ADDMAN expands West Coast polymer capacity with Forecast 3D acquisition

ADDMAN completed an acquisition of Forecast 3D on January 5, 2026, a move that brings the Carlsbad firm’s powder-based polymer expertise into ADDMAN’s Polymer division and creates an expanded West Coast polymer additive manufacturing hub alongside ADDMAN’s Dinsmore facility. Forecast 3D is known for selective laser sintering and multi-jet fusion production, and its integration reflects ADDMAN’s effort to broaden on-shore polymer production and digital service infrastructure.

The transaction increases ADDMAN’s capacity at a time when the company’s industrial additive fleet now exceeds 160 systems, supported across multiple U.S. locations. ADDMAN framed the acquisition as part of a scale-and-capability strategy intended to deliver broader end-to-end AM services from prototyping through production. The company also highlighted an expanded digital quoting and support platform as a way to streamline ordering and technical assistance across its polymer operations.

For makers, small businesses, and local shops that rely on external production for short-run professional parts, the acquisition has practical implications. Increased on-shore capacity and multiple U.S. facilities can reduce shipping times and logistics uncertainty, and adding Forecast 3D’s powder-based SLS and MJF capabilities can expand material and finish options that are hard to replicate on desktop machines. Expect potential improvements in lead times for short-run SLS and MJF jobs, but verify pricing and minimum order requirements before committing to a production run.

Check the company’s digital quoting and support platform for up-to-date lead times, material specifications, and file requirements. If you are sourcing replacement parts, small batches, or prototypes that require the mechanical properties and surface finishes from SLS or MJF, ask about minimum quantities, post-processing options, and shipping or pickup choices tied to the West Coast hub. Increased industrial capacity does not automatically translate to consumer pricing, so budgeting for professional-grade polymer production remains important.

This acquisition signals a continued trend toward consolidating industrial polymer AM capacity and bringing more production on-shore. For community makers and maker-entrepreneurs, the most immediate benefits will be practical: potentially faster turnaround, a broader range of professional polymer processes to choose from, and a more consistent digital path for quoting and support when moving from prototype to short-run production.