Large Metal Printing Enters Indiana Hypersonic Work
Defense suppliers in Indiana should watch whether in-house additive capacity begins to reshape parts sourcing for hypersonic programs.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Manufacturing
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is preparing to install an AMCM M 8K large-format metal additive manufacturing system from EOS at its Indiana Payload Integration Facility in Odon. The system will support development of hypersonic technologies, and installation timing is not specified.
Why it matters
Large metal 3D-printed components are increasingly needed for hypersonic systems that the company says must be produced at high cadence and low cost. For manufacturers in Indiana's defense supply chain, the move signals that additive manufacturing is being scaled to parts too large for conventional lines.
The only figure supplied is the M 8K model designation of the EOS system, with no build volume, throughput, or cost comparator provided. The installation timeline and the number of parts or workers affected were not disclosed.
The players
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
Kratos is a publicly traded defense technology company that builds hypersonic test and missile-defense systems for U.S. government programs.
EOS
EOS is a German manufacturer of industrial metal and polymer additive manufacturing systems used in aerospace and defense production.
The details
The AMCM M 8K uses multi-laser powder bed fusion, a process that fuses metal powder layer by layer to form components. The platform pairs thermal management, optimized process gas flow, filtration, and continuous in-process monitoring to keep output consistent across large parts. For a manufacturer, that combination is what allows very large components to be produced repeatably rather than as one-off prototypes.
Timeline
The industrial platform was first introduced in 2023.
The AMCM M 8K installation at the Odon facility is planned for an unspecified future date.
Market Landscape
Large-format metal additive manufacturing from EOS's AMCM line is being adopted in defense development rather than only in commercial production. The move places Kratos among defense contractors investing in additive capacity to shorten hypersonic development and testing cycles.
Manufacturers that supply large metal components to defense programs should watch whether additive capacity begins to shift part sourcing away from traditional casting and forging. Procurement teams in the defense supply chain may reassess lead times once large-format printing is available in-house at prime contractors.
The takeaway
Operators tracking defense manufacturing should note that large-format additive systems are moving into prime contractor development facilities, which can change supplier demand for castings and machined parts. Watch for the installation date and any capacity disclosures from Kratos as the Odon facility comes online.
Further reading
For broader context on how factories are adopting new production methods, see Manufacturing coverage in Indiana.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Israel Defense.
