3D Systems and Precision Resource expand metal 3D printing

Key Takeaways

• Two new sites – Huntington Beach, CA and Shelton, CT – will be up and running by Q1 2027.
• Capacity boost – Huntington Beach doubles existing industrial AM output; Shelton adds a brand‑new entry point for growth.
• Integrated workflow – In‑house heat‑treatment and advanced machining give customers a “print‑to‑finish” path for defense and commercial parts.
• Technology upgrade – Precision Resource adds 3D Systems DMP Flex 350 Triple printers alongside its existing DMP 350 fleet, delivering up to three times the laser power per build.
• Strategic partnership – The joint expansion creates one of the most extensive metal‑additive‑manufacturing networks in North America.

Overview of the Expansion

New Facilities and Timeline

3D Systems and Precision Resource have broken ground on two metal‑additive‑manufacturing (AM) plants:

Both sites will be equipped with 3D Systems’ latest powder‑bed fusion (PBF) machines and will integrate Precision Resource’s newly added in‑house heat‑treatment furnace and high‑precision CNC machining cells. The combined footprint creates a bi‑coastal, end‑to‑end manufacturing network that can serve both commercial OEMs and defense prime contractors.

Why the Timing Matters

The rollout coincides with Precision Resource’s 80th anniversary, underscoring a long‑term commitment to advanced manufacturing. It also aligns with the projected 30 % CAGR in North American metal‑AM demand through 2030, driven by aerospace, medical, and defense sectors.

Technology Deep‑Dive

Precision Resource is augmenting its fleet with the DMP Flex 350 Triple system, complementing the existing DMP 350 units. Below is a side‑by‑side specification comparison:

*Measured on typical aerospace bracket geometry; actual gain varies with part geometry and laser strategy.

The triple‑laser architecture enables simultaneous melting of larger cross‑sections, cutting build times by up to 30 % for high‑volume parts while preserving the tight tolerances required for defense‑grade hardware.

Impact on Customers

Streamlined “Print‑to‑Finish” Flow

• Heat treatment: Integrated furnace can perform solution annealing and aging up to 1,200 °C, eliminating the need for external post‑process vendors.
• Complex machining: Five‑axis CNC centers capable of tolerances tighter than ± 0.02 mm finish printed parts for critical fit‑up.

Market Reach

• Defense: Meets MIL‑STD‑810 and DFARS requirements for traceability and material certification.
• Commercial: Supports low‑volume, high‑complexity production for aerospace, automotive, and medical implants.

Bottom Line

The joint venture between 3D Systems and Precision Resource establishes a robust, bi‑coastal metal‑additive‑manufacturing network that will be fully operational by early 2027. By pairing the high‑throughput DMP Flex 350 Triple printers with in‑house heat‑treatment and precision machining, the partnership delivers a seamless “design‑to‑delivery” pipeline for both defense and commercial customers. This strategic expansion not only doubles existing capacity in California but also introduces a scalable foothold in the Northeast, positioning the combined entities to capture a growing share of the North American metal‑AM market.