U.S. Air Force Extends $9M Contract for 3D Systems’ Large-Format Metal 3D Printing
Event summary
- $9 million contract extension from the U.S. Air Force for 3D Systems' large-format metal 3D printing system.
- Program now totals $27.4 million, extending through 2028 after initial 2023 launch.
- Focus on high-temperature, flight-relevant applications for aerospace and defense.
- Work conducted at San Diego and Rock Hill facilities.
The big picture
This contract reflects the Air Force's growing reliance on additive manufacturing for next-gen aerospace components. The extension underscores the strategic importance of large-scale metal printing in reducing supply chain dependencies and enabling rapid prototyping for defense applications. With total funding now at $27.4 million, 3D Systems is positioning itself as a key player in high-temperature, flight-relevant additive manufacturing.
What we're watching
- Technology Maturity
- How the platform's development will impact adoption in flight-critical applications.
- Defense Spending
- Whether the Air Force will allocate further funding beyond this extension.
- Commercialization Pace
- The speed at which 3D Systems can transition military-grade tech to civilian markets.