Mellissa McIntyre joined a growing force of additive manufacturing leaders in Washington, D.C. to advocate for smarter tax policy, national security, and a stronger future for American innovation.
The halls of Congress recently welcomed representatives from across the additive manufacturing (AM) industry during the Additive Manufacturing Coalition’s third annual DC Fly-in, including me and Ryan Donley of R&D Tax Savers. The Additive Manufacturing Coalition, established in 2019, has quickly grown to over 50 members spanning industry players of all sizes, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations focused on advancing 3D printing technologies. This year’s Fly-in was only the Coalition’s third organized congressional advocacy event, but its impact was already apparent in the relationships being formed and the awareness being built. This advocacy event brought together players across the industry to educate policymakers on the critical importance of 3D printing technologies to American manufacturing competitiveness and national security.
Special guest speakers kicked off the 2025 Fly-In to provide insight into the state of the industry and the economy. From the US-China Economic Review Commission to hearing Keith Devries, Director of the Manufacturing Technology under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering speak, we covered viewpoints from many impacted by AM. Over the following 2 days, we were organized into several teams to meet with Congressional staff. The organizers skillfully created teams to represent not only each congress member’s district and state, but also members from the broader AM community to speak to the issues from other perspectives. Teams were led by experienced lobbyists to guide each team around the Hill and steer conversations effectively. Unlike traditional manufacturing sectors that often concentrate in specific geographic regions, additive manufacturing’s versatility means that its impact spans the entire country. This nationwide footprint gives AM advocacy a unique advantage, as virtually every congressional district has some connection to the AM industry.
A Unified Voice with Diverse Perspectives
While this was only the Coalition’s third fly-in, the progress made since the inaugural event was evident. The event attendance has grown to 50 attendees with 104 meetings scheduled. Compared to prior years, congressional offices now have a better understanding of what additive manufacturing is and why it matters. The conversations have evolved from basic explanations to substantive discussions about specific policy needs. One of the most valuable aspects of these fly-ins is the opportunity that they provide for Coalition members to connect. Congressional staff will also have resources for questions that may come up regarding additive manufacturing in their districts.
About 7-8 teams were meeting with congressional staff. Each team had its unique mix of representations. Our team, team 3, included representatives from RICOH, Alpha Additive, RHH Advisory, Additive Manufacturing Coalition, and me. This diversity of perspectives allowed us to comprehensively address questions and concerns from congressional staffers while telling compelling stories about how policy decisions impact real businesses and communities.
The AM Coalition’s Strategic Priorities for 2024-2025
The Coalition identified five key priorities for Federal Fiscal Year 2026:
Trade and Tariffs: Supporting durable tariffs on Chinese-made printers while preserving access to components and feedstocks from US trading partners; and, recognizing the strategic importance of additive manufacturing for economic growth and national security.
Defense Procurement Reform: Advocating clearer pathways from SBIR/STTR programs to procurement contracts, while expanding programs like APFIT (Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies). Creating more accessible capital programs for small innovators as well.
Certification and Qualification: Pushing for dedicated funding to support testing and qualification of additively manufactured parts, particularly for replacement components in legacy systems.
Workforce Development: Expanding investment in AM-specific training programs to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in this specialized field and support US manufacturing.
R&D Tax Credit Reform: Working to eliminate the requirement to amortize R&D costs, which creates significant financial burdens for innovative companies – particularly small and medium-sized businesses.
The Research & Development Tax Credit
The now permanent Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit is available for companies developing new or improved products, processes and/or software.
3D printing can help boost a company’s R&D Tax Credits. Wages for technical employees creating, testing and revising 3D printed prototypes are typically eligible expenses toward the R&D Tax Credit. Similarly, when used as a method of improving a process, time spent integrating 3D printing hardware and software can also be an eligible R&D expense. Lastly, when used for modeling and preproduction, the costs of filaments consumed during the development process may also be recovered.
Whether it is used for creating and testing prototypes or for final production, 3D printing is a great indicator that R&D Credit-eligible activities are taking place. Companies implementing this technology at any point should consider taking advantage of R&D Tax Credits.
The Path Forward for R&D Tax Credit Reform
As a representative of R&D Tax Savers, my focus was on the critical issue of R&D tax credit reform. The current requirement to amortize R&D costs over five years rather than being able to deduct them immediately (as it had been for decades), creates significant financial burdens, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses that drive innovation in not only additive manufacturing but several other industry sectors as well.
This policy issue resonated with many congressional offices, as it directly impacts job creation and technological advancement in their districts. By sharing concrete examples of how this requirement hampers growth and innovation, we were able to make a compelling case for reform.
Conclusion: Building Momentum for Change
As I reflect on this third fly-in experience, what stands out most is the growing sophistication and effectiveness of the AM industry’s advocacy efforts. The Additive Manufacturing Coalition has created a powerful platform for unified messaging while respecting the diverse perspectives and needs within the AM community.
For companies like R&D Tax Savers and our clients in the additive manufacturing space, these advocacy efforts are essential. Policy decisions in Washington have real impacts on innovation, growth, and competitiveness. By actively participating in shaping those policies, we’re not just protecting our interests—we’re helping to create an environment where American manufacturing can thrive in the 21st century.
The Coalition’s work continues beyond these fly-ins, building relationships with policymakers, hosting webinars, and creating opportunities for collaboration within the AM industry.
