• The EDF project DISCMAM was represented by Anders Laustsen (CenSec), Daniel Ferreira (DTI) and Nils Knofius (Fieldmade), strengthening its visibility, expanding its network and reinforcing its positioning within the sector through strategic presentations on 3D printing.

On 25 February, the IBA Business Academy Kolding hosted 35 companies and stakeholders working with 3D printing and additive manufacturing across the defence, space and security sectors.

The workshop, co-organised by IBA and CenSec and titled “3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing (AM) – Application in the Defence Industry”, provided an excellent platform for DISCMAM to present its objectives and technological approach.

The event also created valuable opportunities to exchange insights and connect with related initiatives such as INNOWSWAMP, fostering collaboration and reinforcing the European innovation ecosystem supported by the EDF.

DISCMAM contributions to digital and mobile AM

DISCMAM was prominently featured during the workshop through the active participation of several consortium partners. Their contributions provided both strategic and technical perspectives on digitalisation, mobility and on-site manufacturing in demanding operational environments.

Anders Laustsen, Cluster Manager at CenSec, contributed to the introduction of the session, framing the discussion around the growing importance of advanced manufacturing technologies and cross-sector collaboration. Building on this introduction, Daniel Ferreira, project manager at the Danish Technological Instute (DTI), delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining the project’s mission, objectives and the DISCMAM solution framework.

Reflecting on the strategic relevance of the initiative, Daniel Ferreira emphasised:

“DISCMAM is a strategic project in the defence domain and additive manufacturing as it opens a lot of manufacturing opportunities. The main goal is bringing digital capabilities into the manufacturing processes specifically additive manufacturing. The overall ambition in DISCMAM is increasing the digital level and maturity in the deployable level in additive manufacturing technologies and bringing these developments into the defence industry”.

Turning from strategic vision to operational implementation, the session delivered by Nils Knofius, Head of Digitalisation at Fieldmade, was titled “Mobile Additive Manufacturing Solutions & Digitisation of Part Portfolios”. His contribution focused on the operational integration of additive manufacturing into defence supply chains, highlighting two key priorities: increasing end-user readiness and reducing supply chain complexity and lead times. Explaining the practical meaning of mobility in this context, Nils Knofius stated: “On the mobility aspect, we can deploy additive manufacturing equipment at different locations and also redeploy”.

When asked why mobility is becoming increasingly important in additive manufacturing, he further added:

“It’s all about flexibility reacting to different situations that the battlefield may entail and being able to anticipate where certain capabilities particularly AM can bring the biggest value”.

Together, these contributions demonstrated how DISCMAM advances digital maturity, operational flexibility and secure manufacturing processes. By strengthening the digital supply chain for on-site metal additive manufacturing, the project contributes to more agile and resilient defence logistics across Europe.

The growing potential of 3D printing in defence

The central focus of the workshop was the application of 3D printing within the defence sector. Across all sessions, the message was consistent: additive manufacturing represents a technology with significant and growing potential. Speakers highlighted how 3D printing can transform logistics and maintenance processes. The ability to produce spare parts while reducing long delivery times offers clear advantages. In operational environments, non-critical components can be manufactured rapidly on site, increasing flexibility and responsiveness.

The Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (FMI) highlighted the strong opportunities in this area, while industry representatives confirmed their readiness to support further development.

At the same time, participants acknowledged that certain aspects require further clarification. These include the management of rights and permissions related to printing spare parts, as well as the need for more comprehensive digital service packages. Providing integrated digital solutions would enable organisations to manufacture spare parts independently while ensuring secure, compliant and efficient processes. In this context, visibility remains essential for projects such as DISCMAM.

As noted by Daniel Ferreira:

“It’s very important for DISCMAM to gain visibility in the defence domain. We’re making a great effort to bring the project’s message to the right audiences. We have been present at this event and will participate in more events such as AM Village”.

Overall, the workshop reinforced a shared understanding: additive manufacturing is not only a promising technology, but a strategic enabler of digitally driven, secure and resilient supply chains in the European defence sector.

Find our more information about the programme and speakers in the media section:

🔗 European workshop explores applied 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions

• The joint workshop, organised by CenSec, brings together Fieldmade and the Danish Technological Instute (DTI) to share DISCMAM results, explore mobile additive manufacturing solutions and build synergies with initiatives including the new EDF project INNOWSWAMP.

From digital design to on-site production, additive manufacturing is opening new pathways for more resilient and responsive supply chains. On 25 February 2026, this transformation will be at the centre of discussion in Kolding, Denmark, during the workshop “3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing – Application in the Defence Industry”, where the DISCMAM project will share its latest developments and practical insights.

The workshop, organised by CenSec in collaboration with IBA – University of Applied Sciences Kolding, will take place from 09:30 to 15:10 at the IBA International Business Academy. It will bring together companies, knowledge institutions, organisations and subject-matter experts working with 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies, with a particular focus on their application in the defence, aerospace and security sectors.

DISCMAM at the workshop: technical insights and networking

The DISCMAM Project will be represented in different sessions of the workshop programme, offering an opportunity to present key technological developments and to exchange knowledge with other European initiatives working in the field of additive manufacturing. The workshop will start at 09:30 and will feature a full morning programme combining project presentations, technical sessions and networking opportunities.

The programme will open with a welcome and introduction by Anders Laustsen, Cluster Manager at CenSec, together with Alberte Kirstine Schou-Larsen, Project Manager at CenSec.

At 10:10, the session “3D printing solutions to defence challenges – Cases from the European Defence Fund projects DISCMAM and INNOWSWAMP” will take place, with contributions from Daniel Ferreira and Riccardo Tonello from DTI. Ferreira will present the DISCMAM project and the progress achieved to date, while Tonello will introduce INNOWSWAMP, a European Defence Fund project launched earlier this year. This session will also provide an opportunity to explore synergies between the two initiatives and discuss their complementary approaches.

Later in the programme, at 11:00, Nils Knofius, Head of Digitalisation at Fieldmade, will present “Mobile Additive Manufacturing Solutions & Digitisation of part portfolios”, focusing on deployable additive manufacturing solutions and the role of digitisation in enabling more efficient management of part portfolios.

The event will conclude with a guided tour of IBA Business Academy, offering participants the opportunity to visit the facilities where 3D printing is taught and applied across plastics, metals and composite materials.

Beyond the technical sessions, the event also serves as a networking platform and a source of inspiration for companies that are either already working with additive manufacturing technologies or exploring their potential application in the defence, aerospace and security sectors. For DISCMAM, the workshop provides a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation with key stakeholders. As Anders Laustsen points out:

“From CenSec’s perspective, we hope this workshop will result in increased awareness of the many possibilities that 3D printing and on-site metal AM can bring to the defence and security sectors in both Denmark and the rest of Europe. The workshop is also a great opportunity to present the DISCMAM project to a broad group of companies, researchers, and government organisations in Denmark”.

The full programme is already available, and registration is open for those interested in attending.

• DISCMAM, represented by CenSec, had the opportunity to engage with over 60 leading experts and professionals from the industry.

On 30 March, the EDF Project DISCMAM took part in the “3D Printing in Production – Subcontractor to the Defence Industry” event, which gathered around 60 experts from leading Danish companies, innovation clusters, research institutions, and professionals working in the fields of 3D printing and additive manufacturing.

Hosted at MARTEC (Maritime and Transport Engineering College) in Frederikshavn, Denmark, the event was organized by our project partner CenSec, in collaboration with Danish AM Hub, MARTEC, and Erhvervshus Nord.

Insights from the event

The gathering featured a series of engaging talks from industry experts, providing valuable insights into the growing role of 3D printing in Denmark’s defence sector. Attendees also had the opportunity to connect in a dynamic matchmaking area, fostering networking and collaboration with key players in the field.

Key takeaways from the morning sessions included:

• How 3D printing can become a profitable business for a company.
• Repair and lifetime extension through laser cladding – opportunities and challenges.
• 3D printing with operational impact
• Possibilities and limitations of 3D printing in defence and security.
• Powder-based metal additive manufacturing: powder feedstock development and applications.
• Optimizing 3D-printed components for the defence industry: post-processing and colouring techniques.
• Programmable foam: custom-fit, impact absorption, and advanced protection for defence.

In the afternoon, DISCMAM, represented by our colleague Anders Laustsen, participated in the exhibition area. This was a valuable opportunity to showcase the project’s mission, objectives, and progress. Besides promoting DISCMAM, Jeppe Skinnerup Byskov from our project partner, the Danish Technological Institute, presented at the event, highlighting their work with additive manufacturing as well as their involvement in our sister EDF project, ROLIAC.

By participating in this key sector event, DISCMAM not only increased its visibility but also reinforced its commitment to advancing the use of additive manufacturing solutions in the defence industry.

As Anders Laustsen explains:

“From CenSec’s side the event was a great opportunity both for promoting the work being done in the DISCMAM project towards a broad range of people working with additive manufacturing in Denmark, as well as highlighting the possibilities of using 3D print technologies in the military field”.

Find out more about the event program:

Stay tuned to follow the progress of the project!

• CenSec’s responsibilities in DISCMAM open the door to building new competencies centred on stakeholder insights and driving innovative business development.

Creating a strong network of key stakeholders and maintaining continuous engagement with them throughout the and EDF Project, such as DISCMAM, is essential for facilitating the smooth positioning, development, implementation, and operationalization of this EU initiative. This strategic collaboration ensures that the project’s outcomes can be translated into practical applications, addressing expectations and tackling critical challenges within the European defence industrial ecosystem.

At the core of this effort is CenSec, Denmark’s national innovation and business cluster specializing in Defence, Space, and Security. They act as a strategic partner, leveraging its vast network across Europe to identify both established and emerging stakeholders within the European defence industry.

With its role as a hub for cross-border cooperation, CenSec ensures that DISCMAM is connected with a variety of entities and initiatives, fostering collaboration and driving the project toward successful outcomes.

CenSec: A hub for defence industry collaboration and knowledge

CenSec is Denmark’s national cluster dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) specializing in the fields of defence, security, and space. With over 220 members, they bring together a diverse network of companies and institutions, ranging from cutting-edge SMEs with expertise in advanced manufacturing, drones, maritime technologies, electronics, cybersecurity, and software development to leading Danish universities and research organizations.

The mission of this cluster is to foster innovation, collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and skills development within the triple helix ecosystems of defence, space, and security. By connecting businesses, academia, and government initiatives, the entity acts as a catalyst for innovation and strategic growth in these critical industries.

Anders Laustsen represents CenSec in the DISCMAM initiative as Cluster Manager, overseeing all activities within the Space domain. With a Master’s degree in International Business from Aalborg University, Anders brings a wealth of experience to his role. Since earning his degree in 2004, he has built an impressive career spanning innovation, entrepreneurship, regional development, business development, fundraising, project management, and internationalization.

This extensive expertise is helping DISCMAM connect stakeholders, foster strategic partnerships, and strengthen CenSec’s role as a vital link between industry, academia, and government in the European defence, space, and security sectors.

Stakeholder analysis and business planning

CenSec is actively engaged in multiple essential activities within the DISCMAM project, contributing to overall project management while supporting communication, dissemination, and exploitation tasks.

During the first year of the project, their primary focus has been on conducting the Stakeholder Analysis, a critical step in identifying key stakeholders across participating countries. This analysis has involved understanding their main interests, mapping their potential influence on the DISCMAM initiative, and identifying opportunities for collaboration. The stakeholders analyzed include defense ministries, policymakers, industry representatives, and media organizations. Engaging these groups has been essential for disseminating the project’s findings and raising awareness of its objectives and outcomes.

Looking ahead to the second phase of the DISCMAM project, beginning in May 2025, CenSec will take the lead in developing a business plan. This strategic plan will focus on translating the research findings and results of DISCMAM into practical, real-world applications. The business plan will outline a clear approach for operationalizing these results in a commercial context, ensuring their practical utility and long-term impact.

The development of this business plan will involve close collaboration with other technical work packages, ensuring a seamless transition from research to operational implementation. This integrated approach will enable DISCMAM to effectively apply its findings and solutions in real-world settings, maximizing their value and real-world application.

Supporting EU Funded Projects in the Danish Defence landscape

Over the past decade, CenSec has played a significant role in coordinating and participating various EU-funded projects, primary within the defence and security sectors. With extensive experience managing Horizon 2020 projects and engaging in cluster collaboration initiatives through the COSME funding scheme, CenSec has proven expertise in fostering cross-sector partnerships and driving strategic EU initiative

The entity is actively involved in European Defence Fund (EDF) projects. In addition to DISCMAM, they are contributing to the ROLIAC project, funded by the EDF 2021. Within the ROLIAC project, they lead the Communication and Dissemination work package and works in close collaboration with the Danish Technological Institute, which leads the ROLIAC consortium and is also a partner in the DISCMAM initiative.

The entity works, in close cooperation with the Danish military and the ministry of science and education, on promoting EDF in general and all the possibilities participating in EDF funded projects can provide Danish companies within the defence and security sector. During the year CenSec is host for different meetings, workshops and conferences where EDF is on the agenda – with the aim of boosting the participation of Danish entities in EDF funded projects.  

By combining DISCMAM’s vision with CenSec’s expertise and expansive network, the EDF Project is well-positioned to navigate challenges, build meaningful partnerships, and deliver tangible results for stakeholders across Europe.