• 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.