3D printing in the military sector
3D Printing for the Defence Sector: Drones, weaponry and more
- 3D printing of customised drones, housings and autonomous systems.
Innovative and comprehensive solutions for the Military Industry
Main uses of 3D printing in the military
How is 3D printing used in the military?
Rapid production of spare parts
Design and production of customised components
It allows parts to be tailored to specific needs or to create unique designs that could not easily be manufactured using traditional methods.
Prototyping and functional testing
Before launching into mass production, military engineers can test specific weapon designs, drones or tools.
Production of light and strong parts
Ideal for reducing weight in vehicles, aircraft or individual equipment, while maintaining the strength required for extreme environments.
Construction of structures in the field
The use of large-scale 3D printers to erect shelters, command posts or temporary structures in remote areas has been explored.
Field medical equipment
From prosthetics to medical instruments, 3D printing offers quick and adapted solutions in resource-constrained environments.
Manufacture of drones or UAV parts
Drone parts can be easily printed and replaced, speeding up reconnaissance or logistical support operations.
Simulation and training
Realistic replicas of weapons, scenarios or tools are created for tactical training without the cost of real equipment.
Supplies on space or remote missions
For bodies such as space forces or units in isolated locations, 3D printing makes it possible to produce what is needed without relying on external supply.
Reduction of the logistics footprint
By manufacturing directly at the destination, the need to transport large quantities of material is reduced, which also reduces the risk in conflict zones.
3D manufacturing of military parts
3D Printing applications in the military sector
Drones and autonomous systems
Parts for quick assembly
Armament and tactical logistics
Vehicles and mobility
Communications and electronics
Military infrastructure
Empower your strategy with 3D Printing
At Additium 3D we are committed to delivering 3D manufacturing solutions that transform the way military forces operate.
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Why choose Additium3D 3D printing?
Full service: from design to manufacture
We are a real company. You can visit us in Valencia
Value what really matters: quality, speed and accessibility. Here, you won't deal with intermediaries; you'll talk directly to our technical experts, from the reception of your files to the production and shipping of your parts.
We are creators, not resellers. And we pride ourselves on producing and manufacturing everything in-house.
We work closely with you
TESTIMONIALS
Customer stories
"One of the few companies that is a pleasure to work with. Thank you for your services. I will certainly continue to use your services (...)".
Néstor Grande
Art Director at Montiego
ADDITIUM 3D has done some exceptional printing work for me. They scanned my parts and printed them in superior quality.
They have also printed pieces downloaded from public libraries which have been very useful for my models and scale models. They are fast in execution and delivery.
Paco Niederleytner
Founder
Order received correctly. They were able to capture exactly the idea I asked for. Everything perfect and very friendly!
Maria Pallas
Founder
Spectacular work and treatment. Couldn't have looked better!
Alberto Artola
Founder
Real examples of how 3D printing is being used by different armies
United States (US Army, Navy and Marines)
United Kingdom (British Army)
Germany (Bundeswehr)
France (Armée de Terre)
Frequently asked questions
FAQS 3D PRINTING DEFENCE INDUSTRY
- PLA or PETG: These plastics are easy to print and fairly inexpensive. They are mostly used in recreational, educational or prototype drones. They are lightweight, but not very resistant to heat or strong impacts, so they are not recommended for demanding conditions.
- Nylon (PA) or Polycarbonate: Much more resistant to shock, vibration and high temperatures. They are ideal for drones that need to withstand real flight conditions or higher loads. They also allow some flexibility without breaking, which makes them more durable over time.
- Carbon fibre composites: They are the top in terms of performance. They combine light weight with excellent stiffness and strength. That's why they are used in professional, industrial or even military drones, where aerodynamic performance and reliability are key.
It depends on the size and complexity of the design, but it can take between 4 and 24 hours.
For example, a compact reconnaissance drone can be printed in about 6-8 hours. Some armies, such as the British, have assembled printed drones in less than 24 hours from scratch.
Weight varies greatly depending on design and materials, but an average-sized 3D printed drone typically weighs between 200 and 800 grams (excluding battery and electronics). In the professional or military field, they can weigh more than 2 kg if designed for specific missions.
Yes, more and more. The armies of the US, UK, Israel and Germany, among others, use it to:
- Printing spare parts on the battlefield.
- Create drones and vehicle parts.
- Manufacture structures or tools on demand.
- Reduce logistics times and costs.
In part, yes. Some non-critical parts (such as brackets or aerodynamic components) are already 3D printed. However, propulsion systems, explosives or guidance components are not printed for safety, material and regulatory reasons. Still, the technology is advancing and is being researched for wider future applications.