3D printing has moved from gadgets to functional goods: advanced materials guarantee strength and durability. On-demand and local production reduces costs, times and environmental impact, offering customized and sustainable objects for everyday use.

Stratasys acquires Markforged for $42.5 million from Nano Dimension, strengthening industrial 3D printing for composites and software solutions. Metal Binder Jetting technology is excluded and retained by Nano Dimension. Closing is expected in the second half of 2026.

Logistical resilience is more critical than the availability of raw materials for supply chain security. The distance between production and consumption is the greatest risk. Strategic reserves of materials such as tungsten and production localization reduce the risk of downtime and ensure continuity for supply chains.

Metals and ceramics in industrial 3D printing are complementary, not alternative. The competitive advantage comes from structured workflows, replicable case studies, and targeted training. To scale, standardized processes and a clear integration plan are needed.

Binder jetting is entering industrial production, but scalability depends on nozzle control, material management (including ceramic slurries) and integration into workflows. To be a solid production asset, a rigorous roadmap is needed that includes electronics, software and maintenance.

Flexible 3D structures that become rigid: variable geometries, asymmetric struts, and central limiting structures allow for the controlled transition from flexibility to rigidity, optimizable with 3D printing and composite materials.

Data centers and chip factories are driving industrial-scale infrastructure investments. 3D printing, custom materials, and integrated logistics reduce times and costs. However, scaling requires mature digital ecosystems and resilient supply chains.

HyCAT, a Pentagon program, accelerates hypersonic aerodynamic testing with dedicated vehicles and commercial launchers, reducing time and costs.

3D printing is revolutionizing the production of RF components, enabling lighter antennas and integrated EMI shielding in electronic packages. Additive technologies improve efficiency, customization, and reduce weight, while posing challenges regarding materials and repeatability.

Autonomous warfare requires integrated multi-domain systems, not just drones. The US DAWG program invests billions in sacrificial, modular platforms produced locally with technologies like 3D printing. The objective is to create rapid, scalable, and interoperable defensive capabilities, supported by advanced commands like SAWC. Priorities: distributed production, reduced costs, rapid qualification.

Additive production is revolutionizing military logistics, reducing supply times and costs. The Camp Lejeune model shows how targeted training and technological integration allow for the printing of critical parts in the field, saving up to 99.81% compared to traditional methods.

Forge I, a new factory in the United Kingdom, produces structural concrete elements via large-scale 3D printing. The project, led by Hyperion Robotics and LKAB Minerals, represents a paradigm shift towards the industrial production of complex building components, with benefits in terms of efficiency, quality control, waste reduction, and lower environmental impact. The factory is expected to