Russian 3D Printing Takes Off
Additive manufacturing is becoming a cornerstone of Russia’s high‑tech industrial growth, reshaping production cycles and strengthening technological sovereignty
Additive manufacturing—widely known as 3D printing—has moved far beyond its early role as a tool for producing mockups or prototypes. Today, it plays a strategic role in the production chains of key high‑tech sectors including aerospace, aviation, nuclear engineering, and defense.
The core advantage of additive production lies in its ability to create components with highly complex geometries: internal cooling channels, monolithic structures without welds or bolts, and lightweight forms optimized for performance. As a result, component mass can be reduced by up to 20 percent—critical, for example, for aircraft engines where every gram affects fuel efficiency and flight characteristics.
At the same time, the production cycle accelerates dramatically, shrinking from 60 days to just 6, while the share of usable components increases from 40 percent to 100 percent. These parameters make additive manufacturing not just an innovation, but a requirement for technological competitiveness and import independence.
The State Shapes the Future of Additive Manufacturing
Russia’s additive‑manufacturing market is expanding rapidly. In 2023, the market reached approximately $171m—an increase of 60.1 percent over the previous year. The largest contribution came from sales of 3D printers ($76m +76 percent) and printing materials ($37m +45.8 percent).
A key structural shift is unfolding: the share of domestic manufacturers of equipment and materials grew from 54 percent in 2021 to 70 percent in 2023. This breakthrough was accelerated by sanctions and the departure of Western suppliers, which boosted import substitution and strengthened technological sovereignty.
Government support plays a central role in this transformation. In 2021, the state approved a strategic roadmap—the “Additive Manufacturing Development Strategy Through 2030”— establishing a regulatory foundation for large‑scale industrial adoption. As part of the national project, measures support R&D, create a unified materials‑properties database, expand infrastructure, and stimulate demand for Russian‑made equipment.
According to expert forecasts, the domestic market could reach $636m by 2030.
The Future of Manufacturing Is Already Here
One of the sector’s flagships is the Center for Additive Technologies (CAT), created in 2018 within the United Engine Corporation (UEC) of the Rostec State Corporation. CAT specializes in designing and manufacturing high‑tech aerospace components and operates more than 30 industrial systems, ranging from selective laser melting to stereolithography and layered deposition. Its production chain is almost fully localized, relying on Russian alloys—titanium, nickel, aluminum, and others.
A notable example is the mass production of more than a dozen parts for the PD‑8 engine used in the Superjet aircraft at UEC‑Saturn. Additive technologies enabled geometries impossible through traditional casting or machining. Whereas the PD‑14 engine used only one 3D‑printed part, the PD‑35 demonstrator now incorporates 65 part types and more than 2,300 printed components. This has not only accelerated engine development but also opened the door to new engineering solutions.
In the coming years, CAT plans to expand its fleet with Russian‑made systems and build a unified technological platform to become a leader in contract additive manufacturing.
Magnesium Without the Fire
Another significant milestone is the large‑format magnesium‑alloy printing technology developed by Perm‑based 3D‑printer manufacturer xWeld. Magnesium alloys are prized in aerospace for their lightness and strength, but they are notoriously difficult to process due to flammability.
xWeld moved away from imported 1.6‑mm wire and adopted Russian wire with diameters starting at 3 mm, integrating it with plasma deposition—a solution with no global equivalents. The ability to form billets has already been demonstrated, and initial mechanical‑property data has been collected.
The method reduces production cycles from six months to one: instead of manufacturing complex tooling, the part is deposited within days. The company plans to begin serial production of 3D printers and certify materials for rocket engineering applications.
Additive Sovereignty With Global Potential
Globally, additive manufacturing continues its upward trajectory. According to Wohlers Associates, the global market grew 9.1 percent in 2024 to reach $21.8b. The United States remains the leader (34.5 percent), followed by Germany (9 percent) and China (8.7 percent).
Russia’s share remains modest, but its growth tempo is striking. With systematic work on standardization, certification, and workforce training, the country can secure a competitive position internationally—particularly in contract manufacturing for the aerospace sector and for nations facing sanctions pressure.
Today, additive technologies in Russia are no longer a niche innovation but a strategic tool for industrial modernization. They ensure technological sovereignty, deliver economic impact, and create export potential. With sustained state support and continued development of national expertise, by 2030–2035 Russia may transform additive manufacturing into one of its core global‑level technological competencies.
