Top 10 Aerospace 3D Printing Companies Transforming Aircraft and Space Manufacturing

The global aerospace sector is entering into a transformative era due to the rapid evolution of 3D printing technologies. Conventionally, this was limited to prototyping, however, currently it is a core enabler of advanced engineering that reshapes the way spacecraft, aircraft and propulsion systems are built. It is unlocking new possibilities with lighter components, faster production cycles and complex geometries, thus enhancing performance and sustainability. With global aerospace manufacturers looking to improve their efficiency and lower costs, additive manufacturing has evolved as a solution enabling teams to innovate with higher agility and precision. 

Fortune Business Insights reports that the market for aerospace 3D printing is remarking a significant growth with a CAGR of 20.1% and is expected to reach a revenue of USD 14.53 billion by 2032. 

Top 10 Aerospace 3D Printing Companies Profiled by Fortune Business Insights: 

1. AEROJET ROCKETDYNE HOLDINGS

Aerosjet Rocketdyne Holdings is a well-known manufacturer and developer of defense and aerospace products such as rocket propulsion systems. It develops, designs, and manufactures different complex rocket engine components with the use of additive manufacturing. With the aid of 3D printing, the company creates lighter, intricate and highly cost effective parts for its strategic missile, hypersonic and satellite propulsion systems. In April 2022, the firm secured its largest RL10 contract from a space launch firm named United Launch Alliance. As per this deal, Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings will provide 116 of its partially-3D printed RL10C-X engines to ULA for use in the latter’s new heavy-lift Vulcan Centaur rockets.

2. 3D SYSTEMS, INC.

3D Systems is another prominent company that provides comprehensive manufacturing solutions for the defense and aerospace sector including software, advanced printers, different materials and exclusive support in designing, certification and product.  In November 2024, Equispheres, Inc., a metal powder manufacturer in Canada, declared a supply agreement with South Carolina-based 3D Systems at the Formnext 2024. This partnership enables the use of Equispheres’ North American-produced aluminium powder with 3D Systems’ DMP Flex 350 and DMP Factory 350 Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) Additive Manufacturing machines.

3. MATERIALISE 

Materialise offers an inclusive solution such as manufacturing services for prototypes and airworthy end-use parts, consultation and certifications for aerospace industry including EASA 21G and EN9100. In December 2023, Materialise NV, Proponent, and Stirling Dynamics contracted a letter of intent (LOI) to deliver certified cabin solutions for aircraft. This collaboration builds on the partnership established between Materialise and Proponent in 2021. The three companies aim to enhance the aerospace aftermarket by designing, producing, and distributing certified 3D-printed cabin parts.

4. MTU AERO ENGINES AG

MTU Aero Engine utilizes 3D printing to generate a series of components including borescope bosses for the engine (Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM) that is being used in the Airbus A320neo. Its additive manufacturing tends to offer different techniques such as selective laser melting for manufacturing parts layer by layer. In March 2022, MTU Maintenance, collaborated with LATAM, Latin America’s largest airline, by signing testimonials. This uses sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in test runs. A V2500 engine of the airline was later verified at the MTU site in Hannover with a 10% SAF fuel blend.

5. STRATASYS LTD.

Stratasys is known for its advanced technologies that addresses the needs of aerospace industries by allowing agile manufacturing, customized parts and production of different components on demand. Its 3D printing solutions include different advanced additive manufacturing systems and materials including Antero 840CN03 and Antero 800NA. In June 2024, Stratasys Ltd. partnered with AM Craft to bring into line their efforts to enhance the demand for flight-certified 3D-printed parts in the aviation sector. These companies contracted a decisive commercial collaboration agreement, and Stratasys made a tactical investment in AM Craft.

6. Desktop Metal, Inc. (EXONE)

Desktop Metal provides a wide range of solutions for the aerospace industry such as Studio System for in-house production of different low volume parts and others. In May 2022, S-Max Flex is ExOne’s latest additive robotic manufacturing 3D printer. The system’s industrial robotic arm comes with an innovative printhead end effector based on Single Pass Jetting (SPJ) technology, allowing print speeds of up to 115 l/h. S-Max Flex 3D printer will be an asset in the German ExOne Adaption Center.

7. Velo 3D

Velo 3D is another well-known company offering integrated metal additive manufacturing solutions that helps in creating complex components for defense and aerospace applications. These offerings include a fully integrated system with Sapphire printers, Flow print preparation software and the Assure quality control system. In September 2024, the company signed a non-exclusive Intellectual Property License and Support Services Agreement with SpaceX, estimated at up to USD 8 million. SpaceX paid USD 5 million licensing fee, with USD 2.5 million due within three days of Velo3D initial delivery and remaining USD 2.5 million due within three days of accomplishment.

8. GE Sweden Holdings AB (Arcam AB)

GE Sweden Holdings AB (Arcam AB) is one of the top aerospace 3D printing companies, which offers highly efficient and reliable aerospace 3D printing solutions associated with its proprietary Electron Beam Melting (EBM) technology. This is used to produce a highly complex, durable and lightweight component. The company has announced the launch of Arcam Q20plus printer based on its GE additive in July 2020. 

9. ENVISIONTEC US LLC

EnvisionTEC US LLC, currently operating under the ownership of Desktop Metal, provides a highly precise 3D printing solution that ensures the production of a detailed aerospace component. In September 2021, in collaboration with Covestro, the company announced the launch of material+printer solutions to augment 3D printing adoption majorly across the aerospace industry. 

10. EOS GMBH

EOS GmbH is renowned for its aerospace 3D printing offerings via metal and polymer industrial materials, printers and software. These allow for durable and lightweight parts with complex geometries. The company partnered with Gilmour Space Technologies in November 2023 to provide additive manufacturing solutions. 

How Will 3D Printing Redefine the Aerospace Industry in Future? 

3D printing is redefining the future of aerospace, transforming components such as turbine blades, structural brackets, cabin interior parts and satellites. Its capability to streamline supply chains, enable on-demand production and minimize material waste aligns with the industry’s growing focus on environmental responsibility, and resilience.