, consistent output, and greater design flexibility. 

Engineering Confidence, Certified for the Real World 

Stratasys is working closely with certification labs, defense partners, and industry experts to validate materials against IP, IK, and MIL-STD requirements. Through technical blogs, white papers, and real-world case studies, we demonstrate how additive manufacturing can meet, and often exceed, the demands of regulated, high-performance applications. 

For defense, aerospace, industrial, and electronics programs, this translates into more than compliance. It means access to the industry’s broadest validated material portfolio, proven environmental and mechanical performance, and scalable production across multiple AM technologies. In parallel, we continue expanding certification coverage through ongoing testing, joint validation initiatives with customers, and deeper collaboration with accredited test centers. 

If certified reliability and engineering confidence are critical to your next application, talk to a Stratasys expert to explore the right materials, processes, and qualification pathways for your requirements.