Quickparts Builds a Four-Country 3D Printing Network for Space and Defense

For manufacturers trying to win more space and defense work, adding 3D printers is only part of the challenge. They also need to make the same parts to the same standards across different locations.

Quickparts is putting money behind that idea. The manufacturing services company is adding 12 Stratasys NEO800+ stereolithography (SLA) 3D printers across facilities in the United States, France, Italy and the United Kingdom. The deal is part of a broader investment that brings Quickparts’ commitment to its Seattle Aerospace & Defense Center of Excellence to nearly $6 million.

According to the company, the new machines will increase Quickparts’ large-format production capacity by 40%. But the investment is about more than adding capacity. Quickparts is upgrading its equipment across four coun