Key Takeaways
- 3Dnatives is hosting the inaugural ADDITIV Defense 2026 global virtual summit on May 6th, 2026
- The free event will explore additive manufacturing's role in military readiness and operations
- Three panels will discuss manufacturing under fire, scaling drone and equipment production, and certification and trust in additive manufacturing
- Industry leaders and experts will share their insights and experiences on the adoption of additive manufacturing in defense environments
Introduction to ADDITIV Defense 2026
3Dnatives is proud to announce the launch of ADDITIV Defense 2026, a global virtual summit dedicated to the role of additive manufacturing in military and defense environments. The event will take place on May 6th, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM EDT / 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM CEST, and will bring together defense decision-makers, industry leaders, and additive manufacturing experts to discuss the adoption of additive manufacturing in real-world operations.
What to Expect at ADDITIV Defense 2026
The summit will feature three panels, each focusing on a specific aspect of additive manufacturing in defense environments.
Panel 1: Manufacturing Under Fire
This panel will examine the integration of digital inventories, on-demand production, and distributed manufacturing into real military supply chains. Speakers include:
- Sherri Monroe of AMGTA
- Aaron Johns of Siemens Government Technologies
- Michael Pecota of Naval Sea Systems Command
- Daniel Braley of V2X Inc.
Panel 2: Scaling Drone and Equipment Production
This session will discuss the challenges of producing drones and mission-critical hardware at scale using additive manufacturing. Speakers include:
- Alison Wyrick Mendoza of ASTM International
- Mike York of Eaton Aerospace
- Kelvin Fu of University of Delaware
- Howard Marotto of The Barnes Global Advisors
Panel 3: Certification and Trust
This panel will tackle the challenges of achieving full adoption of additive manufacturing for critical defense components, including qualification, standards, and risk acceptance.
Comparison of Additive Manufacturing Technologies
| Technology | Benefits | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) | Low cost, easy to use | Limited material options, slow production speed |
| Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) | High accuracy, durable parts | High cost, limited material options |
| Stereolithography (SLA) | High accuracy, smooth finish | Limited material options, expensive |
Conclusion
The ADDITIV Defense 2026 summit will provide a unique opportunity for defense decision-makers, industry leaders, and additive manufacturing experts to discuss the adoption of additive manufacturing in military and defense environments. With a focus on real-world operations and the challenges of scaling additive manufacturing production, this event is not to be missed.
Bottom Line
The ADDITIV Defense 2026 summit is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the role of additive manufacturing in military readiness and operations. With a lineup of expert speakers and a focus on real-world applications, this event is sure to provide valuable insights and networking opportunities for attendees. Register now to join the conversation on May 6th, 2026.