3D Systems Receives $7.65 Million Contract Award from U.S. Air Force for Advanced Metal Printing System

Rhea-AI Summary

3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) has secured a $7.65 million contract from the U.S. Air Force for a Large-format Metal 3D Printer Advanced Technology Demonstrator (GEN-IIDMP-1000). The two-year contract extends an existing program focused on developing large-scale, high-speed flight-relevant additive manufacturing capabilities.

The work will be conducted at the company's facilities in San Diego, California and Rock Hill, South Carolina, with completion expected by September 27, 2027. This award builds on 3D Systems' ongoing collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense since 2019, demonstrating innovative technologies for both large-scale systems and commercial printers.

Positive

• Secured $7.65 million contract from U.S. Air Force
• Contract extends existing successful program from 2023
• Demonstrates continued trust and collaboration with U.S. Department of Defense since 2019
• Technology developments benefit both military and commercial applications

Negative

• None.

Insights

Defense Industry Analyst

3D Systems' $7.65M Air Force contract strengthens its defense sector position while advancing critical large-scale metal printing technologies.

This $7.65 million contract award represents a significant validation of 3D Systems' metal additive manufacturing capabilities in the defense sector. The two-year extension builds upon their existing relationship with the Air Force dating back to 2023, with work focused on developing large-format metal 3D printing technology for high-speed flight applications. This isn't just about revenue - it's about strategic positioning in the advanced manufacturing defense supply chain.

The GEN-IIDMP-1000 system appears designed to address a critical capability gap 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 to date. The extended timeline through September 2027 suggests this is a development-focused contract, likely including milestone-based deliverables rather than immediate production.

Particularly noteworthy is that this contract extends 3D Systems' defense relationship beyond the Air Force program that began in 2023, as the company mentions supporting the Department of Defense since 2019. This contract reinforces 3D Systems' position as a trusted defense industrial base partner for advanced manufacturing technologies that could potentially transform aerospace supply chains for critical components.

Manufacturing Technology Specialist

From a technical standpoint, the development of large-format metal printing capabilities represents a significant engineering challenge. The specific mention of "high-temperature metal structures" indicates this system is addressing one of additive manufacturing's frontier applications - printing specialized alloys that can withstand extreme operating environments encountered in high-speed flight.

The most technically interesting aspect is the technology transfer potential mentioned in Dr. Shepard's quote about innovations maturing "both for this large-scale system as well as our commercially available printers." This suggests 3D Systems is developing fundamental technological improvements that could enhance their entire product portfolio, not just fulfilling a single government contract.

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 focusing on high-temperature applications, this contract likely addresses the most demanding use cases, potentially yielding innovations applicable to broader industrial applications like energy, heavy machinery, and commercial aerospace.

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 this leverages complementary expertise across 3D Systems' operations.

• Two-year contract award for Large-format Metal 3D Printer Advanced Technology Demonstrator
• Supports development of large-scale industrial metal AM print capabilities for high-speed flight applications
• Award is an extension of an existing program to demonstrate key technologies needed for 3D printing large, high-temperature metal structures associated with high-speed flight operating environments
  

ROCK HILL, S.C., Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, 3D Systems (NYSE: DDD), a leading U.S.-based additive manufacturing solutions partner, announced it has been awarded a $7.65 million U.S. Air Force contract for a Large-format Metal 3D Printer Advanced Technology Demonstrator (GEN-IIDMP-1000). The award is the next phase of a program 3D Systems has worked on since 2023 that supports the development of large-scale, high-speed, flight relevant additive manufacturing print capabilities. This work will continue to be performed in its San Diego, California and Rock Hill, South Carolina locations, with an expected completion date of September 27, 2027.

This contract builds upon 3D Systems’ history of working in support of the U.S. Department of Defense since 2019 for the advancement of additive manufacturing.

“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made thus far in our collaboration with the U.S. Air Force,” said Dr. Michael Shepard, vice president, aerospace & defense segment, 3D Systems. “We‘ve successfully demonstrated a number of innovative technologies under this program and it’s exciting to see those technologies mature both for this large-scale system as well as our commercially available printers.”

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this release that are not statements of historical or current facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from historical results or from any future results or projections expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In many cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as "believes," "belief," "expects," "may," "will," "estimates," "intends," "anticipates" or "plans" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are based upon management’s beliefs, assumptions, and current expectations and may include comments as to the company’s beliefs and expectations as to future events and trends affecting its business and are necessarily subject to uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of the company. The factors described under the headings "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as other factors, could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected or predicted in forward-looking statements. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not, and should not be relied upon as a guarantee of future performance or results, nor will they necessarily prove to be accurate indications of the times at which such performance or results will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included are made only as of the date of the statement. 3D Systems undertakes no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statements made by management or on its behalf, whether as a result of future developments, subsequent events or circumstances or otherwise.

About 3D Systems
For nearly 40 years, Chuck Hull’s curiosity and desire to improve the way products were designed and manufactured gave birth to 3D printing, 3D Systems, and the additive manufacturing industry. Since then, that same spark continues to ignite the 3D Systems team as we work side-by-side with our customers to change the way industries innovate. As a full-service solutions partner, we deliver industry-leading 3D printing technologies, materials and software to high-value markets such as medical and dental; aerospace, space and defense; transportation and motorsports; AI infrastructure; and durable goods. Each application-specific solution is powered by the expertise and passion of our employees who endeavor to achieve our shared goal of Transforming Manufacturing for a Better Future. More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com.

Investor Contact:	investor.relations@3dsystems.com
Media Contact:	press@3dsystems.com

FAQ

What is the value and duration of 3D Systems' (DDD) new U.S. Air Force contract?

3D Systems secured a $7.65 million contract with work expected to be completed by September 27, 2027.

What is the purpose of 3D Systems' (DDD) Air Force contract?

The contract is for developing a Large-format Metal 3D Printer Advanced Technology Demonstrator to support large-scale, high-speed flight-relevant additive manufacturing capabilities.

Where will 3D Systems (DDD) perform the work for the Air Force contract?

The work will be performed at 3D Systems' facilities in San Diego, California and Rock Hill, South Carolina.

How long has 3D Systems (DDD) been working with the U.S. Department of Defense?

3D Systems has been working with the U.S. Department of Defense since 2019 for the advancement of additive manufacturing.

What is the significance of this contract for 3D Systems (DDD)?

This contract represents an extension of an existing program from 2023, demonstrating continued trust from the U.S. Air Force and allowing technology development that benefits both military and commercial applications.