Speakers Announced for Additive Manufacturing Advantage: Aerospace, Space and Defense 2026

The 2026 edition of the Additive Manufacturing Advantage: Aerospace, Space and Defense (AMAA) event has announced its speaker lineup, focusing on the transition from experimental prototyping to industrial-scale execution. Scheduled for July 9th, the online forum will address critical hurdles in the sector, including the qualification, certification, and deployment of 3D-printed components in mission-critical environments. This shift is vital for the aerospace and defense industries as they seek to integrate advanced manufacturing into propulsion systems, tactical supply chains, and aircraft structures.

The AMAA 2026 event highlights a significant evolution in the aerospace and defense sectors, moving beyond the validation of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies toward rigorous industrial application. Industry leaders will focus on whether metal AM, wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM), and electron beam powder bed fusion can meet the stringent requirements for repeatability and certification in mission-critical production programs. Key presentations will explore modernizing metal AM qualification and the challenges of moving from prototype to mission readiness, particularly for components used in propulsion systems and aircraft structures.

The speaker roster features prominent figures such as Dr. Paul Gradl from NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, who will discuss material readiness for spaceflight, and Hugo Sistach of Safran, who will address part certification strategies for aeronautics. Technical sessions will delve into specialized materials, such as TANIOBIS’s work with tungsten and niobium alloys for high-temperature space applications, and JEOL USA’s expertise in electron beam powder bed fusion. Additionally, America Makes will present on Project AMSCALE, an initiative aimed at unlocking AM qualification at a scale necessary for broad industrial adoption.

Beyond traditional manufacturing, the event will examine the role of AM in strategic defense autonomy and tactical innovation. Gijs van der Velden of MX3D will discuss how WAAM supports defense independence, while the Civil Military Innovation Institute (CMI2) will highlight soldier-led innovation and the deployment of AM at the tactical edge. The program also covers emerging aerospace sectors, with Sakuu addressing battery safety for eVTOL applications through polymeric current collectors designed to reduce thermal runaway risks. Divergent’s Cooper Keller will share insights on the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS), emphasizing the necessity of consistent, high-quality production for aerospace and defense customers.