• 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 last Consortium Meeting provided an opportunity to assess progress and spotlight major milestones, including advances in on-site metal additive manufacturing that enhance PBF-LB quality and DED-LB repair precision through virtualisation and refined path planning.
• With the project set to conclude in November 2026, DISCMAM enters a pivotal stage where all technological developments will be integrated into a unified, tested and validated solution.

The city of Aarhus in Denmark provided an inspiring autumn setting for the latest DISCMAM Consortium Meeting, which brought together project partners to review progress made over the past six months. The event was hosted by the Danish Technological Institute (DTI), offering participants the opportunity to visit its advanced facilities dedicated to 3D printing technologies.

The meeting focused on tracking ongoing actions and defining the next strategic steps as the project approaches its final year, leading up to completion in November 2026. This upcoming phase will be decisive for the full integration and validation of the developed DISCMAM solutions, marking a key milestone in the project’s roadmap toward demonstrating secure, on-site repair and manufacturing capabilities within defence environments.

Technical progress highlights

The DISCMAM project continues to progress smoothly, with almost six work packages completed and all efforts now focused on successfully achieving the objectives defined for the second reporting period, which began in June 2025.

Over the past six months, the consortium has achieved four key technical accomplishments that mark significant progress in the development of the DISCMAM solution:

• Cybersecure Digital Pathway Pilot – Led by Accenture, this achievement focused on the development of a cybersecure digital framework for file and process data sharing. The solution ensures compliance with EU military platform requirements and enable remote assistance and secure files transfer securing last meter connection with AM machines.
• Monitoring Systems and Manufacturing Workflow Definition – Led by project coordinator LORTEK, this achievement advanced the development of process monitoring systems and established a defined manufacturing workflow. The result delivers an updated strategy for on-site operations, aimed at reducing system downtime while ensuring part quality and functionality for both repaired and newly manufactured components.
• PBF-LB improved scanning strategies for optimum manufacturing quality – Led by DTI. This advancement will minimize post-processing requirements, accelerate production, and improve the robustness of the PBF-LB metal additive manufacturing process and part quality. In conjunction with process monitoring systems and process data analysis paves the way for future digital part qualification without the need for additional on-site testing.
• Virtualization of the DED-LB wire LORTEK cell, including path planning and deposition strategies for repairing a selected use case – Led by ADAXIS. The completion of this task, allows to enhance the efficiency, precision and reliability of the metal AM repair process, helping to identify potential issues and optimize path planning strategies.

Building on these achievements, the project coordination team noted:

“The DISCMAM project is moving forward smoothly, and the current progress aligns with the established timeline goals. The coming months will be critical for the project progress, as all the developments will be consolidated into a final integrated solution”.

Strong collaboration and key events ahead for DISCMAM

The gathering covered a broad range of topics, from management and dissemination updates to technical developments, with a particular focus on the progress of the digital solution for on-site process optimisation and the status of the integration between the digital and physical components developed so far. These discussions aimed to assess the feasibility of the combined solution and define the next steps towards its validation in real operational environments.

Participants had the opportunity to visit and tour the Center for Industrial 3D Printing at DTI — one of Denmark’s few facilities equipped with industrial 3D printers for both metal and plastic. The Center supports the full value chain, from concept and design to construction, optimisation, and pilot-scale production, ensuring the delivery of tailored technical solutions that align with DISCMAM’s objectives.

As the project enters a decisive year, DISCMAM will be showcased by its partners at key additive manufacturing and 3D printing events, including FORMNEXT – the industry hub for Additive Manufacturing (19–22 November 2025, Frankfurt, Germany) and the AM Village 2026 (16–20 March 2026, Albacete, Spain). The AM Village organised by EDA and Spain Air Force will represent a major milestone for the project, featuring a dedicated workshop focused on quality assurance and quality control methods in on-site metal AM for the defense sector, and a live on-site demonstration of the DISCMAM solution and its advanced capabilities in secure, on-site manufacturing of spare parts with a deployable system from our core partner Fieldmade.

Consortium partners visited the Center for Industrial 3D Printing, guided by the DTI team.

• 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.