3D Systems of Rock Hill, S.C., has been awarded a $15 million contract by the Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory (ARL) to create the world’s largest, fastest and most precise metal 3D printer. The printer’s build envelope is planned to be 1,000 mm x 1,000 mm x 600 mm, which is a significant increase over current large-scale metal 3D printers with a build envelope of 500 mm x 500 mm x 500 mm. The printer will revolutionize key supply chains associated with long-range munitions, next-generation combat vehicles, helicopters, and air and missile defense capabilities.

3D Systems and the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) were awarded funding to create the printer and will partner with ARL and the Advanced Manufacturing, Materials, and Processes (AMMP) Program for the project. Once developed, the Army will place the new large-scale systems in its depots and labs. Subsequently, 3D Systems and its partners plan to make the technology available to aerospace and defense suppliers for development of futuristic Army platforms.