3D Printing in Aerospace and Defense

By 2027, the value of additive manufacturing in the defense sector is projected to be $1.7 billion. Why? Employing additive manufacturing technologies is advantageous because it can mean faster production times, cheaper costs, and more customizable outcomes. While 3D printing…

This week, we take you on a little trip into space with SpaceX: the company has reportedly signed a licensing and support agreement with metal 3D printer manufacturer Velo3D. This is good news for Velo3D, which had been struggling for…

It’s official, a metal part has been 3D printed for the first time in orbit, and more specifically on board the ISS in a team effort between the European Space Agency (ESA), Airbus and its partners! And if the news…

In high-stakes industries like aerospace and defense, the demand for advanced materials that can endure extreme environments is relentless. Refractory alloys, known for their exceptional resistance to heat and wear, are becoming indispensable in these fields. Among them, Niobium C103…

Now that Sunday is finally here, we are taking a look back at the best 3D printing videos from the past week. Starting with the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, affectionately referred to as ‘America’s Shipyard,’ where we go behind the scenes…

Since the moon landing in 1969, humanity has never stopped reaching for the stars. What has changed, however, are the means of getting there. Since Apollo 11, rockets have changed immensely with innovation being the name of the game and…

In the years to come, drones could play a decisive role in many areas, ensuring the rapid and safe transport of goods. Isolated rural areas in particular stand to benefit, as drones can quickly supply them with medicines or emergency…

The United States Navy is continuing its exploration into using additive manufacturing at sea and ashore. More specifically, at The Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2024), NPS students showed how 3D printing could be used to increase fleet readiness.…

Elon Musk has not only caused a stir in the last week with inflammatory statements on social issues as well as his growing support for Donald Trump’s re-election, but also with a new announcement about the production of the Raptor…

Building on the moon and distant planets may sound like a distant dream (although we have seen a few projects already), but research is already well underway. As part of the five-year AM-IMATE project, researchers at Delft University of Technology…

Increasingly, it seems like additive manufacturing could be changing the face of modern warfare. Already in Ukraine, we have seen how 3D printing can be used to create not just tourniquets for those who are injured but also weapons. And…

Aircraft and spacecraft have become central to our way of life. Whether for traveling, satellite communications, navigation, national security or any of the other numerous applications for which these craft are necessary, it is important that they be able to…