Stratasys has joined a US Department of Defense initiative focused on expanding the adoption of additive manufacturing across military platforms. The company will support the Joint Additive Manufacturing Acceptability IV Pilot Parts Program, which aims to validate 3D-printed components for operational use while streamlining certification and qualification processes.
This effort builds on Stratasys’ ongoing collaboration with US defense organizations, including the US Air Force and Naval Air Systems Command. Notable contributions include the production of aerodynamic microvanes for the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, which are associated with estimated annual fuel savings of approximately $14 million, as well as the manufacture of replacement parts that significantly reduce procurement lead times.
The growing emphasis on additive manufacturing reflects a broader push within the US defense sector to enhance supply chain resilience and accelerate production cycles. Defense spending on additive manufacturing is projected to reach around $3.3 billion this year, highlighting increasing investment in the technology.
Recent developments underscore a shift toward scaling these capabilities. In February, L3Harris Technologies began work under a Pentagon program to apply additive manufacturing to air-breathing hypersonic propulsion systems, aiming to shorten production timelines. Similarly, Velo3D secured a contract supporting a national security program, leveraging metal 3D printing techniques such as laser powder bed fusion to rapidly produce complex components.
