3D Printing

Powder bed fusion melts metal powders layer by layer for precision parts. Directed energy deposition deposits metal for large structural components. Continuous liquid interface production enables fast polymer part production. Binder jetting creates sand molds and metal parts at higher speeds. Multi-material printing combines metals, polymers, and ceramics in single parts.

GE Aviation 3D prints fuel nozzles for LEAP jet engines (reduced from 20 parts to 1). Align Technology prints 17+ million dental aligners annually. ICON 3D prints homes in 24-48 hours. SpaceX 3D prints rocket engine components for rapid iteration.

3D printing has matured from prototyping tool to production manufacturing technology, with the global additive manufacturing market reaching $18+ billion. With 4 funders. Metal additive manufacturing and construction-scale printing are the highest-growth segments.