Additive Manufacturing Financing: Strategies for 3D Printing Businesses

3D Printing Is Growing Fast. Is Your Capital Strategy Keeping Up?

Additive manufacturing (AM) is no longer limited to prototyping. Today, it's driving innovation across aerospace, medical, automotive, defense, and tooling sectors—with production-grade outputs, material breakthroughs, and digital repeatability.

But turning innovation into scaled production takes serious investment. Industrial 3D printers, post-processing systems, facility upgrades, and software licenses don’t come cheap.

For startups and OEMs looking to scale, additive manufacturing financing has become a smart way to access this equipment, without draining working capital or delaying go-to-market timelines.

At FPG, we specialize in helping advanced manufacturers finance critical equipment and infrastructure so they can move faster, stay competitive, and protect cash flow while expanding production capacity.

Why Capital Is a Challenge in Additive Manufacturing

Even small-batch AM operations can require hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars in upfront investment. Common startup and scaling costs include:

• Industrial AM hardware (metal or polymer systems)
  
  
• Post-processing machinery (curing ovens, CNC finishing, wash stations)
  
  
• CAD/CAM and workflow software
  
  
• Workstations, power upgrades, and facility modifications
  
  

And unlike traditional manufacturing, AM success depends on staying current. Delaying investment to “wait and save” often results in missed contracts or limited throughput.

Financing allows you to keep pace with customer demand, without compromise.

What Is Additive Manufacturing Financing?

Additive manufacturing financing refers to structured equipment financing solutions that help businesses acquire the hardware, software, and production infrastructure needed to support 3D printing at scale.

At FPG, this includes:

• Flexible terms from 12 to 72 months
  
  
• Fast approvals for both new and established businesses
  
  
• 100% financing options that can include installation, training, and software
  
  
• Equipment-only loans or bundled asset financing packages
  
  

Whether you're launching a 3D printing startup or expanding your production fleet, we tailor financing to match your specific business model and project timeline.

What Can Be Financed in a 3D Printing Operation?

If it powers or supports your additive workflow, we can probably finance it.

✅ Examples of Eligible Equipment:

3D Printers

• FDM, SLA, SLS, DMLS, SLM, EBM, Binder Jetting
  
  

Software & Licensing

• CAD/CAM platforms, build prep tools, simulation software, PLM systems
  
  

Post-Processing Tools

• Curing ovens, wash and dry stations, sintering furnaces, CNC milling
  
  

Infrastructure Support

• Dedicated enclosures, electrical upgrades, negative pressure systems, dust management
  
  

Installation, Integration & Training

• Often bundled into a single financing structure
  
  

We understand the full scope of AM operations and build financing structures that match the real-world total cost of implementation.

Why Use Equipment Financing in Additive Manufacturing?

Financing allows 3D printing businesses to act on opportunity, without waiting for capital or jeopardizing other investments.

Key Benefits:

• Preserve Working Capital
  Keep cash available for inventory, hiring, and R&D
  
  
• Accelerate Time to Scale
  Don’t delay contracts or production due to budget gaps
  
  
• Align Payments with Output
  Match monthly payments to your revenue or contract cycles
  
  
• Consolidate Costs
  Finance equipment, software, and services in one structure
  
  
• Maximize Tax Benefits
  Financed assets may qualify for Section 179 deductions and bonus depreciation
  
  

At FPG, our programs are built to reflect the dynamic, high-growth needs of AM businesses, not outdated bank lending models.

Real-World Example: Scaling Metal AM for Aerospace

A tier-2 aerospace manufacturer needed to meet a high-volume production contract using metal AM. The $450,000 investment required for the new DMLS printer, plus support equipment and software, exceeded internal capital reserves.

FPG structured a 60-month equipment financing plan, allowing the company to:

• Fulfill the contract without delay
  
  
• Keep working capital intact
  
  
• Train staff on the new system immediately
  
  
• Expand throughput by 40% within six months
  
  

Today, they’re positioned for long-term growth and own the equipment outright after the term.

Can You Finance Metal 3D Printers?

Yes. Metal AM systems are among the most commonly financed assets in our industrial portfolio. These machines often carry higher acquisition costs but also offer higher output value and ROI.

At FPG, we evaluate both the technology and its production role to create smart financing terms that work with your revenue model, not against it.

Choosing a Financing Partner for AM

Additive manufacturing isn't plug-and-play—it’s layered, technical, and strategic. Your financing partner should understand that.

When evaluating options, ask:

• ✅ Do they have experience in industrial equipment financing?
  
  
• ✅ Can they bundle hardware, software, and services into one structure?
  
  
• ✅ Do they understand depreciation, resale, and equipment lifecycles?
  
  
• ✅ Will they coordinate with your equipment vendors directly?
  
  

At FPG, we’ve financed additive systems for manufacturers, prototyping shops, and OEMs across North America. And we do it with real people, fast answers, and flexible structures built around growth, not red tape.

Scale Smarter with Additive Manufacturing Financing

If you’re building an AM business or expanding your production line, the path forward doesn't have to be paved with capital trade-offs.

With additive manufacturing financing from FPG, you can modernize, scale, and compete—without the financial drag of upfront purchases.

Let’s Talk About Your Capital Strategy

📞 Call (603) 696-7076 to speak with a manufacturing financing expert