• Euler brings innovation to the project by leveraging AI-powered predictive analytics on their platform, enabling real-time detection during the production of additive manufacturing components.

Euler is developing a real-time process monitoring solution that addresses one of metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) most significant challenges of the DISCMAM Project: ensuring the reliability and quality of additively manufactured components in critical applications such as within the defence sector. Their real-time process monitoring platform is designed to predict and detect defects during the build process, enabling proactive intervention to reduce waste, improve efficiency, quality, and enhance scalability. 

Why process monitoring matters

Additive manufacturing holds immense potential for industries such as defence, aerospace, automotive, and medical devices. However, challenges like high failure rates, inconsistent quality, and the complexity of scaling operations have slowed its broader adoption. Operating AM systems requires highly specialized expertise, making it challenging to deploy in environments with limited access to skilled personnel.

Euler’s platform offers a patent-pending predictive solution that bridges this gap, allowing operators to detect and address issues as they occur, and even to predict them in advance based on early indicators. It also allows for remote monitoring, which is essential for applications where access to skilled expertise to oversee the process is limited.

Euler brings AI-driven monitoring to the DISCMAM project

By providing cutting-edge real-time process monitoring capabilities for remote Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) systems, Euler is an important player in the project. Their platform utilizes AI-driven predictive analytics to detect and mitigate potential defects during the build process, ensuring high-quality and reliable AM components. This innovative approach supports the project’s objective to enhance the use of additive manufacturing in demanding environments.

With both cloud-based and on-premise solutions, the entity addresses critical challenges such as operational efficiency and quality assurance, making their platform adaptable to the stringent requirements of the defence industry.

The team behind Euler consists of highly skilled experts within computer vision, artificial intelligence, statistical analysis and software development. Together, their expertise ensures that Euler’s platform supports DISCMAM’s mission to advance additive manufacturing for defence.

A vision for the future of AM

Euler is committed to advancing additive manufacturing by delivering reliable, scalable, and user-friendly monitoring solutions, facilitating its widespread adoption across both critical and non-critical industrial applications. During the project, the company’s commitment will help by ensuring high-quality AM procedures without the need of skilled personnel.

• 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.

• As a worldwide technology leader, Accenture provides strong cybersecurity expertise to defence additive manufacturing for DISCMAM, ensuring that the solutions created adhere to compliance and technical standards.

The development of a cyber-secure digital supply chain for additive manufacturing presents a significant challenge for DISCMAM. This project aims not only to achieve operational success but also to enhance the innovation capacity of the defense sector, fostering the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.

In this context, cybersecurity is a top priority for the project, supported by a team of experts from Accenture, a global technology company with extensive experience in strategic security. This partner ensures that the project aligns seamlessly with essential technical standards, cybersecurity protocols, and compliance requirements, tailoring digital solutions to meet stringent defence specifications. Moreover, they will guarantee the design of robust strategies to protect every aspect of the additive manufacturing process, enhancing resilience throughout the entire production lifecycle.

Accenture: Technological leadership and cybersecurity expertise

Accenture has established itself as a leading global professional services company, empowering some of the world’s foremost organizations to build their digital core and optimize operations. With a focus on accelerating revenue growth and enhancing services, Accenture creates tangible value at speed and scale.

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the company stands out as a leader in driving change, leveraging strong relationships within a vast ecosystem. By combining its expertise in technology, cloud, data, and artificial intelligence with extensive industry experience and functional knowledge, the company offers unmatched global delivery capabilities. Thus, Accenture’s comprehensive suite of services spans Strategy & Consulting, Technology, Operations, Industry X, and Song.

Among its teams, DISCMAM is supported by a group of highly skilled professionals leveraging their extensive experience in managing cybersecurity projects. Mariano García Guerrero, the Security Delivery Manager at Accenture, orchestrates the company’s resources to ensure the successful achievement of all project objectives.

The project also benefits from the technical focus of Jose Miguel Colmena de Celis, Security Cloud Manager at the company, who designs cutting-edge security solutions tailored to the unique challenges posed by additive manufacturing scenarios. His deep expertise in cloud security is instrumental in addressing the specific security needs of this innovative technology.

Completing the multidisciplinary group is Egilde Sequera De Valery, a Senior Security Analyst, who brings invaluable expertise in security compliance to the project.

Together, this exceptional working group is committed to reinforcing cybersecurity measures within DISCMAM’s digital supply chain, ultimately enhancing the resilience and safety of additive manufacturing processes.

Challenges in establishing innovative cybersecurity solutions

Accenture is committed to bring a robust cybersecurity perspective to additive manufacturing in defence contexts as part of its role in the DISCMAM project. This involves identifying potential digital threats that could compromise the environment and crafting innovative cybersecurity solutions to effectively mitigate these risks, ensuring secure and resilient operations.

As the initiative approaches its first anniversary, one of the biggest challenges of the company has been uncovering the technical requirements needed for IT solutions in defence settings. This task is particularly complex due to the sensitive nature of the information involved.

Additionally, the Accenture technicians have invested considerable effort into understanding the IT processes involved in additive manufacturing use cases. This comprehensive understanding is vital to developing effective and tailored cybersecurity solutions for these advanced manufacturing scenarios.

Designing a cybersecurity architecture for these services often requires implementing changes in the AM process to ensure all risks are addressed.

As García Guerrero outlines,

“Traditionally, AM scenarios are managed locally, with on-site IT systems and human specialists in a controlled environment. The challenge in this project is to transform the AM process so it can be operated remotely while maintaining cybersecurity in a more open and interconnected environment”.

• DISCMAM project held its third meeting in Frankfurt to review progress of recent months project work and set the stage for the challenges of 2025.
• During the initial phase, the project has reached an important achievement: the definition of on-site maintenance scenarios and the selection of use cases.  

The DISCMAM project, funded by the European Defence Fund (EDF), completed its first year of progress with a significant anniversary meeting in Frankfurt, Germany, on November 21, 2024. This gathering of consortium partners — including leading technical and research institutions— reviewed the project’s achievements over the past year and discussed key research and execution plans for the future.

Progress and strategic achievements

The first 12 months of the DISCMAM project have been pivotal in establishing the foundation for its continuation over the next two years. Aligned with the project’s objectives and through close cross-border collaboration among all partners, significant progress has been achieved. Notably, the first major milestone —the identification of scenarios and the selection of components or use cases aligned with these scenarios— has been reached. Five use cases have been defined, three for spare parts manufacturing and two for parts repair; those include an air compressor cover, a fuel filter housing, a phalanx maintenance tool, a front pulley and a joint shaft flange.

During this initial period, the goal has been to enhance efficiency and equipment readiness in military operations through the manufacture and repair of spare parts by two selected Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies: Laser Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) and Laser Directed Energy Deposition (DED-LB).

Additionally, based on the selected scenarios and use cases, an on-site maintenance plan has been developed, together with the data flow characteristics required to establish a secure digital pathway. This plan addresses logistical considerations, ensures robust data protection, and aims to provide rapid responses to specific types of equipment failures and challenges on on-site maintenance and logistic supply chain.

Further work has been carried out to collate information regarding the specifications and requirements of the parts together with processing and post-processing steps for the selected use cases.

Reflecting on a year of project work, the project coordinator at LORTEK, stated:

“We are pleased to report that the project is making good progress. While the future outlook is challenging, we are confident of achieving our goals in a timely and efficient manner”.

In the coming months, DISCMAM anticipate implementing monitoring solutions and cybersecure digital pathways, as well as making progress on scanning technologies and the initial fabrication or reparation of the previously described use cases. These developments will drive the project’s mission to revolutionize maintenance and manufacturing processes in defence contexts

DISCMAM at FORMNEXT 2024

The third in-person consortium meeting since the project began in December 2023 was strategically aligned with the location of FORMNEXT convention in Frankfurt, the leading global event for additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing. The project was proudly represented by its coordinator LORTEK with an own booth, while the project partners EULER and ADAXIS complementary highlighted the project work they are in lead of at their booths from November 19 to 22 at Formnext expo.

This meeting point offered DISCMAM an invaluable platform to highlight its objectives and achievements, connect with leading experts in AM, explore potential collaborations, engage stakeholders, and gain insights into emerging technological trends. These opportunities will significantly enhance the project’s ability to innovate and redefine logistics capabilities in the defence sector as the project advances toward initial trials, validation and field military interoperability exercise scheduled for 2025.

Adaxis and Euler participated in the FORMNEXT 2024 event, showcasing their latest innovative technologies.

• Funded by the EDF, these disruptive European projects focus on exploring new technologies for defence applications to enhance operational efficiency and improve logistics.
• Both initiatives share partners involved in each project, creating a robust knowledge base and shared practices.

The European Defence Fund (EDF), established by the European Commission, is a key initiative aimed at bolstering the European Union’s defence capabilities through financial support for research, development, and innovation in the defence sector.

The primary objective of the EDF is to enhance the EU’s strategic autonomy by fostering the development of cutting-edge and compatible defence technologies and equipment. This initiative addresses a rapidly changing global security landscape, where Europe seeks to strengthen its defence capabilities in the face of evolving threats, ranging from cyber warfare to conventional defence challenges.

A notable example of the funding provided by the EDF can be seen in two significant projects: ROLIAC (EDF 2021) and DISCMAM (EDF 2022). Both initiatives focus on researching disruptive technologies for defence applications, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and logistical competencies.

A shared mission: Innovation and autonomy in the European defence sector

The ROLIAC and DISCMAM projects share a common mission: advancing the European defence sector through cutting-edge innovation. Both initiatives focus on Additive Manufacturing (AM) to revolutionize the defence industry by applying advanced manufacturing and digital technologies that have yet to be fully utilized in defence applications. Furthermore, their aim is to support European defence autonomy by reducing reliance on external sources and strengthening Europe’s independent defence capabilities, while optimizing resources and reducing logistical costs. Despite these shared goals, each project offers a unique approach and distinct contributions.

DISCMAM aims “to develop solutions for on-site AM of metallic parts, encompassing both repair and spare parts manufacturing operations. The solutions will be designed in a manner that facilitates ease of use for operators in military environment and deployable scenarios, while ensuring secure communication pathways”, explained Juan Carlos Pereira, coordinator of the initiative.

In contrast, ROLIAC investigates the design and manufacture of lightweight, high-performance military components using novel materials and additive manufacturing techniques. The goal is to enhance the structural performance of critical systems by developing an emergency wheel for the land forces, cargo bay door hinge assemblies for the air force, and large-scale antenna mounts for satellites to the navy. As highlighted by Anders Bæk Hjermitslev project lead of ROLIAC: “the project will develop and demonstrate AM as a robust technology for the defence industry, providing new and better solutions compared to traditional manufacturing”. 

Expert defence consortium driving collaborative innovation

Cross-border collaboration is a cornerstone of both European initiatives, playing a crucial role in achieving their ambitious objectives. These projects bring together international consortia from various EU countries, supported by several Ministries of Defence, underscoring a unified effort to boost the region’s defence ecosystem.

A key aspect is the shared partnership among the two project’s consortiums, which facilitates a robust knowledge base that significantly benefits the development and implementation of both projects. Among the prominent partners are Lortek (Spain), Danish Technological Institute (Denmark), CenSec (Denmark), and Eindhoven University of Technology (Netherlands).

The active involvement of project partners ensures smooth cooperation within European initiatives, setting the stage for future cross-border business ventures. Crucially, the participation of SMEs, industrial partners, mid-sized companies, defence clusters, and research and technology organizations (RTOs) are essential for establishing horizontal collaborations, thus providing access to new markets and potential customers.

SMEs, in particular, hold a pivotal role in both initiatives, contributing to all phases of development and innovation. Their participation not only enhances the overall outcomes but also reinforces the broader European defence ecosystem, ensuring sustained growth and resilience.

Expected impacts

All in all, the two EU projects aim to shape the future of defence logistics. As Anders Bæk Hjermitslev explained, “With ROLIAC, we strive to unlock the potential of additive manufacturing for the defence sector. This technology has the potential to be a game-changer, offering not only robust and resilient supply chains but also the ability to design ultra-lightweight, high-performance components and leverage novel materials that redefine mechanical capabilities”. In this sense, DISCMAM seeks to transform the capabilities of deployed defence forces through innovative technologies, establishing a new business model for remote-assisted on-site maintenance operations.

The joint efforts between these initiatives underscore the commitment to advancing Europe’s defence capabilities while fostering research and innovation, increasing autonomy, enhancing supply chain resilience, and promoting environmental sustainability in defence operations. Their collective impact will ensure that Europe not only addresses current challenges in defence but also prepares for future threats in a rapidly evolving sector.

Stay tuned for updates on our collaborative effort with ROLIAC as we join forces to shape the future of the defence industry!

• The Danish Technological Institute (DTI) will enhance the DISCMAM project with its 3D printing expertise and provide key consultancy, drawing on its role in defence initiatives across Europe.

DISCMAM presents ambitious goals for its three-year project aimed at transforming defence logistics through on-site metal additive manufacturing innovation. To achieve this change and shape the future of defence logistics, ensuring effective integration and collaboration among diverse stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle is one of the project’s key aspects. Behind this significant challenge and the issues posed by technological advancements is the Danish Technological Institute , an independent Research and Technology Organization (RTO) with over 35 years of experience in 3D printing and active involvement in numerous national and international projects.

Leveraging knowledge for technological growth, DTI’s commitment to innovation

Established in 1906, the Danish Tecnologial Institute is dedicated to promoting and securing the utilization of technological advancements for the benefit of businesses and society through development, consultancy, and the dissemination of knowledge. DTI focuses on creating practical, industry-ready solutions that address the needs of companies and markets, thereby accelerating development and reducing risks for individual businesses.

The Institute plays a crucial role in the DISCMAM project by leveraging its specialized expertise in Additive Manufacturing (AM). DTI works in collaboration with other consortium partners to ensure the successful achievement of the project’s goals. On the technical management side, Daniel Ferreira, Technical Consultant at DTI, is responsible for coordinating the work conducted in the project. This enables the project to develop highly tailored solutions for this field. In the technical area, Riccardo Tonello, R&D Consultant at DTI, from the Industrial 3D Printing Centre, supports the technical aspects of the project from DTI’s end.

Strategic consultancy and advanced 3D printing

DTI is a driving force behind the DISCMAM project, offering technological leadership and deep expertise in AM (3D Printing). The institute is leveraging its extensive experience in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) to help the consortium with process optimization, definition of procedures, and best practices for quality assurance of parts for defence. Over the coming months, this support will enable Fieldmade, the system integrator, to improve its NOMAD® series solution, equipping these systems with more functionality that aligns with the current needs and challenges in defence.

In addition to its leadership in 3D printing, DTI provides vital technical consultancy and guidance within the defence sector. They actively participate in several defence-related initiatives across Europe and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). To drive the progress of the project, the team behind DTI is tackling significant challenges during the initial 18 months.

According to Ferreira:

“A major focus is ensuring effective integration and collaboration among diverse stakeholders. This includes managing interdisciplinary teams from multiple countries, aligning various research activities with project goals, and overcoming technical hurdles in developing and implementing new technologies”.

Moreover, maintaining a balance between innovation and practical applicability poses an important hurdle. Aligning civilian technologies with military applications requires a high degree of innovation and simplification to make them easy to operate for everyone.

Global research expertise powering DISCMAM

The DISCMAM partner has a proven track record of participating in international research and development projects, including those funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe, such as DILAPRO (Digital Laser Production), where the objectives are the development of 2 pieces of software (DILAFACT and DILACERT) to improve Laser Manufacturing technologies, Eurostars, and other European initiatives.

Over the past five years, the Institute has been involved in numerous national and international projects, focusing on various technological advancements and their industrial applications. In defence, DTI is coordinating the Robust and Light AM Components for Military Systems (ROLIAC) project. This initiative is designing and manufacturing lightweight military-grade parts with novel materials for three military use-cases: A light metal emergency wheel, a cargo bay-door hinge, and a large-scale antenna mount for satellites.

DTI emphasizes the importance of collaboration between industry and research institutions. Best practices include establishing clear communication channels, setting realistic goals, and ensuring that all stakeholders are engaged throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, DTI advocates for the use of state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to achieve high-impact results and foster innovation. These practices are particularly relevant for defence projects such as DISCMAM, where technological advancement and collaboration are key to success.

• Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) excels in supply chain management, covering additive manufacturing in military supply chains, game theory, and mathematical optimization.

The research component is fundamental to the success of the DISCMAM project, as it drives innovation and ensures the integration of the latest technological advancements throughout the development process. Central to this effort is the involvement of highly regarded research partners, such as the Eindhoven University of Technology, whose expertise and cutting-edge contributions from the research and technological fields play an important role in advancing in the project.

Established in 1956 through a partnership between industry, local government, and academia, TU/e exemplifies a unique combination of scientific inquiry and practical, hands-on methods, making it an invaluable partner in advancing the project’s goals.    

TU/e, leading the charge in research and industry collaboration

Eindhoven University of Technology is a pioneering research institution renowned for its strong academic collaborations with industry. The university’s research efforts focus on addressing key societal challenges in Health, Energy, and Smart Mobility. Through close partnerships with high-tech industries, clinical hospitals, and government bodies, the university drives scientific innovation and knowledge transfer. 

The research team working on DISCMAM is part of the Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences Department, with a specific interest in the topics of Homeland Security, defence, supply chain management, and game theory. The group includes dr. ir. Rob Basten, Niccolò Maccarini, MSc, dr. ir. Loe Schlicher and dr. Marco Slikker.

This highly skilled team has also been deeply involved in other projects. Alongside other (PhD) researchers, they have conducted studies on optimizing military supply chains. Specifically, they have developed mathematical models to identify the best conditions for using additive manufacturing to produce spare parts, thereby enhancing equipment availability and reducing costs.

Innovative Intellectual Property solutions

TU/e has been actively involved in the project’s initial ambitious goal since its early stages, focusing on defining maintenance plans for various scenarios.

Looking ahead, their mission involves addressing the challenge of enabling military organizations to utilize external Intellectual Property (IP). This requires studying viable contracting options between an IP owner and a defence organization, with the goal of effectively sharing the value created by additive manufacturing and protecting IP rights.

But, what is the key innovative aspect of this work?

“The outcome of the university’s study will identify what the opportunities are to come to a satisfactory compensation mechanism for the IP owner, encouraging them to share digital images of spare parts with military organisations. For this, we need to innovatively combine game theoretical aspects with spare parts management”, explained Maccarini.

The role of TU/e in the ROLIAC Project

The project is backed by a consolidated consortium with proven experience in European projects, positioning it strongly within the sector. TU/e contributes extensive expertise as a partner in the European Defence Fund (EDF) project ROLIAC (Robust and Light AM Components for Military Systems), which is led by our partner, the Danish Technological Institute. This initiative focuses on leveraging the benefits of additive manufacturing for metal components within military supply chains.

As part of the ROLIAC project, the educational entity developed a decision support tool designed to determine the optimal placement of printing facilities within a military supply chain. This tool is available for use by Ministries of Defence (MODs). As mentioned by Schlicher: “It would be beneficial to develop a tool for the DISCMAM project, which focuses on Intellectual Property licensing, to assist MODs in managing IP more effectively”.

• Fieldmade aims to develop a digital thread tailored to the defence sector’s requirements, leveraging sensor and measurement data to minimize the need for on-site expertise.

During the initial phase of DISCMAM, the technological activities conducted by the partners have been crucial for ensuring the project’s direction and positioning. In this early period, Fieldmade has been actively involved. As a technology leader specializing in deployed powder-based additive manufacturing (AM) systems, Fieldmade’s expertise has been essential in defining requirements and validating solutions developed in the project. Their ongoing involvement in the coming years will remain a key factor of the project’s success.

Fieldmade, at the forefront of technological advancements in the defence sector

Fieldmade is a Norwegian technology company specializing in mobile digital production methods and digital value networks in the energy, mining, shipping and defence sector. The company has extensive in-house engineering competencies for reverse engineering and design for additive manufacturing. This expertise supports the efficient operation of its deployable AM micro factories, known as the NOMAD® Series.

DISCMAM benefits from the support of a highly skilled team at Fieldmade. Each member contributes valuable expertise to ensure the achievement of the project’s objectives. In the management area, Nina Rooijakkers, from the Digitalization team, oversees the project from Fieldmade’s end. Meanwhile, Nils Knofius, Head of Digitalization, has a crucial role on the project management board. He ensures that DISCMAM’s objectives are aligned with Fieldmade’s broader Research & Development (R&D) goals.

On the technical side, Tobias Rønneberg, Head of Quality at Fieldmade, is responsible for coordinating the technical work conducted in the project. Additionally, Josh Corps, Product Design and Development Engineer at the company, leverages his extensive experience in the military sector. Corps provides indispensable insights into typical usage scenarios of additive manufacturing within the military domain. His expertise also helps identify requirements for future usage scenarios unique to the defense sector. This enables the DISCMAM project to develop highly tailored solutions for this field.

Requirements for a digital thread and AM application scenarios

Fieldmade, with its goal to bring additive manufacturing to the field, offers a specific background that enables defining requirements and validating solutions developed in DISCMAM.

As Rooijakkers explains:

“In the project, Fieldmade’s focus is the development of a digital thread tailored to the defence sector’s requirements, as well as leveraging sensor and measurement data to minimize the need for on-site expertise”.

At the project’s outset, the company played an important role by supporting the consortium to define application scenarios of additive manufacturing in the defence sector that each come along with a set of unique challenges. For example, enabling additive manufacturing during a peace keeping mission poses different requirements than during times of conflict. Additionally, the company was responsible for setting the requirements for the digital thread, which can be significantly different from the civilian sector. For instance, several application scenarios cannot rely on a steady connection. This requires the use of autonomous data spaces that can be synchronized on-demand.

R&D activities and value chain collaboration

As a technology company, Fieldmade has the responsibility to stay at the forefront of technological advancements. Recognizing this commitment, Fieldmade puts large emphasis on R&D activities that are partially supported via European and national funding. Across the board a key success factor is the close collaboration with the user. To that purpose, the company regularly seeks opportunities to reassess their priorities and determine the most effective technological approach.

Given Fieldmade’s position to collaborate closely with partners across the value chain, our partner offers deep insights into practical challenges to the DISCMAM project.

• Lortek, Competence Centre in Metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) and Joining Technologies, coordinates DISCMAM, ensuring the final success of the project.

The DISCMAM project has assembled a multidisciplinary consortium aimed at establishing a pioneering business model for remote assisted on-site maintenance operations. Leading this ambitious initiative is LORTEK, serving as the project coordinator and managing various technical tasks with a team of highly specialized researchers throughout the three-year project.

Lortek’s contribution to DISCMAM: leading coordination, management and technical innovation

Founded in 2002, Lortek is a private technology center integrated into the Mondragon Corporation as a cooperative. Specializing in generating knowledge on manufacturing processes and their digitalization, Lortek’s mission is to transfer this knowledge to the industrial sector, enhancing competitiveness, reducing environmental impact, and promoting sustainability.

Within DISCMAM, the areas of expertise of LORTEK in Digitalization Technologies and Metal Additive Manufacturing will collaborate. The project involves the participation of highly specialized researchers from the company, including Dr. Juan Carlos Pereira as coordinator, Dr. Marta Muñiz Mangas from the Additive Manufacturing Technologies Group at LORTEK, and Dr. Miriam García, European project manager at the company.

As project coordinator of DISCMAM, Pereira outlines:

“Our role is to focus on the project objectives by ensuring that the project runs smoothly, that we are on track to achieve our goals, and that all team members are informed and focused on their objectives”.

In addition, LORTEK plays an important role in technical tasks related to DED-LB/M methodologies for repairing damaged parts on-site, including 3D scanning and process monitoring systems. This ensures that DISCMAM uses a highly efficient repair technology that can later be applied in the field with a deployable concept.

Collaboration with other EU initiatives

LORTEK, recognized as a Competence Centre in metal AM and joining technologies, boasts extensive experience in EU projects. Over the past decade, LORTEK has coordinated 10 European projects, including 5 related to AM, and participated in 10 others, of which 6 were AM-related. The organization has actively participated in European programs such as H2020/HE, Clean Aviation, Interreg, and EDF. Currently, LORTEK participates in an EDF-2021 funded project named ROLIAC within the defense domain, with our partner DISCMAM, Danish Technological Institute, serving as the coordinator.

The participation of the centre in these diverse projects and initiatives has enabled it to accumulate a set of best practices that it will apply in DISCMAM and continually review. These practices include:

• Implementing a secure infrastructure to protect sensitive information
• Improving operational efficiency by embracing technological advancements like remote assistance and additive manufacturing,
• Investing in research and development to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies.

Moving Forward: Challenges on the horizon

As DISCMAM has already reached its midpoint and sets its sights on the future, the entity is working intensively on creating the project management plan and procedures to ensure the project’s success.

LORTEK, in continuous coordination with the other nine partners of the consortium, is also defining usage scenarios and creating maintenance plans, specifying requirements for selected use cases, and participating in selecting process monitoring systems to include in PBF-LB and DED-LB for developing project innovations. Furthermore, LORTEK actively collaborates to define data flow and IT requirements for the secure digital thread that will be developed in the coming years.