Leading Global Companies Driving Investment in 3D Printing Research

Across the world, industry leaders are deepening their commitment to additive manufacturing (AM) by funding pioneering research into new printing techniques, materials, and process optimisations. From university partnerships to dedicated research facilities and venture backing of breakthrough startups, these investments underscore the growing confidence that 3D printing will shape tomorrow’s smart factories.

Below are the most prominent corporate backers and the tangible ways they are advancing AM.

Lockheed Martin

In June 2017, Lockheed Martin granted the Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU) $1 million to support the inaugural Aerospace and Engineering Sciences Building. The donation fuels an Additive Manufacturing Laboratory where students prototype aerospace components, reinforcing the firm’s longstanding collaboration that began with curriculum development for a BA in Additive Manufacturing Sciences.

BMW Group

BMW’s heritage in industrial 3D printing dates to 1990 with its Rapid Technologies Centre. In 2015, Rolls Royce (a BMW subsidiary) partnered with the University of Sheffield to 3D‑print the world’s largest jet‑engine component. The group continues to invest in AM startups such as Carbon and Desktop Metal, sustaining a pipeline of innovative solutions.

Boeing

Boeing supports the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in Sheffield, focusing on aerospace‑specific AM. In 2017, the firm announced a hybrid 3D‑printing process that integrates electrical, optical, and structural elements during fabrication. That same year, Boeing launched a dedicated venture‑capital arm to fund disruptive technologies, including 3D printing startups.

Siemens

Siemens’ partnership with Georgia Tech spans over two decades, culminating in the 2017 creation of 3D‑printed turbines. The company offers free access to its PLM software via the Frontier Partner Program, and has expanded its in‑house AM capabilities through acquisitions such as Materials Solutions and a $23.8 million metal‑printing production facility.

Airbus

In 2015, Airbus collaborated with Autodesk University to fabricate the world’s largest 3D‑printed cabin structure using auto‑generative design. This partnership highlighted the importance of software in industrial AM adoption. Airbus’ venture fund subsequently invested significantly in Local Motors’ 3D‑printed vehicle research.

Alcoa

The aluminium manufacturer committed $60 million to open a dedicated metal‑3D‑printing manufacturing centre, aiming to develop cost‑effective metal‑printing techniques.

Stryker

In 2016, Stryker launched its own industrial AM facilities, valued between $400‑$450 million. The company has backed AM research at universities such as Liverpool and Bristol, and partnered with General Electric in 2017 to further enhance its capabilities.

General Electric

GE Additive announced a $2 million program in 2017 to subsidise 3D printers for primary, secondary, and tertiary schools. Concurrently, the firm pledged $8 million to equip 50 college and university labs with metal 3D printers, bolstering AM education nationwide.

These substantial investments signal a clear trajectory toward Industry 4.0, with 3D printing positioned at its core. By channeling resources into research, infrastructure, and talent development, these global leaders are accelerating the technology’s commercial viability and building public confidence.