MatterHackers Secures Landmark US Navy 3D Printing Contract: Revolutionizing Naval Additive Manufacturing Capabilities

MatterHackers, recognized as the largest US-based retailer of desktop 3D printers and a comprehensive supplier of additive manufacturing materials, has proudly announced a significant milestone: the company has been awarded a five-year NAVAIR (Naval Air Systems Command) Tier 1 Additive Manufacturing System Contract by the United States Navy. This substantial agreement underscores the Navy’s profound commitment to advancing its capabilities through cutting-edge technology. Over the duration of this extensive contract, MatterHackers will serve as a critical partner, providing a full spectrum of services and equipment. This includes the supply of advanced 3D printers, a diverse range of filaments, robust IT infrastructure and support, ongoing maintenance services, and crucially, specialized on-the-ground training facilitated by their partner, Building Momentum. This particular contract stands as the largest award by the Navy specifically for 3D printers, signaling a clear and continued strategic investment in additive manufacturing across various branches of the US armed forces and defense organizations globally.

The US Navy’s interest in additive manufacturing (AM) is not a recent development; it has been a topic of strategic importance for a considerable period. The allure of AM lies primarily in its inherent speed and, perhaps more critically for naval operations, its unparalleled ability to produce spare parts on demand. This capability is vital for maintaining operational readiness, especially when deployed in remote or challenging environments. As an example of this commitment, earlier reports from February highlighted the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) embracing Xerox’s innovative ElemX 3D printer. This adoption was part of a collaborative research project specifically designed to explore and expand the capabilities of additive manufacturing for both the Navy and the Marine Corps. Among the key applications under scrutiny was the potential for creating essential spare parts directly on board vessels operating in open seas, significantly reducing logistical bottlenecks. Additionally, the research encompassed tooling work, demonstrating AM’s versatility beyond mere part production. With the official awarding of this five-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to MatterHackers, it is unequivocally clear that the Navy continues to recognize and deeply value the transformative power of additive manufacturing. Mr. Robert Kimble, NAVAIR’s Naval Sustainment Group Director, eloquently articulated this sentiment, stating, “The IDIQ brings the much needed capability of printing parts at the point-of-need to our Warfighters.” This emphasizes the strategic importance of rapid, localized manufacturing for mission success and sustainment.

This initiative marks a significant advancement in the US Navy’s embrace of 3D printing, building upon previous research efforts like the NPS’s adoption of a Xerox 3D printer for material and application studies (photo credits: Xerox).

MatterHackers and the US Navy: Forging a Path for On-Demand Naval Production

This landmark contract positions MatterHackers as the essential “one-stop-shop” for virtually all additive manufacturing requirements for NAVAIR, the Naval Air Systems Command. The selection of MatterHackers was far from arbitrary; it was a deliberate choice rooted in the company’s extensive and well-established relationships with a broad network of vendors across the industry. This unparalleled connectivity is a direct result of its standing as the largest 3D printing retailer in the United States, providing them with a unique understanding of the market’s capabilities and offerings. Furthermore, MatterHackers boasts a proven track record and a prior relationship with the US military, having successfully fulfilled a previous contract. This earlier engagement involved delivering 3D printers and comprehensive training to the I MEF Additive Manufacturing Training Center located at Camp Pendleton, demonstrating their capacity to meet stringent military standards and provide effective educational programs. Their past performance and broad industry reach made them an ideal candidate for such a critical and expansive naval contract.

The scope of this comprehensive deal extends far beyond the mere shipment of additive manufacturing systems to US Navy and Marine Corps bases, both domestically and internationally. A critical component of this agreement is the provision of robust and practical training. This aspect is paramount, as a significant barrier identified in the successful implementation of AM technologies has consistently been a notable lack of education, particularly in crucial areas such as Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM). Without proper understanding of how to design parts specifically for 3D printing, the full potential of the technology cannot be realized. To address this, MatterHackers has partnered with Building Momentum, an organization renowned for its immersive training programs and interactive learning methodologies, frequently leveraging 3D printers in its curriculum. Building Momentum will be responsible for delivering essential hands-on training to personnel at every base receiving a Tier 1 Additive Manufacturing System. According to the official press release, this commitment to education will continue throughout the five-year contract period, with the company also providing follow-on training sessions focused on advanced materials and complex problem-solving scenarios. This holistic approach ensures that naval personnel are not only equipped with the hardware but also possess the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively utilize and innovate with additive manufacturing.

MatterHackers strategically selected the Ultimaker S5 as the optimal 3D printer for meeting the demanding requirements of the US Navy contract, emphasizing its reliability and versatility (photo credits: Ultimaker).

Regarding the specific hardware being provided, the Ultimaker S5 has been meticulously identified by MatterHackers as the most suitable 3D printer for this critical endeavor. The decision to select the Ultimaker S5 was based on several compelling reasons, which make it particularly well-suited for the demanding operational environment of the US Navy. These factors include, but are not limited to, its generous build volume, which allows for the production of a wide array of parts; its extensive catalogue of compatible materials, enhanced by NFC-chips for streamlined and error-free use; its robust IT-secure design options, crucial for military applications; and the power and versatility of its accompanying Cura software. These features combine to offer a reliable, user-friendly, and secure platform for on-demand manufacturing. The deployment of the Ultimaker S5 desktop polymer system to Fleet Readiness Centers, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadrons, and associated Expeditionary Units represents a foundational first step in a strategic, three-tiered approach designed to fully integrate additive manufacturing into naval operations. This initial phase focuses on developing immediate, decentralized polymer printing capabilities. Looking ahead, the Navy and MatterHackers are also keenly interested in the subsequent deployment of industrial polymer and metal part printing systems, which will significantly expand the range and strength of parts that can be produced. This phased implementation reflects a thoughtful, long-term vision for enhancing naval sustainment and readiness through advanced manufacturing. For those seeking more comprehensive details about this groundbreaking contract and its implications, additional information can be found HERE.

The collaboration between MatterHackers and the US Navy represents a pivotal moment for the additive manufacturing industry and a significant leap forward for defense logistics. This contract not only solidifies the role of 3D printing in modern military operations but also sets a precedent for how defense branches can leverage commercial expertise to enhance their capabilities. The ability to produce critical parts at the point of need directly impacts operational efficiency, reduces supply chain vulnerabilities, and ultimately, strengthens national security. This strategic partnership ensures that naval personnel are equipped not just with advanced hardware but also with the essential knowledge to innovate and adapt in an ever-evolving technological landscape. This comprehensive approach to integrating additive manufacturing positions the US Navy at the forefront of defense innovation, ready to face future challenges with agility and self-sufficiency.

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*Cover Photo Credits: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Herman/Released