Stratasys is set to participate in a US Department of Defense program designed to broaden the use of additive manufacturing within military systems. The company will contribute to the Joint Additive Manufacturing Acceptability IV Pilot Parts Program, which focuses on qualifying 3D-printed components for deployment and improving certification pathways.
The initiative builds upon Stratasys’ established role in defense projects, including collaborations with the US Air Force and Naval Air Systems Command. Among its contributions are aerodynamic microvanes for the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, delivering estimated yearly fuel savings of about $14 million, along with on-demand replacement parts that help reduce supply chain delays.
Interest in additive manufacturing continues to grow as the US defense sector seeks to strengthen logistics networks and accelerate production efficiency. Current estimates place US defense spending on additive manufacturing at roughly $3.3 billion, reflecting its increasing strategic importance.
Recent programs highlight a move toward large-scale adoption. L3Harris Technologies, for instance, has begun applying additive manufacturing techniques to hypersonic propulsion systems under a Pentagon initiative, while Velo3D is supporting a national security project using advanced metal printing methods to produce intricate components with shorter turnaround times.
