3D printing – Page 2 – The Defense Post

Mar- 2026 -

25 March

U.S. Army soldier in camouflage and tactical helmet alongside an airborne quadcopter drone equipped with a camera payload, supporting a story on converting vehicle periscope ports into drone launch ports

3D-Printed Army System Turns Periscope Ports Into Drone Control Points

A battlefield improvisation has given US Army crews a 3D-printed device for UAS that replaces traditional periscopes, enabling reconnaissance from inside armored vehicles.

18 March

Europe

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

No Time for Delays: Italy Launches New 3D Printer for Mission-Critical Parts

Italian firm Roboze is aiming to revolutionize additive manufacturing with a new 3D printer designed to turn polymers and composites into mission-critical parts.

Feb- 2026 -

27 February

Americas

Ethan M. Encarnacion

Auburn Showcases 3D Carbon Fiber Composites Printer for Hypersonic Programs

A tech tour at Auburn University is giving industry leaders a first look at an integrated composite manufacturing system expected to accelerate hypersonic programs.

24 February

Americas

L3Harris hypersonics concept illustration.

Giulia Bernacchi

L3Harris Cuts Hypersonic Component Production Time by 90% With 3D Printing

L3Harris improved additive manufacturing for air breathing hypersonic propulsion systems, shortening component production time by 90 percent.

19 February

Air

Ethan M. Encarnacion

From Blueprint to Flight in 71 Days: 3D Printing Powers America’s New Strike Aircraft

It took just 71 days for Divergent Technologies and Mach Industries to turn a new aircraft concept from the drawing board into a flight-ready prototype.

18 February

Americas

Velo3D technologies will support increasing military components production.

Rojoef Manuel

Velo3D Lands Multi-Year ‘High-Profile’ US Defense Production Contract

Additive manufacturing company Velo3D has secured an $11.5-million contract to support a lead US defense contractor in support of a “high-profile national security” initiative.

18 February

Air

A QinetiQ helicopter in flight, featuring a critical component manufactured via 3D printing from recycled aircraft scrap metal.

Ethan M. Encarnacion

UK Innovates With 3D-Printed Aircraft Parts Made From Scrap Titanium

QinetiQ has claimed a first for global aviation: flying an aircraft with 3D-printed parts created from recycled titanium.

13 February

Air

A hypersonic vehicle test article mounted on a ground-based test rig inside a laboratory, featuring a long, pointed nose and aerodynamic control surfaces.

Ethan M. Encarnacion

3D-Printed Hypersonic Airframe Clears Major Vibration Tests in Australia

Australia’s 3D-printed hypersonic airframe has proven it can handle the forces of high-speed flight, moving it closer to its Mach 7 test.

5 February

Space

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

Australia Builds Next-Gen Nuclear Battery With 3D Printing

Australia is moving to crack one of the toughest challenges in space and defense operations: delivering sustainable power for years without refueling, maintenance, or reliance on solar energy.

4 February

Americas

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ryan Teets, left, a motor transportation mechanic, and Lance Cpl. Volcy Voltaire, a generator mechanic with Marine Air Control Squadron 1, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, watch a Lulz Bot Taz 6 build a 3-D object during an innovation roadshow on Camp Pendleton, California, July 20, 2022. The Digital Manufacturing Platoon hosts innovation roadshows to showcase 3-D printing capabilities which can provide a means of optimizing readiness by reducing equipment and maintenance requirements. These capabilities support 1st MLG’s mission to provide naval force commanders with the greatest number of options for operational planning and tactical execution. (U.S Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kristy Ordonez Maldonado)

Rojoef Manuel

Mears Machine Lands 10-Year Deal to Supply Hardware for Major US Defense Firm

Indiana-based Mears Machine Corporation has signed a long-term supply agreement to produce critical hardware for a “major” American defense contractor.

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