3D printing technology company Stratasys has extended its partnership with British defence and aerospace company BAE Systems.

The collaboration will enhance the focus on new additive manufacturing solutions in land, maritime and air sectors.

Under this new partnership, Stratasys will provide BAE Systems with greater access to its new additive manufacturing materials and production technologies currently under research and development.

Stratasys EMEA strategic accounts head Yann Rageul said: “Stratasys’ close cooperation and knowledge-share with strategic customers like BAE Systems is paramount to ensuring we continue to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to developing and delivering additive manufacturing solutions that meet exacting application requirements within key industries.

“We look forward to strengthening our ties and working even more closely with BAE Systems to help realise their short and long-term manufacturing objectives.”

According to Stratasys, the alliance will also support the development of next-generation additive manufacturing technologies.

BAE Systems began investing in Stratasys’ 3D printing technology since 2006. It currently uses Stratasys’ PolyJet and FDM-based additive manufacturing technologies.

It has also implemented a battery of F900 Production 3D Printers at its Samlesbury facility in the UK.

BAE Systems Air manufacturing director Dave Holmes said: “We’re delighted to bolster our relationship with such an innovative partner as Stratasys.

“Already integrated across our production operations, Stratasys’ technology will continue to be vital in addressing and solving our current and future manufacturing challenges.”

In June, Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group used Stratasys’s advanced 3D printing for flight-ready parts.