• Both EDF-funded projects combine complementary strengths to deliver more resilient and decentralised defence solutions, reducing reliance on traditional supply chains.
• Shared partners Danish Technological Institute (DTI) and CenSec strengthen collaboration by enabling knowledge exchange and closer alignment across activities in both projects.

Europe is increasingly focusing on strengthening its capacity to operate in complex and demanding environments, where rapid response, secure supply chains and technological independence are essential. In this context, the European Defence Fund (EDF) plays a key role in supporting and funding collaborative projects that drive innovation and reinforce Europe’s industrial and technological base.

Against this backdrop, the DISCMAM (EDF 2022) and INNOSWAMP (EDF 2024) projects offer a clear example of how complementary initiatives can create added value when their approaches are aligned. By bringing together expertise in additive manufacturing, advanced materials and digitalisation, both projects highlight the importance of collaboration in maximising the impact of European-funded research.

From centralised systems to on-site capabilities

Although their application areas differ, both research projects are aligned in a common objective: bringing critical capabilities closer to the point of need. This shift towards more decentralised and flexible solutions reduces dependence on traditional supply chains while improving responsiveness in challenging scenarios.

DISCMAM focuses on enabling on-site production and repair of metal components through additive manufacturing routes and digitalisation solutions, supported by a secure digital thread that allows remote assistance and data exchange. INNOSWAMP, in parallel, is developing a new generation of water pre-filtration systems based on advanced materials, designed to improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption and adapt to varying operational conditions.

Both initiatives reflect the EDF’s ambition to foster advanced, collaborative technologies that strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy. Their shared use of additive manufacturing, innovative materials and digital solutions contributes to more efficient, adaptable and resilient systems capable of operating in remote or resource-constrained environments.

Unlocking synergies through innovation

The synergies between DISCMAM and INNOSWAMP become particularly evident at the intersection of digitalisation, materials innovation and manufacturing processes. The secure digital infrastructure developed in DISCMAM enables traceability, data-driven optimisation and remote support, opening possibilities that can extend beyond its initial scope.

At the same time, INNOSWAMP’s work on functionalised materials introduces new opportunities for integration into future deployable manufacturing solutions. Together, these developments point towards more versatile systems capable of addressing multiple operational needs in a coordinated way, while minimizing energy consumption and waste.

Towards a more resilient and sustainable Europe

Beyond their technological contributions, both projects support broader European priorities. By enabling localised production and reducing reliance on external supply chains, they reinforce technological independence and resilience. Their approaches also contribute to sustainability, promoting more efficient use of resources, whether through repair and on-demand manufacturing or improved water treatment processes.

This collaboration is further strengthened by the participation of common partners such as the Danish Technological Institute (DTI) and CenSec – Center for Defence, Space & Security, both based in Denmark. Their involvement facilitates knowledge exchange and alignment between the two initiatives, enhancing their overall impact within the European innovation ecosystem.

The connection between DISCMAM and INNOSWAMP underlines the value of building links between projects funded under the same European framework. By combining expertise across different domains, these initiatives contribute to a more integrated, efficient and forward-looking technological base in Europe.

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• DISCMAM returned to AM Village for the second consecutive year, strengthening its presence in Europe’s leading Additive Manufacturing event.
• The workshop engaged 25 participants, including key representatives from European Ministries of Defence and the Spanish Air Force.

AM Village 2026 positioned itself once again as a key meeting point for the European Additive Manufacturing ecosystem, bringing together over 800 participants from more than 120 organisations at the Albacete Air Base (Spain). This five-day event provided a unique space where collaboration, innovation and cutting-edge Additive Manufacturing technologies came together, gathering.

DISCMAM had a strong presence throughout the event, particularly during the workshop session, which achieved excellent engagement with around 25 attendees. Representatives from the consortium — Juan Carlos Pereira (LORTEK), Daniel Ferreira (Teknologisk Institut), Nils Knofius and Tobias Rønneberg (Fieldmade) — actively contributed, fostering discussions around the project’s approach and results.

From theory to practice: DISCMAM in action at AM Village

The AM Village programme featured more than 160 activities, including briefings, seminars, workshops, demonstrations and hands-on sessions. On 17 March in the afternoon, DISCMAM partners played a leading role by hosting the workshop SW15: “Quality assurance and quality control methods in on-site PBF-LB metal AM: bridging digital manufacturing for the defence sector”.

The session attracted strong interest from attendees, including representatives from the Ministries of Defence of Belgium, Denmark, Portugal and Germany, as well as the Spanish Air Force. It provided a valuable platform to exchange views on quality assurance and control (QA/QC), standardisation and the digital tools being developed within the project.

Discussions highlighted a key takeaway: achieving reliable and consistent quality in deployed manufacturing environments remains one of the main challenges — and priorities — for operational effectiveness.

As part of DISCMAM’s participation, Fieldmade led a dedicated demonstration showcasing an on-site metal AM hub using PBF-LB technology through the NOMAD®03 system. This activity provided participants with a real-life view of how DISCMAM solutions can be deployed in operational environments, complementing the discussions held during the workshop.

To further demonstrate these capabilities in practice, one of the project’s parts — the Unimog Compressor Cover — was used to demonstrate:

• Fast on-site quality assurance using Plastometrex equipment available on-site.
• Post-processing operations supported by Rösler equipment.

As highlighted by Daniel Ferreira:

“We successfully demonstrated to many stakeholders that quality assurance in on-site deployed AM is essential. We managed to identify a defective part — not distinguishable by visual inspection — using fast on-site QA methodologies within the Fieldmade Nomad®3 containerised solution”.

This effective demonstration was further recognised with Fieldmade AS receiving the “Best Performance” award at the event, underlining the significant contribution of DISCMAM’s digital solutions to ensuring high-quality on-site spare parts manufacturing within portable and containerised environments.

AM Village 2026: Driving European AM forward

The third edition of AM Village once again met expectations, reinforcing its role as a key meeting point for the European AM community. The event was jointly organised by the European Defence Agency (EDA) and the Spanish Air and Space Force.

In the words of Martin Huber, Project Manager for Logistics & Additive Manufacturing at EDA: “AM Village is a space where practice overrides theory and collaboration overrides competition — a true capability-driven environment shaped by and for the AM community”.

AM Village 2026 fostered collaboration, synergies and the exchange of experiences in the use of Additive Manufacturing in the field at an unprecedented scale. Beyond technological advancements, the event clearly highlighted a shared direction: advancing towards resilient, field-ready supply chains and qualified AM parts at scale.

In this context, initiatives like DISCMAM contribute directly to this mission by developing secure digital supply chains and enabling on-site manufacturing capabilities, supporting Europe’s technological autonomy and operational readiness.

Juan Carlos Pereira (project coordinator) concludes regarding this event:

“The interactions between DISCMAM partners and military stakeholders’ highlights the importance of advancing secure digital supply chains and on-site metal additive manufacturing capabilities to strengthen operational efficiency across Europe. This latest edition of AM Village has seen an unprecedented increase in collaboration, synergies, and the exchange of experiences regarding the use of additive manufacturing in the defence sector”.

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• 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.

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• Led by LORTEK and Accenture, the EDF-funded project has completed two major actions that reinforce its mission to deploy on-site metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies for defence applications, showing significant progress beyond the mid-point of its development.

The DISCMAM project is progressing through a key phase of its development, marked by the successful completion of two strategic milestones. The first, led by Accenture, focused on the Cybersecure Digital Pathway solution, creating a secure digital framework for files and process data sharing that meets EU military platforms requirements and enable future digital part qualification without requiring additional on-site testing. The second, led by project coordinator Lortek, advanced the development of process monitoring systems and a defined manufacturing workflow, delivering an updated strategy for on-site operations that reduces system downtime while ensuring part quality and functionality of repaired or newly manufactured components.

A cybersecure digital pathway for DISCMAM solution

The completion of the Cybersecure Digital Pathway marks a major step forward in developing the DISCMAM secure digital framework, designed for seamless integration into multiple digital infrastructure scenarios.

The work, led by the consortium partner Accenture, aimed to ensure that all the components of the digital pathway (on-premises infrastructure, network architecture and cloud integration between others) adhere to robust security standards and EU military platforms compliance.

Smarter monitoring systems and optimized workflows

Under the leadership of Lortek, the milestone “Monitoring systems developed, and manufacturing workflow defined” has also been successfully reached, accomplishing several key objectives in the process.

Ensuring the quality, consistency and traceability of metal AM processes is at the core of this accomplishment. To this end, an extensive analysis of process monitoring systems/sensors in metal AM was carried out, addressing the limitations of traditional quality assurance methods and reviewing key in-situ process monitoring technologies currently used on powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) and directed energy deposition (DED-LB/M). To do so, common failure modes, and requirements for mobile AM in demanding environments were taken into consideration. A preliminary selection of complementary sensors was established to reliably detect critical defects under deployed conditions.

Building on this, the selected monitoring devices were integrated into AM equipment, enabling the first demonstrations of how real-time data can be captured and analysed to monitor melting or metal deposition processes. Two tailored approaches were developed for PBF-LB and DED-LB solutions, showcasing how monitoring strengthens quality assurance in different metal AM technologies.

Finally, a comprehensive maintenance workflow was defined for on-site operations, covering all stages from initial assessment and digital readiness to manufacturing, inspection, and final delivery. This workflow reinforces quality control through full documentation, rigorous real-time and post-process inspections, and secure management of digital files for complete traceability. Tested in real use cases, the approach has proven practical and effective, offering flexibility and efficiency for both repairs and the production of complex, low-volume components while ensuring high-quality, compliant outcomes.

The next steps of the project, involve the full integration of the developed solutions and systems to validate the DISCMAM solutions and approach, aiming at on-site repair and manufacturing as well as data information sharing under remote assistance through a secure digital pathway.

• Over the course of the project, Zabala Innovation manages all communication efforts, ensuring that the project’s milestones and outcomes are effectively shared, and a strong community is built.

Shaping the future of defence logistics requires more than just innovation—it demands collaboration, shared expertise, and a strong vision. DISCMAM EDF Project is taking on this challenge, bringing together 10 leading industrial entities and research institutions to drive progress in the sector. But a project of this scale needs more than technical breakthroughs; it needs a voice. This is where Zabala Innovation plays a key role, ensuring that DISCMAM’s progress is effectively communicated and that messages are aligned to reach the right audiences.

Through strategic communication, Zabala translates complex developments into compelling narratives, enriched by diverse perspectives and experiences. Beyond sharing updates, the company is focused on building long-lasting relationships with stakeholders, fostering a strong and engaged community that will sustain the project’s impact well into the future.

By amplifying the voices behind DISCMAM, Zabala is not just reporting progress—it is shaping the conversation around the future of defence logistics.

Zabala Innovation: Supporting innovation from concept to execution

Founded in Spain in 1986, Zabala Innovation is a leading international consultancy firm specializing in securing funding for innovation, research, and development projects. The company supports a diverse range of clients—including businesses, research institutions, and public entities—in accessing grants, subsidies, and public funding from both national and European sources.

With a strong focus on strategic consulting, the company assists organizations in designing, managing, and implementing innovation projects. Their expertise covers proposal preparation, project management, consortium building, and ensuring compliance with funding requirements. The company has played a pivotal role in numerous large-scale European consortia, particularly within Horizon Europe programs and the European Defence Fund (EDF). Notably, Zabala team has led communication, dissemination, and management activities in more EDF projects such as IntSen2 and BODYGUARD.

The DISCMAM partner actively contributes to the execution of European projects, assuming critical roles in project management, results exploitation, dissemination and communication strategies, social innovation, and cascade funding management, among others.

Zabala Innovation operates with an international team of over 500 professionals across 13 offices, including locations in Madrid, Brussels, Paris, Barcelona, Lisbon, Valencia, Bordeaux, and Seville. This widespread presence allows the company to provide tailored support to clients across Europe and beyond.

Within the DISCMAM project, Ana Báscones takes the lead in communication and dissemination activities. As a skilled journalist with extensive experience in managing EU-funded projects, Ana works in close coordination with her team to ensure the project’s visibility and the effective dissemination of results.

How DISCMAM is expanding its influence in defence logistics

DISCMAM leverages Zabala Innovation’s expertise in dissemination and communication to ensure the project’s findings reach key stakeholders and create a lasting impact.

From the very beginning, the first action undertaken in terms of communication, was the development of a recognizable brand, aimed at ensuring consistency and visibility. To achieve this, the project’s website was designed as the central hub of information, serving not only consortium partners but also industrial and research stakeholders, as well as the general public. The website provides public information about the project, participation in strategic events such as AM Village and FORMNEXT and updates on how DISCMAM is advancing defence logistics through on-site additive manufacturing innovations. This information is also actively shared on LinkedIn, helping the project reach specialized media and digital publications.

• LinkedIn

Expanding the project’s impact and strengthening its positioning has also been possible through the publication of press releases in key magazines and defence media specialized in additive manufacturing.

Building Synergies: DISCMAM and ROLIAC collaboration

Fostering synergies that enhance integration within the sector is one of the core actions of the communication and dissemination strategy. In these sense, partnering with sister projects, such as ROLIAC EDF project, enables greater outreach and impact through joint written content, such as press releases and coordinated LinkedIn campaigns. Additionally, both projects have joined forces at conferences and industry events, strengthening their shared mission: advancing the European defense sector through cutting-edge innovation.

With a particular focus on Additive Manufacturing (AM), these collaborations are driving forward the transformation of the defense industry by applying advanced manufacturing and digital technologies.

As DISCMAM enters its second project phase, Zabala Innovation will continue to push boundaries, further enhancing clustering actions and focusing on the dissemination of results through scientific publications and outreach activities. Strengthening synergies will remain a priority, ensuring that the project continues to build strong, long-lasting relationships with key stakeholders.

Through these efforts, DISCMAM aims to leave a lasting mark and shape the future of defense logistics, reinforcing Europe’s leadership in innovation-driven security and manufacturing advancements.

• At end of May 2025, DISCMAM EDF Project finalised the first reporting period, covering the first 18 months of execution.
• The initial phase of the project has progressed smoothly, achieving key project advances achieving key advances made possible by the commitment of all project partners involved.

The DISCMAM Project has officially reached the halfway point of its implementation in May 2025. This achievement confirms the project’s strong progress towards its main goal: establishing a secure digital thread to support remote assistance for repair and manufacturing spare parts through metal Additive Manufacturing (3D printing technologies) in defence field operations.

To mark this important moment, two key events were held. On 27 May, the mid project Consortium Meeting took place in Bilbao, Spain, hosted by Accenture at the iconic Iberdrola Tower. The following day, 28 May, the project’s official Mid-Term Review Meeting with the attendance of the European Commission Project Officer and partners was held at the headquarters of the project coordinator, Lortek, in Ordizia, Spain.

Both meetings concluded with very positive feedback, highlighting not only the technical progress achieved so far, but also the strong collaboration between all partners involved in the different work packages concluded.

DISCMAM midterm results

The project has completed the first 18 months of implementation with consistent progress and without any deviations from the original work plan. This steady advancement reflects the strength of the project’s structure and the close collaboration among partners, setting a strong foundation for the successful delivery of its final objectives.

The developments under way are designed to revolutionize maintenance and manufacturing processes in defence field operations by establishing secure, on-site assisted Additive Manufacturing (AM) capabilities. These innovations aim to significantly reduce downtime and enhance the reliability and security of repairs and newly manufactured components in critical operational settings.

Key achievements during this first reporting period include:

• Definition of maintenance scenarios: Actual field maintenance scenarios were identified and defined. Within these scenarios, several specific use cases were selected to validate and demonstrate the DISCMAM concept in real-world conditions.
• Design of a cybersecure digital pathway: A secure digital framework was developed to ensure the files and process data sharing, qualification of the built physical part, eliminating the need for additional testing on site.
• Implementation of an on-site maintenance plan: The project successfully updated and implemented a strategy for on-site operations that reduces system downtime while maintaining the quality and functionality of repaired or manufactured components.
• Integration of monitoring devices into additive manufacturing equipment to enhance process reliability and ensure the quality of final parts.

The steady progress so far was also highlighted by the project coordinators:

“The project’s moving along just like we planned. We’ve been hitting all our milestones right on schedule, and the team’s working really well together. We are confident that the final outcomes of the project will make a meaningful difference”.

Project outlook: What’s Next?

The Mid-Term Review Meeting held on 28 May marked an important milestone for the DISCMAM Project. During the meeting and with the attendance of the European Commission project officer, all partners presented the progress achieved across all Work Packages during the first reporting period. The review highlighted the strong advancements made so far and provided encouraging feedback for the next phase and upcoming challenges.

As part of the meeting agenda, participants were also offered a guided tour of LORTEK’s facilities in Ordizia, Spain. The visit included an up-close look at the metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) cells and machines, including a demo on the novel hybrid DED multi-robot cell. This provided the perfect opportunity to witness firsthand the innovative research and technological advancements being carried out within the DISCMAM framework.

With the solid progress made in the first 18 months, the project is now entering its second phase, which begins in June 2025 and will run until November 2026. In this next stage, the consortium will focus on the manufacturing and repair of the use cases defined in the first phase. Additionally, all the knowledge and developments generated so far, such as the cybersecure digital pathway, 3D scanning methodologies, and process monitoring solutions, will be integrated into a comprehensive final solution.

• 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!