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The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois is advancing a $9 million contract with the Department of Defense to research 3D printing applications for large metal military vehicle parts. The center will be located at the University’s Research Park and will feature two metal 3D printers worth $1.2 million and $2.5 million.

The DoD is funding $8.15 million, while the University covers $905,000 for construction. The Illinois Manufacturing Institute oversees the project, which also aims to expand into aerospace and automotive applications. The US military budget includes a request for $3.3 billion for additive manufacturing, indicating rapid growth in this area.