3D Systems Secures $7.65 Million U.S. Air Force Contract for Large-Format Metal Printing System

3D Systems has received a $7.65 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to develop a Large-format Metal 3D Printer Advanced Technology Demonstrator. The two-year contract supports the development of large-scale industrial metal AM print capabilities for high-speed flight applications. This is an extension of an existing program that aims to demonstrate key technologies for 3D printing large, high-temperature metal structures associated with high-speed flight operating environments.

3D Systems (NYSE: DDD) has been awarded a $7.65 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to develop a Large-format Metal 3D Printer Advanced Technology Demonstrator (GEN-IIDMP-1000). This two-year contract is an extension of an existing program that focuses on developing large-scale, high-speed additive manufacturing capabilities for flight-relevant applications. The work will be conducted at 3D Systems' facilities in San Diego, California, and Rock Hill, South Carolina, with an expected completion date of September 27, 2027 [1].

The contract builds upon 3D Systems' ongoing collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense since 2019, demonstrating innovative technologies for both large-scale systems and commercial printers. The GEN-IIDMP-1000 system is designed to address critical capability gaps in producing large-scale, high-temperature metal structures for aerospace applications. The Air Force's continued investment signals confidence in 3D Systems' technological approach and execution [1].

The development of large-format metal printing capabilities represents a significant engineering challenge, particularly in high-temperature applications. This contract likely addresses one of additive manufacturing's frontier applications—printing specialized alloys that can withstand extreme operating environments encountered in high-speed flight. The technology transfer potential mentioned in the company's statement suggests that innovations developed for this project could enhance 3D Systems' entire product portfolio, not just fulfill a single government contract [1].

While the $7.65 million value might seem modest relative to major defense programs, for advanced manufacturing R&D, this represents substantial funding that can support significant engineering resources and materials development over the two-year period. The dual-site execution between San Diego and Rock Hill facilities suggests leveraging complementary expertise across 3D Systems' operations [1].

This contract extends 3D Systems' defense relationship beyond the Air Force program that began in 2023, reinforcing its position as a trusted defense industrial base partner for advanced manufacturing technologies. The company's focus on large-format metal printing has been a persistent challenge in the industry due to issues with thermal management, residual stress, and material consistency across large builds. By addressing these challenges, this contract could yield innovations applicable to broader industrial applications like energy, heavy machinery, and commercial aerospace [1].

References:
[1] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/DDD/3d-systems-receives-7-65-million-contract-award-from-u-s-air-force-f66bw0h4phvf.html