Additive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS), a developer of innovative 3D printing solutions, announced a collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) to investigate the technical feasibility of recovering critical materials from decommissioned military assets.
This landmark contract with the MOD represents a significant shift for AMS towards a more sustainable and resilient UK-centric supply chain. This agreement, in particular, emphasises AMS’s capabilities and the alignment of its vision with key defence industry stakeholders.
UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) order
This collaboration will assist the MOD in establishing a resilient UK-based supply chain and will have a direct impact on the supply of key minerals, such as titanium, to the UK market. This initiative promotes a high-value, circular-economy approach to sourcing input materials, putting the MOD at the forefront of future supply dynamics.
“AMS has tirelessly built momentum and expertise within the additive powder market, with a sharp focus on providing recycled feedstocks. This agreement represents the next phase in our mission to commercialise recycled materials within the additive manufacturing feedstock market. It stands as a crowning achievement in AMS’ history. Supporting the MOD in addressing critical mineral accessibility and capability is an honour and a testament to the efforts of the entire AMS team.”
– Rob Higham, Director & CEO, AMS
Speaking about the order, DESA’s Submarine Recycling, Sustainability & Innovation Programme Manager Thomas Powell said “This innovative technical feasibility study, to be delivered by Additive Manufacturing Solutions Ltd., is another confident step forwards on MOD’s sustainability and circular economy journey. It is a delight to be able to partner with Additive Manufacturing Solutions Ltd. and UK Strategic Command Defence Support to advance the MOD’s understanding as to whether redundant and surplus Defence Assets can be upcycled into new capabilities thereby reducing costs, increasing resiliency, maximising operational availability and enabling MOD to capitalise on and exploit new and emerging technologies for maximum operational advantage.”
The first phase of this collaboration will involve a comprehensive capability assessment for the MOD, which will include atomization trials, additive manufacturing feasibility, and future materials research. Through a collaboration with a major MOD supplier, AMS intends to deliver demonstration geometries made from recycled precursor materials. The result will be consistent with subsequent phases focusing on material qualification and industrialization. This collaboration exemplifies AMS’ commitment to innovation and sustainability while reinforcing MOD’s strategic vision for a strong and self-sufficient supply chain.
