The future of advanced manufacturing depends on more than breakthrough technologies alone. It requires strong partnerships that connect world-class research with proven industrial capabilities. That is precisely the vision behind the newly signed Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between 3D Systems and Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), a collaboration designed to advance additive manufacturing solutions for energy, national security, and other critical industrial applications.
Announced on August 27, 2026, the agreement creates a framework for long-term collaboration between the two organizations. Rather than focusing on a single project, the CRADA establishes an umbrella structure that enables multiple initiatives, creating opportunities for growth, technology development, workforce advancement, and commercialization over time.
Officials from SRNL and 3D Systems at CRADA signing, August 27 2026
Combining Complementary Strengths
At the heart of the partnership is the combination of two highly complementary capabilities: 3D Systems' proven expertise in industrial 3D printing and commercialization, and SRNL's deep scientific and engineering research capabilities.
The collaboration will focus on areas including advanced materials development, equipment enhancements, artificial intelligence and machine learning-enabled process optimization, manufacturing systems, cybersecurity, and workforce development. Together, these efforts are expected to accelerate the development of next-generation additive manufacturing technologies that can move efficiently from research to real-world implementation.
As Marty Johnson, Vice President, Product and Technical Fellow at 3D Systems, explains:
"This CRADA is about leveraging the unique capabilities of both organizations. By combining 3D Systems' expertise in developing and scaling real-world additive manufacturing solutions with SRNL's world-class research capabilities, we can build something much larger than any single project. The partnership creates a foundation for long-term collaboration, enabling us to develop new technologies, expand engineering and scientific capabilities, and create pathways to commercialization that would be difficult to achieve independently."
Johney Green, Ph.D., Laboratory Director and President, Battelle Savannah River Alliance, Savannah River National Laboratory and Dr. Martin Johnson, VP, Product, Technical Fellow, 3D Systems, in a ceremonial signing of the new CRADA Agreement.
Building Capability, Not Just Projects
One of the most significant aspects of the agreement is its strategic scope. Unlike traditional research collaborations that focus on a narrowly defined objective, this CRADA is designed to support a portfolio of initiatives.
This flexible framework allows both organizations to identify emerging opportunities and rapidly pursue projects that align with evolving industry and government priorities. As new challenges arise in energy, advanced materials, manufacturing resilience, and national security, the partnership will provide an established mechanism to explore solutions together.
The result is a collaboration that builds organizational capability over time, strengthening both partners while creating a sustainable engine for innovation.
Advancing Critical Energy Applications
Visitors at SRNL tour the 3D printing facility, currently equipped with 3D Systems' Figure 4 3D printers
A major focus of the partnership is the application of additive manufacturing to advanced energy systems, particularly within the nuclear sector. The collaboration will explore advanced alloys and specialty materials capable of operating in demanding environments characterized by extreme temperatures, radiation exposure, and complex performance requirements.
The partnership also creates opportunities to translate national laboratory research into scalable industrial solutions. By combining laboratory innovation with production-ready manufacturing technologies, 3D Systems and SRNL can help bridge the gap between discovery and deployment.
Driving Cross-Cultural Innovation
Beyond technology development, the CRADA offers a unique opportunity for organizational learning.
National laboratories and industrial manufacturers often approach innovation differently. Research organizations prioritize scientific discovery, while industrial companies focus on product development, validation, qualification, and commercialization. Bringing these perspectives together creates a powerful environment for innovation.
Johnson notes that the partnership will foster valuable cross-cultural learning.
"One of the most exciting parts of this collaboration is the opportunity to combine the strengths of two distinct innovation cultures. By bringing together SRNL's research-driven approach and 3D Systems' product development and commercialization expertise, we can accelerate learning on both sides and create stronger engineering and scientific capabilities for the future."
This exchange of knowledge is expected to benefit not only current projects but also future workforce development and technology transfer initiatives.
Creating New Opportunities for Commercialization
Martin Johnson explains 3D printing at SRNL
Perhaps most importantly, the CRADA establishes a pathway for bringing advanced technologies to market.
Many innovations in energy systems and specialty materials face significant barriers to commercialization due to the complexity of testing, qualification, and regulatory requirements. National laboratories possess unique infrastructure, expertise, and research environments that are often essential for advancing these technologies.
By working together, SRNL and 3D Systems can help accelerate the transition from research concepts to deployable industrial solutions.
"The partnership creates a practical path to commercializing applications that can be difficult to advance outside a national laboratory environment, particularly in the energy sector and with specialty materials. Together, we have an opportunity to move promising technologies beyond research and into real-world use," says Johnson.
A Foundation for the Future
The new CRADA represents more than a research agreement. It establishes a long-term strategic partnership focused on solving complex challenges, accelerating technology adoption, and strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.
By combining SRNL's research excellence with 3D Systems' industrial additive manufacturing leadership, the collaboration creates a framework for innovation that can deliver meaningful impact across energy, national security, advanced materials, and future industrial applications. As the partnership grows, so too will the opportunities to develop transformative technologies and bring them into practical, scalable use where they can make the greatest difference.
