Key Takeaways
- Stratasys Direct has been selected for the U.S. Department of War's Joint Additive Manufacturing Acceptability (JAMA) IV Pilot Parts Program
- The program aims to qualify and deploy 3D-printed parts for military platforms and systems
- Stratasys serves as a Program of Record for the U.S. Air Force and Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)
- Additive manufacturing demand in defense is increasing, with a 83% funding rise to $3.3 billion in fiscal year 2026
- Stratasys Direct supplies qualified production parts to defense organizations for use on active platforms
Introduction to Additive Manufacturing in Defense
The U.S. Department of War has launched the Joint Additive Manufacturing Acceptability (JAMA) IV Pilot Parts Program, a multimillion-dollar effort focused on qualification and deployment of 3D-printed parts for military platforms and systems. Stratasys Direct, a parts-on-demand business, has been selected to participate in this program.
Stratasys Direct's Role in Additive Manufacturing
Stratasys Direct serves as a Program of Record for the U.S. Air Force and Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), and continues to expand its work in additive manufacturing for aerospace and defense production. The company supplies qualified production parts to defense organizations for use on active platforms, including the U.S. Air Force's C-17 fleet. Stratasys systems are used to produce microvanes intended to improve aerodynamic efficiency, as well as replacement parts designed to reduce lead times.
Comparison of Additive Manufacturing Technologies
| Technology | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) | Layer-by-layer deposition of melted plastic | High accuracy, low cost |
| Stereolithography (SLA) | Layer-by-layer solidification of liquid resin | High resolution, smooth finish |
| Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) | Layer-by-layer fusion of powdered material | High strength, low porosity |
Increasing Demand for Additive Manufacturing in Defense
Demand for additive manufacturing in defense continues to increase as military organizations look to support accuracy, scalability, supply chain resilience, sustainment, and modernization. According to Stratasys, DoW budget programs are increasingly referencing additive manufacturing, with funding rising 83% to $3.3 billion in fiscal year 2026 from fiscal year 2025.
Bottom Line
The selection of Stratasys Direct for the JAMA IV Pilot Parts Program demonstrates the growing importance of additive manufacturing in defense. With its ability to supply qualified production parts and expand its work in aerospace and defense production, Stratasys is well-positioned to support the increasing demand for additive manufacturing in the defense sector. As the industry continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see further adoption of additive manufacturing technologies, such as FDM, SLA, and SLS, to support the production of complex parts and systems.