Military leaders emphasized a shift toward , ensuring that 3D-printed parts meet the rigorous safety and performance standards required for the battlefield. The summit is expected to return to Tampa in February each year, continuing its role as a crucial platform for military-industrial collaboration. MILAM Summit 2026 - AddUp

: Moving beyond low-volume prototyping to mass-produced mission-critical components for vehicles, aircraft, and drones. 2026 Event Highlights

: The event hosted active-duty military, federal agency representatives, and defense contractors to discuss DoD acquisition priorities and international 3D printing initiatives.

: Sessions covered specialized methods such as Cold Spray for repairing existing components and additive construction for building military infrastructure. Future Outlook

The summit focuses on "operationalizing" additive manufacturing (AM) to enhance national security and defense readiness. Key themes include:

: Implementing portable AM systems that can operate directly in the field or on ships, rather than just in fixed factories.

The is the leading event in North America dedicated to 3D printing within the military, aerospace, and defense sectors.