SBO expands 3D printing capacity for space and defense clients

SBO is expanding its 3D metal printing operations to meet rising demand in the space, aerospace, defense, and semiconductor sectors. The company purchased seven new printers this year, citing capacity limits as the primary driver for the investment. SBO differentiates itself by offering the full manufacturing value chain, including high-precision post-processing, rather than limiting its services to printing alone. This integrated approach allows the firm to handle complex geometries and reduce component counts for critical applications, such as the parts it supplies for SpaceX Raptor engines.

The company’s CEO argues that providing the entire manufacturing process gives SBO a competitive advantage in high-growth sectors. As 3D printing becomes an accepted manufacturing method in the United States, demand for complex, system-critical parts in defense and space continues to rise. SBO currently derives nearly 10 percent of its revenue from these new industries in the first half of the current year. The company targets increasing this figure to 20 percent of total revenue by the end of the decade, reflecting its strategic focus on diversifying its client base beyond traditional manufacturing.