U.S. Army Opens 50-Printer Additive Manufacturing Makerspace at Picatinny Arsenal

A New Era for Army Additive Manufacturing

The U.S. Army took a significant step forward in additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping with the grand opening of the Additive Makerspace at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 19, 2026.

More than 50 3D printers make up the facility, which offers a range of advanced 3D printing technologies and material options. This gives engineers at the Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Armaments Center the ability to design and produce parts through additive manufacturing processes.

"The space is here for the Picatinny community to work on prototype design and manufacturing," said Matthew Clemente, a mechanical engineer with the Analysis, Materials, and Prototyping Directorate (AMPD). "It serves to add additive manufacturing capacity to the community's projects."

Part of a Broader Military Trend

The establishment of this new makerspace reflects a broader trend within the U.S. military to leverage 3D printing. Similar innovation labs have opened at other Army and Department of Defense locations, including:

• The Maneuver Innovation Lab at Fort Moore, Georgia
• The Airborne Innovation Lab at Fort Bragg

"We know this space will be a valuable tool for Armaments Center engineers to utilize these technologies and expertise - so we can drive speed and innovation to the battlefield," said Thomas Fasano, Senior Scientific Technical Manager of AMPD.

From Concept to Battlefield

The technology is being used to fabricate everything from simple plastic buckles to complex metal vehicle components. By bringing these capabilities closer to the point of need, the Army can reduce its reliance on traditional supply chains and increase operational readiness.

This follows the Army's expansion of 3D printed barracks at Fort Bliss (the largest DoD construction project using 3D printing) and the Navy's installation of the first 3D printed component on an operational submarine at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.