2026-08-10 · Aerospace & Defense
3D Systems' Air Force-funded large-format metal AM demonstrator now totals $27.4 million, extending flight-relevant, high-temperature work by two years.
What changed
3D Systems announced an additional $9 million award from the U.S. Air Force for the Large-Format Metal 3D Printer Advanced Technology Demonstrator, built around the GEN-II DMP-1000. The award extends the program two more years and increases total project funding to $27.4 million for flight-relevant, high-temperature applications.
Why this matters
Sustained government investment in large-format metal AM is a signal for buyers watching the aerospace and defense qualification pipeline: the technology is being funded toward flight-relevant use, not just prototype demos. For capital planners the relevant lesson is that these programs pair machines with years of process development — the printer is the smallest part of the commitment.
Original source
3D Systems press release, 2026-08-10 ↗
Related intelligence
Editorial synthesis by Metal3DPrinting.ai. Publication date identifies the source or event timing where available; source access remains separately linked. This is not independent testing or an investment recommendation.